History of interior desin - Research Paper Example

However, that should not be understood by the student or the reader that this level of interaction between cultures is something of a new paradigm. Rather, this has existed since the beginning of time and is evidenced within many of the ruins and remnants of empires that span the globe. As a function of understanding the means by which interior design and architecture impacted upon the past, this particular analysis will look at the case of two of the following mosques: the Umayyd Mosque (also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus – Islam’s fourth holiest site) as well as The Great Mosque of Cordoba.

However, rather than merely discussing the means by which to cultures impacted upon the development of architecture and interior design within these mosques, the analysis will also seek to can pair and contrast the means by which these cultures interacted within the respective environments/geographies. With regards to the first mosque which will be analyzed within this brief essay, that of the Umayyd Mosque in Damascus (pictured below in figure 1.0 and figure 2.0), this particular site was one that was revered by Christians prior to the Muslim conquest of Damascus.

The juxtaposition of three unique religions exists within this particular mosque. For instance, during, a temple to Jupiter was built upon the very grounds that the current mosque now occupies. Several centuries later, during the Christian era of the Roman Empire, this table was converted and expanded into the Cathedral of St. John. Likewise, during the Muslim conquest of the sixth century, the Umayyd Mosque was expanded and utilized many of the same components that had served the prior two religions.

Within such an understanding, the reader can come to a clear appreciation for why the interior elements of design and architecture that are exhibited within this particular mosque are so varied and nuanced. Likewise, the in the images below, the reader can distinctly note the shape of the columns within figure 1 are highly indicative of the Roman. Whereas the dome and crescent pictured to the left of the image are of course highly indicative of Islamic styles. Moreover, the support mechanisms and decorations that the building exhibits are also indicative of the very same semi-arch style that was utilized within the Roman aqueducts throughout their Empire.

Likewise, with respect to image two, a clear and distinct level correlation between the Imperial columns and the decorations exhibited in and around John the Baptist shrine evoke a clear and distinct level of contrast between Christian interior design, Roman interior design, and Islamic interior design interpretations. Figure 1.0 Figure 2.0 With regards to the Great Mosque of Cordoba, and even further level of differentiation can be seen. Whereas some reconstruction to place within The Great Mosque of Damascus, discussed above, the Moorish conquest of Spain and the subsequent control that the Moors derived over the previous Cathedral of Vincent, creating something of a unique historical situation.

Rather than demolishing the Cathedral of Saint Vincent, the Moorish occupiers requested and were allowed to purchase one half of this cathedral; which they then set about converting to a mosque. In such a