Architects have always striven to create elegant spaces that are simple in beauty and intricate in design. The aspiration for increasingly complex space resulted in the development of muqarnas, ornamented Islamic vaults. While traditional muqarnas are somewhat obsolete, their implications in modern architecture could be profound. With the introduction of modern materials and the inherent strength of these forms, it is possible to use muqarnas as resilient structural systems, generating a provocative form celebrating light and space. We meticulously designed and constructed a muqarnas using a seven-fold symmetrical tile pattern. Using the most precise compasses and measuring tools, we created prisms that formed our tiling while custom jigs and the band saw were used to shape the inner pieces. With little to no margin of error, our model came together at 24 inches in length and width, weighing 40 pounds.
*The physical model was a group project, all drawings and photographs are my original work
