Mohamed Makiya: Modern Architect, Renewing Islamic Tradition

Mohamed Makiya is one of the most influential architects working in the Middle East today. Born in Baghdad in 1944, he studied architecture at the University of Baghdad before moving to the United States to pursue a master's degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Mohamed Makiya: A Modern Architect Renewing Islamic Tradition

by Karen Dabrowska

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7927 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	249 pages
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Makiya's work is characterized by its blend of modern architectural principles with traditional Islamic design. He seeks to create buildings that are both rooted in the local culture and responsive to the needs of contemporary society.

One of Makiya's most famous works is the Islamic Cultural Centre in London. Completed in 1994, the center is a complex of buildings that includes a mosque, a library, a conference center, and a museum. The center's design is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, but it also incorporates modern elements such as glass and steel.

Makiya's work has been widely praised for its beauty and its ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern architecture. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the Prince Claus Award.

In addition to his work as an architect, Makiya is also a professor at the American University of Beirut. He is a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of Islamic architecture. He believes that Islamic architecture has a rich and diverse history that can offer valuable lessons for contemporary architects.

Mohamed Makiya is a visionary architect who has dedicated his career to blending modern architectural principles with traditional Islamic design. His work is a testament to the power of architecture to bridge cultures and to create spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Mohamed Makiya's Architectural Style

Mohamed Makiya's architectural style is characterized by its blend of modern architectural principles with traditional Islamic design. He seeks to create buildings that are both rooted in the local culture and responsive to the needs of contemporary society.

Some of the key features of Makiya's architectural style include:

• Use of traditional Islamic motifs: Makiya often incorporates traditional Islamic motifs into his designs, such as arches, domes, and minarets. However, he uses these motifs in a modern way, combining them with other elements to create unique and contemporary spaces.
• Emphasis on natural light: Makiya's buildings are often filled with natural light. He uses large windows and skylights to create a sense of openness and airiness. This is particularly important in the Middle East, where the sun can be very harsh.
• Use of sustainable materials: Makiya is committed to sustainability. He uses sustainable materials in his buildings whenever possible, such as recycled glass and bamboo.

Mohamed Makiya's Major Works

Mohamed Makiya has designed a wide range of buildings throughout the Middle East and beyond. Some of his most notable works include:

• Islamic Cultural Centre, London (1994): This complex of buildings includes a mosque, a library, a conference center, and a museum. The center's design is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, but it also incorporates modern elements such as glass and steel.
• Amman Chamber of Commerce Building, Amman (2005): This building is a modern interpretation of traditional Islamic architecture. It features a large central atrium that is covered by a glass dome. The building is also clad in limestone, which is a traditional material used in Islamic architecture.
• Doha Convention Center, Doha (2015): This convention center is one of the largest in the Middle East. It features a variety of meeting rooms, exhibition halls, and other facilities. The center's design is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, but it also incorporates modern elements such as glass and steel.

Mohamed Makiya's Legacy

Mohamed Makiya is one of the most influential architects working in the Middle East today. His work has helped to shape the architectural landscape of the region and beyond. He is a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of Islamic architecture, and his work is a testament to the power of architecture to bridge cultures and to create spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Makiya's legacy is sure to continue to inspire architects for generations to come. He is a pioneer in the field of Islamic architecture, and his work has helped to change the way that people think about this architectural style.

Mohamed Makiya: A Modern Architect Renewing Islamic Tradition

by Karen Dabrowska

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7927 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	249 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE