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The Symbolic Use of Color in Islamic Architecture

The Islamic Architecture style has a diverse history, spanning over a millennium, stretching from Western Africa to Europe to Eastern Asia. Beginning in early 7th century Arabia, this form of architecture emerged with the rise of the Islamic civilization. In fact, Al Masjid Al Nabawi, the first Mosque to ever be constructed was built in 622, in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Moreover, early Islamic architecture was influenced by the pre-existing styles around the region, such as Roman, Byzantine, and Persian qualities.

Today, Islamic architecture is known for its acute attention to detail, craftsmanship, and its spiritual symbolism. Furthermore, as color plays an essential role in architecture, influencing the emotional experience of the space, different colors have been utilized over the years in Islamic Architecture to evoke certain meanings. In Islamic Architecture, colors hold significant spiritual symbolism, reflecting the values and beliefs of the Islamic faith. Four core colors, Green, Blue, Gold, and White, are each used to convey various cultural, religious, and symbolic meanings.

Read on to discover the use of these colors in various Islamic architectural icons around the world.

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Beijing Area Three Art Museum / CUN Design

Beijing Area Three Art Museum / CUN Design - Museum, Facade, Handrail, Beam
© Ting Wang, Jin Wang

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Beijing, China
  • Interior Designers: CUN Design
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2300
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2017

White Church / LAD

White Church / LAD - Chapel, Facade, Arch, ColumnWhite Church / LAD - Chapel, Facade, Arch, Arcade, Beam, DoorWhite Church / LAD - Chapel, Courtyard, FacadeWhite Church / LAD - ChapelWhite Church / LAD - More Images+ 10

Guangzhou, China

6 Proposals Revealed for Oslo's New Government Quarter

Nearly 100 architects, designers, and consultants have been developing designs for a competition for the new government quarter in Oslo. Drawing an initial 24 entries, the intent of the competition was to generate viable solutions for the future relocation of all government ministries (excluding the defense ministry), emphasizing an urban atmosphere and public elements. In the six shortlisted proposals from both local and international firms, including BIG, Snøhetta, and MVRDV, the themes of building tall and introducing green space emerged.

Now a ten-member committee of industry professionals will assist Statsbygg, the public construction advisers collaborating on the government's behalf, with the evaluation of each design. Take a look at the six proposals after the break.

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