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What might “Islamic design” mean today, beyond the familiar repertoire of arches, domes, and patterns? This course explores that question by treating Islamic design as the practice of arranging spaces with intention (niyyah). In Islamic thought, intention is the orientation of the heart that gives actions their moral and spiritual form: it can turn ordinary acts into worship and transform a neutral or self-centered world into one oriented toward the Creator. Tied to sincerity and presence, intention is how a human life is consciously aligned with a world the Qur’an describes as already in remembrance (dhikr), where trees, mountains, and skies are in constant worship. The seminar asks whether intention can operate as a spatial framework and design approach. Can we invite alignment with the ecology of remembrance by thinking of corners, rooms, and courtyards as spaces of contemplation, purpose, and care?
What might “Islamic design” mean today, beyond the familiar repertoire of arches, domes, and patterns? This course explores that question by treating Islamic design as the practice of arranging spaces with intention (niyyah). In Islamic thought, intention is the orientation of the heart that gives actions their moral and spiritual form: it can turn ordinary acts into worship and transform a neutral or self-centered world into one oriented toward the Creator. Tied to sincerity and presence, intention is how a human life is consciously aligned with a world the Qur’an describes as already in remembrance (dhikr), where trees, mountains, and skies are in constant worship. The seminar asks whether intention can operate as a spatial framework and design approach. Can we invite alignment with the ecology of remembrance by thinking of corners, rooms, and courtyards as spaces of contemplation, purpose, and care?