ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES ON ARTISTIC DESIGN OF SACRED SPACE

Abstract

Islamic architecture, the art and in particular design of the sacred space, are founded on the following twelve metaphysical principles: ontological principle of oneness or unity (tawhid); metaphysical principle of God’s transcendency; principle of abstraction and geometrical representation; cosmical principle of hierarchical order of reality; principle of correlation/synthesis between the Heavens and the Earth; principle of being one with Nature, principle of harmony of a static and dynamic; principle of decentralization of internal space; principle of diffused illumination of internal space; principle of functionality; principle of ecological balance; principle of consideration for the cultural, ethnical, geographical and climate specifics.