Information on architectural elements at The
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh
The distinctiveness of Islamic architecture
has been greatly influenced by religious guidance and the climatic
conditions of the region. Local architecture encompasses the Islamic
concept of unity in multiplicity and has evolved with the objective of
maintaining a harmony between the people, their environment and their
Creator. Consequently, there is always an underlying principal of
respect for the teachings of religion alongside functionality and
practicality.
The mosque is taken to be the beginning of Islamic
architecture in general and religious architecture in particular. It is
unique to Islam as decrees ensured that the concepts and designs had
never been used in any other religion before.
As no strict rules were applied to govern and confine
architectural thought and design, each region used local geometry,
materials and building methods to express order, harmony and unity of
Islamic architecture in their own ways.
However, certain predominant forms and features have become
the hallmark of Islamic architecture. To capture the architectural
hallmarks of the region, such differentiating aspects have been used
extensively in the design of The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh.
Domes, arches, columns, courtyards with central fountain stand out in
the construction, giving the resort a very local and distinguished look.
Domes
A dome is a circular vaulted construction used as a means of
roofing. It was first used in much of the Middle East and North Africa
from where it spread to other parts of the Islamic world. Because of
its distinctive form, like the minaret, the dome has become a symbol of
Islamic architecture.
It is widely believed that the dome originated as a roofing
method where the absence of suitable timber meant that it was
impossible to make a flat timber roof. Alongside, an advantage of a
dome is that large areas can be roofed without the interference of
columns.
Domes became increasing popular also because they display
superior light characteristics, as spherical shapes tend to amplify
light and distribute heat and sound evenly. High roofs also enable the
covered areas to be cooler, thereby, becoming a necessity in hot and
arid climates. Seen from the religious significance, it was believed
that domes, unlike flat roofs, brought man and his prayer closer to the
heavens and, therefore, the Creator.
Arches and Columns
Islamic architecture is characterized by arches and columns,
which are employed in all types of buildings - from mosques to houses.
An arch is a method of vaulting area between two walls, columns or
piers. One of the most common uses is in arcades where arches span a
series of columns or piers to form a gallery that is open on one side.
Arcades have been used to line mosque courtyards along with
domestic use in residential construction.
In the absence of construction materials like metal, the use
of arches evolved with the need to find a solution for bearing the load
of the roof. As domes became increasing popular, the use of arches was
automatic. Along with the architectural necessity, arches also added to
the aesthetic appeal of the buildings.
Columns are natural extensions of arches as they connect the
arch to ground level. As the utility of the pillars was obvious and,
therefore straightforward, architects sought ways of embellishing them
through different shapes and finishes.
Consequently, cylindrical, roped, six or eight-corner columns
came into use. Geometric patterns were used on the surface to enhance
the appeal of the columns and heighten the structural harmony of the
complete building.
When seen from the religious perspective, columns in mosques
played the important role of acting as orientation guides by allowing
the devotees to stand in uniform straight lines while offering their
prayers.
The climatic conditions of the region were also respected as
columned walkways allowed the continuous flow of cooler ground level
air. Simultaneously, it gave the people the opportunity of moving about
in the open exteriors without necessarily being directly exposed to the
harsh sun.
Open courtyards with water fountains
Scientific thought and religious practices have played a very
important part in the building of open courtyards in most buildings.
The beauty of these courtyards was enhanced with a water feature,
mostly a gentle fountain.
Taken from the architectural viewpoint, fountains in open
aired courtyards played the role of natural air-conditioning. When the
fresh cool air entered the courtyard through the open roof, it moved
downwards, where it picked up the coolness from the flowing water. This
helped to naturally cool the surrounding areas that became prominent
seating areas for friends and family.
Open aired courtyards were equally important during
times of prayer as it was felt that the human was in direct connection
with the Creator. It was thought that this connection of the
sky and the earth was as holy as that of the body and the soul.
Eight point star
Star designs have been used extensively in the region to
decorate the exteriors of various types of construction. Interestingly,
the star shape is the structural base for the construction of domes as
the weight of a dome is distributed better when the base has multiple
corners.
At the outset, the dome was made to rest on a square, however,
experience and common sense saw the development of the six and eight
point star bases.
Eight-pointed star designs are most popular in Islamic
architecture because of their balanced proportion, dynamic appearance,
and their simultaneous relationship to both the circle and square.
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