15 December 2009

Modesty of Architecture- Form and Facade

Modesty can be expressed in many different ways and, of particular interest to me is how it is applied to Architecture.
Similar to clothing, the form of a building expresses a lot about a place and can look particularly extravagant or simple.
I want to look at two examples of architecture in the Arabian gulf, the Islamic Art Museum in Doha and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Both of these buildings are associated with Islam and the representation of each countries culture.
How do you feel about ornamentation on buildings? Do buildings need to be modest when representing Islam?

Islamic Art Museum in Doha:

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi: