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TEACHING METHOD FOR DEVELOPING AN ISLAMIC

WAY OF THINKING FOR STUDENTS OF ARCHITECTURE

Case Example: Project - Jamiat -al- Bir –4th year design project for interior architecture

Sept 2003

Author: Dr.Nadia Basir

Assistant Professor

Department of Interior Architecture – girls

King Faisal University – Dammam

PO Box 2397

Dammam 31451

KSA

Co-author: Uzma Zain ul Abedin

Lecturer

Department of Interior Architecture – girls

King Faisal University – Dammam

PO Box 2397

Dammam 31451

KSA

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SUMMARY

This paper discusses teaching methods for the subject of architectural design to students in

Muslim societies. The aim is to develop a process of clear thinking in students in an Islamic

way, which integrates both ecology and Islamic concepts as one and encourage a sense of

responsibility in the Muslim architect towards the society.

During the process of teaching design it is noticed that the information available in standards

and other books is usually not adequate and does not conform to the needs and values of the

society. The existing buildings are also not good examples as most of the time these are not

built according to cultural and social needs. When the students follow these standards or try to

take example from existing environment they tend to get confused as they do not find what

they are looking for. In this way the designs produced by students repeat the mistakes made in

the past and do not reflect the cultural and Islamic values.

Teaching method discussed in this paper addresses this issue and tries to resolve it in the light

of Islamic knowledge and concepts of ecology as one. The project given to the 4th

year students

was Jamiat Bir: Sadaqa e Jaria (continuing charity) as a broader concept. Students selected

suitable projects under this concept and developed the requirements themselves. This

encouraged students to think well and result was some very new and interesting ideas for the

projects not done previously. These ideas would help develop norms which are actually

needed for the culture and society. Following are some suggestions for effective teaching of

subject of design in the institutions of Muslim world.

students need to be given possibility to develop a number of different concepts for

the same project

to reach a good Islamic understanding, discussions with students need to be

encouraged.

instead of giving all project requirements to the students let them develop their own

requirements

let students relate the standards, case studies and their Islamic knowledge together

for the projects

courses on ecology need to be integrated with the teaching of interior design and

architecture

List of key words (10)

Teaching methods, ecology, projects, Sadaqa e Jaria, charity, Islamic, design project, norms,

standards, architecture projects, studio.

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This paper discusses teaching methods for the subject of architectural design to

students in Muslim societies. A project given to the students of 4th year Interior Architecture

(girls) at the King Faisal University, Dammam – KSA, is taken as a case example.

The main concept behind this teaching method is to encourage a sense of

responsibility in the Muslim architect towards the society. The aim is to develop a process of

clear thinking by students in an Islamic way, which integrates both ecology and Islamic

concepts as one. This method does not teach Islamic figh, but uses student‟s Islamic knowledge

to direct their thinking to solve design problems.

The need for a different method for teaching comes from the fact that the existing

system of information and examples used by students for learning are based on western

standards and criteria.

At present when students are given a design problem such as a hotel, or school, or

hostel as a clear and specific function, they follow a definite process for designing which

includes using existing examples as case studies and to follow set standards given in prescribed

books such as Neufert and Time Saver Standards. Students automatically tend to follow these

examples and norms believing these to be suitable and without realizing that they do not fit

their culture and society.

The chaos in existing buildings and environment in this part of the world reflects this

mixture of western standards with cultural needs.

During the process of teaching students faculty face some basic problems which are

as follows:

1. NORMS ARE NOT ADEQUATE: we do not have our own standards or norms and we

are inclined to follow western standards.

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Sometimes when students realize that what they are looking for in the standards

does not exist they think that the standards are wrong because they do not include norms

according to their culture

2. EXISTING EXAMPLES ARE NOT SUITABLE: examples which are used for studying

are either based on western standards or are built by the users themselves based on their

needs. These may or may not be suitable as there are no norms available to evaluate

them.

Students copy projects from exiting buildings and develop designs similar to

western examples.

Thus, students get ready made information from examples they do not

think deep about but copy information as they get it.

3. STUDENTS DO NOT USE THEIR ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE

While studying design students do not relate their existing Islamic knowledge to their projects.

Accordingly, we follow Western models - we build buildings that fit another culture, we think

like another culture and we teach like another culture. It is very important that we try to find a

way, which is ours, a way for the Muslim culture.

To be able to realize this level of awareness we need to teach students to think along

these lines so that they believe in themselves and in their culture.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF ISLAM AND ECOLOGY TO SADAQA JARIA AND ISRAF

IN THE PROJECT

The Teaching Method

The conventional method of teaching uses specific functions like hotels, schools and

museums, the method suggested here would give these functions to students as a „broader

theme‟.

The idea is to initiate a thinking process in students to determine the subjects or topics

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for their design within the main theme. This may result either in customary projects or it may

lead to entirely new concepts which do not exist but are in reality needed for the people and

society.

This approach can help suggest new solutions to existing issues to create a healthy

environment. This would also help develop a sense of responsibility in architects towards their

society.

As a first step to bring about this awareness students were given broad concepts in

the form of a philosophy or a theme which explains the main idea behind the

project. In the case of this studio the theme was sadaga jaria (continuous charity).

This main theme was further developed through class discussions to lead to

the concept of Jam’iat-al-Bir, welfare or something good for the society. Jam’iat-al-Bir

generated a variety of different projects which were developed by different students. The

project was thus Ja’miat-al- Bir as a part of Sadaga e Jaria.

The second but equally important step to create the awareness was to make use of

ecology as an important aspect of the „thinking process in Islam‟. Islam discourages

israf which is wastefulness or extravagance, which is very related to „eco-thinking‟.

We do have information in this 20th

century about awareness on ecology issues but

what is missing is its relationship with Islam in the context of buildings. Discussions among

students and teachers lead to the integration of the project with ecological emphasis within

Islamic concepts.

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The main principles for ecology for urban areas are: (Krause–Basir, 1994-2000)

1. Economic use of spaces

2. The best use of climatic factors in buildings

3. Optimal use of energy in buildings

4. Recycling of water in buildings

5. Recycling of building materials

All these points are related to economy in buildings. This means that as Muslim

designers we must be careful about Israf and try to economize, not to spend more than what is

required; i.e. not to waste spaces, work done by people, materials and money among many

other things. We need to be aware of the fact that whatever we make or build costs money e.g.,

steel, cement, labor etc.

Keeping this in view, students were taught that it is very important to avoid israf

while designing.

There are many ways by which israf can be avoided and in this project it has been

attempted in the following ways:

Re-use of old buildings.

Choosing of the right function for the right structure.

Economy in design in plans and circulation.

Developing ideas suitable for Islamic concept of Sadaga Jariah.

Re-use of old buildings:

By reusing the buildings we do not waste them but we can use these for a better

function. Reusing buildings not only make them efficient but they are also sustained for a

longer period of time (Haefele, G.,OED, W. 1998).

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Choice of the right function for the right structure:

Through discussions students studied the relationship between the structure with its

available spans and the variety of functions they can place in it.

The buildings we reuse can offer both large and small spans. If we don‟t use the

function which is suitable for the span we may end up in spending more money. As an example

if we reuse a house to make and exhibition hall we need wider spaces and we make structural

changes introducing new columns and slabs etc, which may become more expensive. This is

the reason why we need to use as much as possible of the existing structure in its original form

and to choose a function suitable to the structure.

It is always better to think about the reuse of the building from the beginning when

the building is planned. [12] It is suitable to have bigger spans such as 8m wide, to have better

choices of function in future while reusing. The building is capable to be reused more easily

and not wasted.

Economy in Design

While designing it is better to avoid wastage of spaces, that is, not to have any extra

spaces for any function than what is needed.

To develop ideas suitable for the concept of sadaga-jariah

To develop the idea is project which would benefit people on a continuous basis.

Here Sadaqa Jaria means to do something good for the people which lasts forever, for

example Sabeel (drinking fountain) – which provides water for people continuously.

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In the same sense we can make a new project. People need work as much as they need water.

We can try to propose a project for young people which provides them with opportunities, from

which they can benefit always.

In this project the Sadaqa Jaria worked in 3 ways:

1. The buildings were donated by philanthropists as sadaqa (charity)

2. The main function of the project produced money to finance another function in the

same project and this is Sadaga Jaria

3. The second function provided knowledge or welfare to the people continually which

is also Sadaqa Jaria

If we combine all this together, this may result in some very important architectural spaces,

functions and characteristics suitable for the society.

These ideas were extensively discussed in the studio in order to build a strong awareness

among students and to encourage them to trust their Islamic tradition as a base for architectural

design.

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THE PROJECT:

JAMAIT al BIR - Sadaqa- Jaria:

REUSE OF A SMALL GROUP OF EXISTING HOUSING

EXISTING SITE

N

OPEN SPACE

(Fig –1): EXISTING SITE

GROUND FLOOR

(Fig-2): GROUND FLOOR OF A UNIT

INTRODUCTION:

This project is hypothetical

It is assumed that these buildings

are donated by some people who

want to give these for Sadaqa

Jaria. These buildings were not

designed professionally.

The site consists of a group of four

similar units of existing houses

selected for reuse (see Fig – 1)

placed in hot maritime climate.

Each unit has two floors (fig – 2)

and the constraints of this project

are the structure and plumbing

system which are fixed. The

students are expected to retain the

structure and the water supply

system to bathrooms and the

kitchen.

These houses are constructed as

skeleton/framed structures with

waffled (hordi) slab having 8m

span which is an advantage for

flexibility in designing functions.

Exterior walls consist of non-load

bearing hollow block cavity walls

(double walls) whereas inner walls

are single hollow block walls.

Each student suggested a project

for Sadaqa-jaria for these

buildings.

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METHOD APPLIED IN TH STUDIO.

1. Students studied the original function of the building to find out the problems

2. They studied the structure of these buildings to understand the columns and beams in

order to analyze which element can have load and which cannot.

3. They think about their project for reuse of the building and explore which functions are

suitable for the existing spans and structure of the building.

4. They choose projects which are actually needed for the society which may be different

and unusual.

COMPULSORY SPACES: All the students were supposed to have the following

spaces/ functions in their projects. administration, communal facilities, multi-function hall

STUDETS PROJECTS:

Two projects from the studio are presented that can explain the result of this teaching method:

1 CENTER FOR ADVANCED ISLAMIC STUDIES

REASONS FOR PURSUING THE PROJECT

This project comes from the need for a center where scholars with background in Islamic

Sharia can get the highest level of education (masters, PhD) and also which uses high

technology and media to educate children and the general public.

Objectives are:

To develop a center for higher leaning and Islamic research

To use present media such as cartoons, and television which are already used by

children, to provide education in an easy to understand way.

To develop ways to communicate Islamic information through new technology.

THE ISLAMIC / ECOLOGICAL IDEA OF THE PROJECT:

Sadaqa Jaria:

The project is in two parts which work in the following way:

a. The part which produces the cartoons, finances the research part of the project.

Money generated by one part goes to another – they recycle their own product - to

become self sufficient and autonomous,

b. The research produces information which helps people continuously.

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(Fig –3) Zoning

( Fig.4) PLAN

The project uses

new buildings with

the existing ones in

such a way that they

are in harmony with

each other. The old

building is re-used

and is saved from

being wasted. Most

of the spaces created

have a meaning and

purpose – in this

way this project has

successfully avoided

Israf.

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(Fig-5) PLAN AND SECTION

A blow up of a part of the project:

The small areas are well lit by integrating cortyards within the building

creating a sense of openness in small spaces

Efficient use of spaces - the space under auditorium used as a restaurant.

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2 PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER

REASONS FOR PURSUING THE PROJECT

This project caters to the need for a pleasant place for women who require physical therapy

where all the facilities are available in a comfortable environment.

The objective of the project was to design a healthy and enjoyable environment for women

who are ill and require physical therapy.

THE ISLAMIC / ECOLOGICAL IDEA OF THE PROJECT

Sadaqa Jaria:

The project has a recreation section and a therapy section. The recreation section

generates money to fund the needs of physical therapy section.

(Fig –6) PLAN

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The following is a list of some other interesting projects done by the students:

-CENTRE FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN

(a place for training autistic children)

THE ISLAMIC / ECOLOGICAL IDEA OF THE PROJECT

Sadaqa Jaria:

One section of this project is an institute providing specialized training about autism. The

income generated from this Institute goes to the funding of the center for autistic children.

-A PLACE FOR HOMELESS WOMEN AND CHILDREN

(Houses for these people based on SOS concept of mother taking care of children in an

Islamic way)

THE ISLAMIC / ECOLOGICAL IDEA OF THE PROJECT

Sadaqa Jaria:

Income generated by the Kindergarten, supermarket and bakery, that are part of the

project, funds the running of the place.

-SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

(a lively place providing recreation and hobby center for retired men and women)

THE ISLAMIC / ECOLOGICAL IDEA OF THE PROJECT

Sadaqa Jaria:

Exhibition and sale of the products made by senior citizens is used to fund the project.

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-RECYCLING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERENCE OF THE ELDERLY

(a place to learn from the experience of elderly)

THE ISLAMIC / ECOLOGICAL IDEA OF THE PROJECT

Sadaqa Jaria:

o Well-to-do people pay money to enjoy the facilities of the place; this money goes to

the poor people.

o To recycle the experience and knowledge of experience people for the benefit of the

young

o To provide gardening areas as „green roofs‟ to elderly for their hobbies

-MARRIAGE CENTER

(a place proving facilities for wedding for less privileged people)

THE ISLAMIC / ECOLOGICAL IDEA OF THE PROJECT

Sadaqa Jaria:

o The wedding hall is used as a restaurant at times when there is no wedding. Money,

which comes from restaurant, goes to the welfare of couple getting married.

o The space is efficiently used in both functions.

-JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

(Pleasant environment to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents for their moral and educational

training)

THE ISLAMIC / ECOLOGICAL IDEA OF THE PROJECT

Sadaqa Jaria:

Young people in this facility produce artifacts which are sold to get money to run

the establishment.

To help develop individuals with healthy minds for a healthy society

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RESULTS OF THE PROJECT IN THE STUDIO:

This project which emphasized Islamic way of thinking and principles has produced

some very positive and constructive results

1. Students enjoyed their time while working and generating new ideas, which are

very special and creative. Students knew what they were doing because they

have created the project and the program themselves – they felt the projects as

their own (rather than given by teachers) and therefore worked with full interest

and devotion.

2. Most of the selected projects had something new and beneficial for their society.

3. Students learnt to think deep in Islamic concepts and the meanings of different

things. They developed special sensitivity towards people, places and spaces.

4. They felt responsible for the work they did in a professional and responsive

way.

5. The fact that student had mostly different projects made the studio is

environment more relaxed, and allowed student to feel comfortable in helping

each other.

SUGGESTIONS:

Following are some suggestions for effective teaching of subject of design in the

institutions of Muslim world.

STUDENTS NEED TO BE GIVEN POSSIBILITY TO DEVELOP A NUMBER OF

DIFFERENT CONCEPTS FOR THE SAME PROJECT

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TO REACH A GOOD ISLAMIC UNDERSTANDING, DISCUSSIONS WITH

STUDENTS NEED TO BE ENCOURAGED.

INSTEAD OF GIVING ALL PROJECT REQUIREMENTS TO THE STUDENTS

LET THEM DEVELOP THEIR OWN REQUIREMENTS

LET STUDENTS RELATE THE STANDARDS, CASE STUDIES AND THEIR

ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE TOGETHER FOR THE PROJECTS

COURSES ON ECOLOGY NEED TO BE INTEGRATED WITH THE

TEACHING OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

REFERENCES:

1. KRAUSE–BASIR (1994-2000) –“Entwicklung und erneurung historischer Altstaedte in

gesellschaftlichen Transformationsprozessen des Islamisch-Arabischen Raums”

Lehrbaustein C-1999- Veroffentlischung in beiden universitaeten, RWTH

(Deutschland) und UN. Damaskus

2. BAUMANN, BERTHOLD: (1997)Okologische Baustoffwahl ist Ökِonomischer, -

045/DBZ 8/97, Wuppertal. 3. Balkowski,F.D.(1984): Gesunde bauen und wohnen.R.Muller Verlag,Koeln

4. Christopher Day (1996) : Bauen fuer die Seele

5. FISCHER-VITLIG, HORST: Gesundes Bauen und Wohnen von A bis Z, -Eberhard

Blottner Verlag, Tauneisstein

6. GUTACHTEN NRNBERG-PLAN: (1985) Arbeitshilfe zur okِologischen Erneuerung in

der Stadt,

7. HAEFELE, G.,OED, W. (1998). SAMBEDTH, B.M.: Hauserneurung--

8. KONIG, HOLGER: (1989) Wege zum gesunden Bauen Ökobuch-Verlag

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9. SCHMIDT-EICHSTAEDT, (1995)Gerd: StadtÖِkologie Lebensraum Groβstadt, B.I

Taschenbuch Verlag 1995 Ö

10. RAFEE IBRAHIM HAKKY (1418 H) ,Architectural Curricula and the challenges of the

Profession ,KFU 1418 H

11. RAFEE IBRAHIM HAKKY (1998) ,An approach to Developing Architectural curricula-

KFU- 33/3/1998

المهندسة علياء عبد الرحمن )العمارة والبيئية في القرآن الكريم والسنة النبوية الشريفة فكر وتطبيق } -12(. العمارة والبيئة نحو عمارة بيئية مستدامة )مؤتمر المعماري األردني الثاني {العظم