Ancient Megastructures: The Alhambra . National Geographic Channel 4th October 2010. 1 Hour.
by Simon Zohhadi on Thursday, 14 October 2010 at 19:21 ·
Context: 13th Century Spain. Fading muslim empire in Spain due to christian advances.
Description: Mohammad looked for a fortress for defensive purposes and found an existing fort on the Sabika Hill (100 metres high).
He began by rebuilding the existing Arab castle (constructed 100 years earlier) and adding to it. Defensive towers were built with chambers repeated at each level. Chambers were filled with vaulted arches that allowed light into internal areas. The watchtower sent a message to potential attackers.
Construction: Steep hill. However, no need to quarry materials from outside the area. Alhambra cement (ie: clay, sand and stone composite) was used to build the structure and gave it a distinctive red colour.
The main watchtower had a problem carrying the loads and was in danger of collapse. The weight of the tower was too much for the arches below; the solution was to brick-up the arches.
Constructed a series of signal towers to warn of impending attack. Added a triangular castle. Applied sand and lime stucco to the Alhambra conglomerate walls to protect against wind and water.
The fortress covered a large area and included a number of buildings including a palace and living areas for as many 5,000 people.
Diverted water from a local river up the steep hill. The Alhambra was supplied with water via water channels from a dam that was created by engineers at a higher level to the Citadel. Water diverted from the River Daro through brick lined canals. Tunnel built through hill next to the Alhambra. Flowing water important to Muslims. Engineers created an overflow opening allowing water to flow back into the River `Daro' (check spelling).
In 1333 Yusuf 1st inherits the throne but is defeated in battle. Builds another defensive tower which forms the centrepiece of a new palace. Interior of complex of Yusuf's palace extremely impressive. The stucco work has inscriptions in praise of Allah. The ceiling (75 ft above) represents the 7 pillars of Islam and contains thousands of pieces of cedar wood. The palace had to emphasize the importnance of the Sultan. Greek and Roman mathmatics was incorporated into the design. The Hall of the Ambassadors used geometry to form a perfectly proportioned building.
Yusuf was succeeded by Mohammad 5th who formed a friendship with the christian Spanish King Pedro. Mohammad V was influenced by the architecture of Pedro's palace in Seville. Mohammed's Palace of the Lions incoporated both Islamic and Christian architecture. Palace incorporated Islamic decoration known as Muqarnas - complex plasterwork of solids and voids. This decoration had amazing materials including a blue mineral called Lazurite (from Afghanistan). The vault provides an extraordinary sensory experience.
In 1469 the Kingdom of Spain is created. In 1492 Granada finally capitulates to the Christians. The christians put their stamp on the complex. King Carlos V built a new palace in the centre of the complex. However, the original Islamic buildings stand-out and is an example of the genius of Islamic art and design.
He began by rebuilding the existing Arab castle (constructed 100 years earlier) and adding to it. Defensive towers were built with chambers repeated at each level. Chambers were filled with vaulted arches that allowed light into internal areas. The watchtower sent a message to potential attackers.
Construction: Steep hill. However, no need to quarry materials from outside the area. Alhambra cement (ie: clay, sand and stone composite) was used to build the structure and gave it a distinctive red colour.
The main watchtower had a problem carrying the loads and was in danger of collapse. The weight of the tower was too much for the arches below; the solution was to brick-up the arches.
Constructed a series of signal towers to warn of impending attack. Added a triangular castle. Applied sand and lime stucco to the Alhambra conglomerate walls to protect against wind and water.
The fortress covered a large area and included a number of buildings including a palace and living areas for as many 5,000 people.
Diverted water from a local river up the steep hill. The Alhambra was supplied with water via water channels from a dam that was created by engineers at a higher level to the Citadel. Water diverted from the River Daro through brick lined canals. Tunnel built through hill next to the Alhambra. Flowing water important to Muslims. Engineers created an overflow opening allowing water to flow back into the River `Daro' (check spelling).
In 1333 Yusuf 1st inherits the throne but is defeated in battle. Builds another defensive tower which forms the centrepiece of a new palace. Interior of complex of Yusuf's palace extremely impressive. The stucco work has inscriptions in praise of Allah. The ceiling (75 ft above) represents the 7 pillars of Islam and contains thousands of pieces of cedar wood. The palace had to emphasize the importnance of the Sultan. Greek and Roman mathmatics was incorporated into the design. The Hall of the Ambassadors used geometry to form a perfectly proportioned building.
Yusuf was succeeded by Mohammad 5th who formed a friendship with the christian Spanish King Pedro. Mohammad V was influenced by the architecture of Pedro's palace in Seville. Mohammed's Palace of the Lions incoporated both Islamic and Christian architecture. Palace incorporated Islamic decoration known as Muqarnas - complex plasterwork of solids and voids. This decoration had amazing materials including a blue mineral called Lazurite (from Afghanistan). The vault provides an extraordinary sensory experience.
In 1469 the Kingdom of Spain is created. In 1492 Granada finally capitulates to the Christians. The christians put their stamp on the complex. King Carlos V built a new palace in the centre of the complex. However, the original Islamic buildings stand-out and is an example of the genius of Islamic art and design.
No comments:
Post a Comment