Abstract

The purpose of this research is to apply the pedagogical approach of design/build to teaching the muqarnas form, which is an invention of Islamic art and architecture. It aims to illustrate how to achieve a muqarnas collective building process even when participants have little knowledge or experience. The article begins with an introduction to the two components of the research: the muqarnas (its definition, components, and constructional methods) and the design/build approach. Then, it presents the methodology adopted in the research. Next, it introduces the course where the approach was applied, and the participants who are early second-year design students. The article then documents the experience stages from the early design stage to building an actual muqarnas. Then, it compares the muqarnas traditional building methods to the new one proposed and utilized by this experience, showing the advantages of lightness and speed. Finally, it presents the results of a questionnaire answered by the participants after finishing their course. These results indicated an overall appreciation of the design/build approach in delivering understanding of the muqarnas form.