Wikipedia:WikiProject Architecture/Peer review/Islamic architecture

Islamic architecture
User:Abdullah Geelah Has done a lot of work on this article, it's currently up for review at WP:PR - can we add some content comments? --Mcginnly | Natter 09:56, 11 September 2006 (UTC)

I really like this article and think it has great potential. A few comments:-
 * The Lead needs expanding.
 * The first couple of paragraphs after the lead are a bit too list driven. I'd generally put lists at the end of the article and begin with prose summary style.
 * You'll need to thoroughly reference the article, preferably with in-line citations (This is the bit everyone hates, but it'll need to be done to get GA or FA status).--Mcginnly | Natter 10:41, 14 September 2006 (UTC)


 * I'd second Mcginnly's comments. This is a substantial article on an important topic.  I'd additionally suggest that the intro needs some work - it currently has too many uses of the word "hence", and an entire paragraph dedicated to a meta-reference - it would be better to summarise the important distinction between Persian architecture and Islamic architecture in a paragraph, or if necessary, in the appropriate section.  Swahili architecture should be covered, and modern Islamic architecture could perhaps be summarised.  Keep up the good work! Warofdreams talk 21:29, 16 September 2006 (UTC)

I think this article does a wonderful job of introducing the the different form-based esthetic aspects of Islamic architecture that characterise major Muslim cultures and civilizations. It provides a vivid demonstration of the diversity of expression in the built environments of Muslim societies.

What I think is missing from this article is a discussion of the relationship between Islamic architecture and Muslim society. How does Islamic architecture respond to the needs, values and aspirations of Muslim societies? Is it defined exclusively through form or can it be defined by the impact that it has on its environment and the clients it serves? Forms will change as Muslim communities evolve and move around the world. The constant characteristic is that Islamic architecture incorporates and reflects the values and ethics of Islam.

It would also be interesting to understand how Islamic architectural concepts are adapting to modern technologies and the pressures and needs of modern Muslim societies. New materials, changing patterns of life - what has been the Islamic architectural response to these issues? It is important that we not portray Islamic architecture as being old, elaborate and beautiful fossils. Buildings such as the Petronas towers and the new library in Alexandria would be interesting to explore. On the other hand, there is also the question of preservation of Islamic architectural heritage.

I'm not sure that all of these topics should be discussed exhaustively in this article, but Islamic architecture is a broad topic, and there is a responsability to not leave the reader with the impression that it is simply a collection of forms and patterns that emerged in the golden age of Muslim civilizations.

-- Aylahs (talk) 00:47, 8 December 2006 (UTC)