Describe about the Essay on Architectural Site for Casablanca, Morocco.
Morocco, today often identified as the “Feast for the Senses” is a store house of mesmerising structures that stimulate the entire complex of human sensorium. Morocco is situated in the north-western Africa and Casablanca is the largest city of the country. The long history of Morocco has been trailed by several rulers and each kingdom has left its mark on the architecture of the country. Casablanca the epicentre of urban architecture was beautified during the first half of 20th century. Till 1950s the modern and Art Deco style was embraced in the craftsmanship and also enthusiastically supported by the residents of the city. It was during the same period when the city was identified as a French America a brash capitalist modernity that has indulged into constructing unique forms of skyscrapers. While the modern buildings were built by collecting inspiration from the villas of south of Europe and also from archaic buildings from Arabian tradition (Benmamoun, 2000).
The enthralling architecture of Morocco has been influenced by various cultures throughout the history. For century the country was thronged by African tribes and rulers from Islamic and Arabic tradition as well as later controlled by the European colonisers. Such confluence of culture has encouraged the country to evolve as the epicentre of socio-political hub of both culture and revolution which has been displayed through unique architectural style. Thus Casablanca today is an attempt of the urban architects to restore the long lost charm of the traditional time in the midst of confluence of culture and religious background (Bonfante-Warren, 2000). The essay here shed a light on architectural delights and presents an in-depth analysis of socio-political perspective as well as cultural background of Morocco. The analyst here further explores from several architectural theories and studies it in connection with distinct forms and structure used in the creation.
Urban planning was of key focus during the early years of French Protectorate in Morocco. Between 1910 and early twenties the architects focussed on building innovative structure and also crafted several experimental sculptures following the European tradition. Since 1906 the small town of Casablanca underwent a notable process of transformation. Under the political vision of Lyautey, the Governor General of the colony indulged into urban planning for future development. Eminent architects with in-depth knowledge on designing and art with diploma from Ecole des Beaux-Arts, were engaged to create enthralling constructions. The architectural style of Morocco thus showcases extraordinary beauty and reflect diverse as well as cosmopolitan cultural fusion. In some of the key cities of Morocco, such as Tangier and Fez there lies a quarter known as medina, or the old city and the respective area of the city is influenced by Moorish and Arab-style architecture. Besides the medina there is ville nouvelle, or the French colonial city (Gruber, 2014).
Traditionally Morocco has been an Islamic state and the Islam architects has transformed the stones into artistic level. The influence of Islamic art and design could be noticed in the creation of structure, wide use of horseshoe arches, tall minarets and decorative mosques. One of the major concept of the Islamic architecture is the construction of enclosed space for living as well as dining. The building clearly highlight the Islamic sentiment, such as building structure if a part of the environment, hence there is a private garden, open area, circled area, enclosed courtyard with garden and pools (Hawking and Mlodinow, 2010).
Casablanca is a city within Morocco that situates towards the west about 100 km south-west of the capital of Rabat. It is the largest city of Morocco and at present thronged with 3.3 million people. It has one of the busiest ports in Africa. The old city of Casablanca is a confluence of modern and European city style and these two cities within Casablanca are known as old city and the new city. The old city is rich in traditional buildings and the new city has high rise buildings, sky scrapers and residential area. The country has Mediterranean climate and this help the people to enjoy the weather and indulge in construction and designing activities. It relation to the research conducted on art and architecture of Morocco with special focus on Casablanca, it has been identified that Islamic customs and law generally influence the architectural designs and craftsmanship (Benmamoun, 2000).
Moroccan visual arts that is spread along Casablanca reflects a deep commitment towards complex geometry, calligraphy design, use of simple pastel shade and floral pattern. Since Islam strictly restricts representation of people and animal in art, the use of abstract pattern could be noticed all over. Calligraphic carvings from Koran are inscribed on wood and stone. The background of the carvings symbolises complexity of life through geometric complex structures and shapes (Gruber, 2014).
Casablanca the sublime city of Morocco enraptured with real spaces in virtual city. Casablanca also known as the port city which the French occupiers have developed in 1912 and enhanced it beauty through implementation of intense construction activities during the 1940s and 1950s. This city today not only has underground parking made up of European style and largest American swimming pool, such enhancements were introduced soon after the Second World War. Housing urban planning projects soon became prominent and took symbolic role in the construction of a new society in a modern way. Public events like In the Desert of Modernity was introduced to celebrate and exhibit modern architectures. Different designs could be seen spread around the buildings throughout the city (Bonfante-Warren, 2000). The architectural delights strongly puts forward that the amalgamation of past and present artistic charm of Islam. Besides Islamic culture, influence of Hispano-Moorish architecture could be experienced. This tradition has its roots in the Almoravid dynasty and is remembered for combining two distinct styles and could be found present in most of the buildings in Casablanca.
As far as the designing elements are concerned Morocco is often known as the country that allures, full of mystery and unique beauty. It is these key characteristics that blends together to form the unique architecture of the timeless era (Gruber, 2014). Though the country had turbulent history yet its rich artistic heritage has successfully survived till today. Besides these the designing elements of Moroccan architecture has a strong Islamic influence which includes elaborate use of geometric patterns, rich and ornamental calligraphy from Islamic verses and also use of colourful zellij or ceramic title mosaic. As already mentioned open courtyards with lavish gardens are present at the centre of the buildings and were used for relaxation and privacy. The Hispano-Moorish style further features the Moroccan architecture in which the key elements like sharp white walls, stucco roofs in the arches and large domes are prominent. The beauty of architecture in Casablanca mosques lies in blending Islamic styled buildings such as mosques and madrasas (Hawking and Mlodinow, 2010).
As far as the different structure and designs are concerned Moroccan architecture is an amalgamation of different styles at different age with unique features and traditional beauty. An exceptional blend could be noticed amidst the enthralling designing elements and impressive features. Some of the key structures like mosques, riads, ramparts, palaces, medersas, souks, kasbahs etc. To begin with the mosques. Key architectural features include mesmerising domes with altars or commemoratory monuments and modern villas. The interior doors of the villas are generally huge and embellished. Ornate decoration could be noticed all over the building structure. On the contrary small doors were used in dars. Door are generally adorned with fine metal work, colour and carving. Windows are uniquely designed and decorated with arched glass panes (O’Gorman and Robinson, 2008). The windows are simpler than the ornate doors. Application of Mashrabia an Islamic dowel work could be seen on the large wood carvings and are generally used for partitions within elaborate geometric pattern. This is a technique used to protect women of the family from prying eyes of the visitors or guest in the house. A fountain is present in most houses and is generally made up of marvel or cement and is placed at the heart of the courtyard. Some of the key designing elements present in Moroccan architectural delights are woodwork, plaster, metal work, ceramics and lavish colour palette in which use of shades like blue, white, red, black, green and yellow was predominant (O’Gorman and Robinson, 2008).
Mosques are known as the most important structure of Islamic tradition and hence could be seen spread along the city. Mosques are present in every village or city. Typical features like walls and fountain covered in green and with zellij and adorned mirhab in stucco and marble mesmerises the visitors even today. Riads or traditional homes and palaces in Morocco attract tourist’s eyes and transcends him to the charm of the yester years so that the modern eyes could experience the lost charm of Arabic culture and Islamic reign. These are private residents built to meet the secluded need of the family and are usually focussed inward with a courtyard at the centre of the house. This help in both protecting the privacy of the Moroccan culture. The rooms open towards the courtyard and comprise of featured widows towards the central space. The courtyard is usually decorated with a fountain and lemon trees. The picturesque elements of Moroccan culture could be explored in its artistic expression. Use of pastel shades unique water colours and vernacular architecture encouraged the architects to use organised spatial structures (Benmamoun, 2000).
As far as the architectural theories are concerned it was soon after Second world war when the respective indulgence took the shape of a profession and peoples utilised it to express political faith in the modern perspective. A common belief generated that architects could improve the life of people by blending art, design and culture in a significant manner. The first book ever published in this domain was Theory and Design in the First Machine Age (1960). This research work was a milestone in the field, theories that have been studied in the domain begins as, Deconstructivism, Post modernism, Parametric Desig, Futuristic Design and Cybertecture. These are usually discussed under the modern architectural style and are known for helping designers to take the art and craftsmanship to the next level. In connection to the evaluation of theories in relation to Casablanca in Morocco it could be underpinned that the architects in the modern era concocted unique features of traditional style and structure and incorporated the technological advancement of present times to create far more strong and sturdy structure. Deconstructivism is also a unique urban approach which balances the sense and sensibility of both times and create aesthetically charming, yet functional structures. Deconstructivism is a unique approach that is innovative in style and is different from the traditional architectural style. This approach was however developed and introduced by Derrida and is selected here to discuss prominently in connection to Moroccan city of Casablanca. It is this theory which focuses on modifying the conventional approach that was known as rectilinear style and also emphasised on changing the external features of construction into broken shapes and fragmented elements (Yassin and Utaberta, 2012).
Secondly, the Postmodern architecture theory identifies the belief that architectural craftsmanship adopts the approach of “form follows function”. Under this theory the building functionality is considered while constructing the structure. At Casablanca the modern structure and urban planning is implemented by following functional features and these ensure that there exist balance between the traditional architectural forms and postmodern architecture. Utility based concept gained importance and every building today emphasised on adopting approaches to ensure adequate utilisation of the available space. This theory was introduced in the modern era and is typically followed in most modern constructions. Critics have however pointed out that the abstract structure of the urban architecture today is bereft of aesthetic charm, instead appears stoic and motionless amidst concrete and steel. Many cities today follow the respective theory and developed the architectural constructions. Some of the key cities that enhanced the respective beauty are New York, Paris etc. In other countries like Morocco, Brazil, Europe and Istanbul the main focus was on adopting approaches to restore buildings in an innovative manner. It is an approach that help in protecting old buildings and enjoy the beauty and charm of the lost times (O’Gorman and Robinson, 2008).
Parametric design is another approach or theory of architecture that is created with the help of designing software. People today use these software to create designs and then construct them in cement and bricks. It uses 3D forms and enhance visualisation of the design by adding perspectives to the building design and enhance the visual quality. Besides Parametric design, Futuristic design has been introduced. This includes specific designs, contemporary style, implementation of apt technology and cutty edge tools for execution. One of the remarkable designs under this theory is construction of the dragon fly wing.
In Moroccan architecture as mentioned that Deconstructivism has been predominantly followed to maintain the mesmerising charm of the earlier times. In restoration work the architects have focussed on using specific materials for key areas, like stone has been used for the doorways, white plaster has been blended on the arches of the portico which is further enhanced with green glazed tiles on the roof. Such unique elements emphasise on achieving tranquillity and absolute privacy amidst the cosmos (Yassin and Utaberta, 2012).
Conclusion:
Thus, after exploring the architectural details of Casablanca it could be mentioned that buildings in Casablanca differs largely is style and shape. They have interesting features and steeped in orate design and artistic craftsmanship of several influences. History confirms that Morocco was ruled by several kings and hence each left their mark in every sphere of life, of which art and architecture gained tremendous importance and mark the inception of architectural pursuit. The houses were uniquely planned by maintaining tradition and absolute focus has been given on valuing aesthetics and designs of the era. Use of unique designing element, features, building structure, forms and shades have combined to assist in enriching the culture and heritage of the city. Inscription of Islamic verses from Koran further assist in enhancing the beauty of a building or singular structure. Open courtyards and lavish garden marks the uniqueness of the building as it create specific area for privacy and relaxation. Hence adaptation of specific theoretical approach in the present time further enhanced the beauty and charm of the place and created Casablanca as one of the magnificent locals to visit and enjoy amidst Mediterranean backdrop.
References
Benmamoun, E. (2000). The feature structure of functional categories. New York: Oxford University Press.
Bonfante-Warren, A. (2000). Moroccan style. New York, N.Y.: Friedman/Fairfax Pub.
Gruber, C. (2014). Islamic Architecture on the Move. International Journal of Islamic Architecture, 3(2), pp.241-264.
Hawking, S. and Mlodinow, L. (2010). The grand design. New York: Bantam Books.
Lovatt-Smith, L. and Muthesius, A. (1995). Moroccan interiors =. Köln: Taschen.
O’Gorman, J. and Robinson, C. (2008). Henry Austin. Middletown, Conn.: Wesleyan University Press.
Rabbat, N. (2014). ‘Islamic Architecture’ and the Profession. International Journal of Islamic Architecture, 3(1), pp.37-40.
Ruskin, J. (2001). The Seven lamps of architecture. London: Electric Book Co.
Wesley, J. and Wesley, C. (1743). The nature, design, and general rules, of the United Societies. Newcastle upon Tyne: Printed by John Gooding.
Yassin, A. and Utaberta, D. (2012). ARCHITECTURE IN THE ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION: MUSLIM BUILDING OR ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE. JIA, 2(2).
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