The term miḥrāb refers to the niche on the wall of a Muslim sanctuary indicating the qibla, or direction of prayer towards Mecca. The miḥrāb is one of the few universal elements in mosque-architecture. But the very familiarity and ubiquity of this form raises a number of questions: Why was the form of an arch or niche chosen? How did the term miḥrāb come into the mosque vocabulary? What are the levels of meaning adhering to this architectural form?

This new six-session series explores how this architectural form acquired cultural and symbolic meaning. We will discuss the history of the word miḥrāb, its significance as a means of orientation within the mosque, and its expression as an architectural element with multiple layers of meaning and function.

These theoretical discussions will be centred around practical design enquiries. Explore structural and ornamental applications of geometry, including scale, proportion, arch constructions, border and spandrel compositions, and the application of geometric and biomorphic patterns.

Participants will engage in a creative dialogue, using the time in between the sessions to work on the composition of their own miḥrāb as a sacred space or sanctuary.