Spiral Arches: A Journey Through Islamic Architecture

Exploring the Evolution of Arches in Islamic Architecture

The Spiral Arches pavilion, a centerpiece of the 19th Islamic Arts Festival in Sharjah, UAE, is a testament to the rich history and evolution of arches in Islamic architecture. Siu Kwok Kin Stanley, the designer, drew inspiration from the arch's historical value and its various forms in Islamic architecture, from the ancient Horseshoe Arch to the modern Parabolic Arch.

The pavilion is unique in its design, consisting of 100 layers of arches that form an 88-meter long arcade leading into a courtyard. The journey through the arcade is a symbolic walk through time, beginning with the modern Parabolic Arch and leading back to the ancient Horseshoe Arch. An abstract fountain artwork, representing the origin of the journey, is placed at the courtyard's center.

The Spiral Arches pavilion is not just an architectural marvel but also a testament to sustainable design. Originally intended to be fabricated from Corten Steel, the design team opted for wood due to its lower cost and environmental impact. The arches were hand-painted with texture paint by local contractors, further contributing to the project's sustainability.

The pavilion's design also takes into account the cultural significance of its elements. The orientation of the pavilion follows traditional mosque designs, with visitors facing towards Mecca when they enter. The experience of the pavilion varies dramatically between day and night, offering a visual feast of the arches' size and texture during the day and transforming into a glowing passage of cool white LED-lit arches at night.

The Spiral Arches pavilion is a shining example of the fusion of design, culture, and sustainability. It is a testament to the power of design to tell a story, in this case, the evolution of arches in Islamic architecture. The pavilion was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2017, a testament to its innovative design and cultural significance.