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Rivers of Paradise: Water in Islamic Culture and Architecture with Tiago Neiva
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Flowing water has always been a critical component of Islamic ceremony and architectural design, filled with inspirational symbolism and practical use. Within its functional role, it reminds us of the arid lands of the Arab-Islamic world. The gentle ebb and flow of water also convey aesthetic, decorative, and symbolic ideals–which will define and model the Islamic architectonic space and transform its world. Paradise Gardens are just one of the most visible examples of that close relationship. Water models and changes how we live and understand the world around us, becoming a crucial element in the design, construction, and enjoyment of space.
Led by an expert on Architecture and Art History, Tiago Miranda Neiva, this interactive seminar will explore the multiple roles of Water in Islamic Culture, the main concepts of Islamic architecture, and finally, the impact of those water references on contemporary Islamic architecture. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a better understanding of Islamic architecture and the use of water to maintain, transform, or modify its forms, contents, and meanings.
Tiago Miranda Neiva was born and raised in Lisbon. He studied architecture in Rome and worked later in distinct offices in Portugal and Spain. For several years he was Professor of Arts and Art History, having a Master's degree in Teaching of Visual Arts. He is currently working towards a PhD focused on the Art and Architecture of al-Andalus: the confluence between the Arab, Jewish and Christian medieval world. In recent years he has been working as a tour guide in his hometown, seeking to show and reveal its most intimate secrets through an authentic and passionate local vision.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
Guest did not leave comment
I was unable to watch the presentation until the video recording. Delighted to see so many aspects of the aesthetics and mechanics of water management in the east, particularly qanats, cisterns in Iran, stepwells, although the one at Abhaneri near Jaipur would have been a more impressive photo and made the construction more obvious. Your love of the subject is very much communicated!
Guest did not leave comment
I already attended the “twin seminar” to this one about Light and Islamic Achitecture and I found the concept very attractive: presenting known facts from a new angle according to a specific theme. Tiago Neiva has a great talent in doing exactly that; he always does a lot of research and presents comparative enticing visuals. As always, a treat!
Tiago demonstrate that water is present in all aspects of the Islamic life.