Morocco is a country that famous for its exotic architecture. Morocco is located at the tip of African continent and directly adjacent to European countries, such as Portugal and Spain. Due to geographical factors and the many countries have colonized this country, Moroccan architecture has a uniqueness that different from other architectures. As an Islamic country, the overall architectural style of Morocco has influenced by Islam. Want to know what are the characteristics and uniqueness of Moroccan architecture?
Zalij
Moroccan architectural style is heavily influenced by Islamic culture. This influence makes the Moroccan design style unique by applying floral, plant and geometric patterns to buildings or houses. Zallij or ceramic mosaics with bright Moroccan colors are often used in interior and exterior rooms. This pattern is also often applied to table or window. In addition, you can also find carved ornaments in Moroccan-style houses.
Walls Made of Clay
The walls in the original Moroccan buildings are made of molded clay and dried in the sun to dry. After this clay wall dries, later the wall will emit brown, gray, green, orange, white, blue, and a little red. All the coloring is made naturally from trees and stones in Moroccan nature. Therefore, Moroccan architecture often looks plain on the exterior, but when you enter, it feels full of geometric motifs and attractive colors.
Distinctive Color
The Moroccan style usually uses bold, light, or soft colors. One color that always used is terracotta. This color is able to give a warm impression and create seductive atmosphere in the building. Sometimes, in one room, various striking colors are combined at once to make it look contrast. Combined with lively motifs, the Moroccan interior style seems cheerful and bright.
Importance of Riad
This is an important and very distinctive part of a Moroccan-style house, named Riad. Riad is an open area located in the middle of the building. This part is the heart of the house. Riad is a cooling oasis in the heat of the day. Riads generally contain dense plants, combined with ponds or fountains that can make the room look fresher and make the house more shady. You can apply Riad to the completely closed interior. Make the riad the center of house orientation of the rooms around it.
There is Mashrabiya
Mashrabiya is an Islamic style carving made by carving on a large wooden partition with intricate geometric pattern. According to Islamic culture, the mashrabiya is used for hiding women from male visitors who want to peek into the house.
Distinctive Lamp Style
What you will definitely find in Moroccan architecture is the distinctive lamps. Moroccan lamps have covers made of iron, glass, or beads that make the light feel softer and dimmer. This minimal lighting can make the room seem more mysterious and warm.
Arabic Style Furniture
The furniture used in this architecture adopts a lot of Arabic style. One example is a table that made in low model. This table is present for cross-legged on the floor seats, not on a chair or sofa, and usually use patterned cushions as a base. This table is perfect for family room to make the atmosphere more warm and homey.
Sharp Architectural
The curved, pointed architectural is used in almost all aspects of Moroccan architecture. The interior design of the doors used are usually large and very decorative. Doors are usually equipped with distinctive carvings and bright colors.
Each traditional building in Morocco has its own characteristics. For example in mosques, souq (closed markets), madersa (schools that teach religious knowledge), and so on. All of this Moroccan architecture is always able to perfectly highlight its uniqueness and beauty that will make anyone feel amazed.
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