The College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad held the public defense of Master’s student Adhba Turki Khalaf from the Department of Architectural Engineering for her thesis entitled:
“Expressive Form and Structure in Islamic Architecture: Abbasid Architecture in Iraq – A Case Study” on Tuesday, 02/09/2025, at Mohammed Makkiyah Hall, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Fawziya Arheem Hussein and Dr. Ahmed Khidr Abdul Reda.
The main objective of this research was to analyze and interpret the expressive relationship between form and structure in Islamic architecture, aiming to uncover the constructional, formal, and symbolic mechanisms that enable a building to function as an expressive medium conveying meaning and embodying identity. The ultimate goal was to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework illustrating the role of this relationship in producing authentic architectural expressiveness.
Key findings of the research include:
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Expressiveness in Islamic architecture cannot be separated from the relationship between form and structure; rather, they form an integrated system representing both symbolic and functional dimensions.
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ETABS analysis results showed that the aesthetic aspect of Islamic architecture is closely linked to effective structural performance, not merely to visual shaping.
Following the scientific discussion by the committee members, reviewing the defense, and evaluating the thesis, the student was awarded a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering.
