Islamic urban planning is characterized by a set of principles that reflect the cultural, social, and religious traditions of the Islamic world. Here are some of the key principles of Islamic urban planning, and how they differ from Western models:
Focus on community: Islamic urban planning places a strong emphasis on community, with the design of urban spaces and public buildings intended to foster social interaction and engagement. This is in contrast to Western models, which often prioritize individualism and privacy.
Integration of natural elements: Islamic urban planning emphasizes the integration of natural elements, such as water, greenery, and shade, into urban spaces. This reflects the importance of nature and the environment in Islamic culture, and is in contrast to Western models, which often prioritize the built environment over natural elements.
Creation of sacred space: Islamic urban planning places a strong emphasis on the creation of sacred space, with the design of urban spaces and public buildings intended to promote a sense of religious identity and community. This is in contrast to Western models, which often prioritize secularism and the separation of religion and state.
Importance of public spaces: Islamic urban planning places a strong emphasis on the importance of public spaces, with the design of urban spaces intended to promote social interaction, leisure activities, and community engagement. This is in contrast to Western models, which often prioritize private spaces and individual freedom.
Focus on sustainability: Finally, Islamic urban planning places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with the design of urban spaces intended to promote environmental sustainability and reduce the impact of human activities on the natural environment. This is in contrast to Western models, which often prioritize economic growth and development over environmental concerns.
Overall, Islamic urban planning reflects the cultural, social, and religious traditions of the Islamic world, and differs significantly from Western models in its emphasis on community, nature, and sacred space, as well as its focus on public spaces and sustainability.
Learn more about origins of Islam here
