What we do
We differentiate.
Architectural and design practices are in a business that requires a constant effort to innovate and differentiate from one another to be successful. We help them in that quest.
Islamic geometric art is not only a treasured element of the artistic heritage of Muslims, but also an icon of the Islamic civilization. Most companies in the industry are using Islamic patterns, in one way or another, in their projects located in nations with Islamic roots.
Islamic geometric patterns are impressive due to their complexity and intricacy. The larger and the more complex, the more impressive they are, as is the perceived complexity that triggers the question in everyone's mind: How did they do this?
In our days, design firms use rather simple patterns, tiling a motif horizontally and vertically in order to cover a surface larger than the motif itself.
Tile patterns vs. non-periodic Islamic patterns
Tile or Periodic Islamic patterns
This is an example of a simple Islamic pattern in a tile, covering a surface larger than the motif itself. The tile technique is widely used in the industry, using motifs taken from databases or copied from ancient artwork.
Tile unit marked in red
The tile pattern marked in red is easily recognizable, the puzzle is decoded, and the perception of complexity is lost, along with the grandness of an art form that, in such case, is grossly diluted.
Non-periodic Islamic pattern
Here, on the other hand, we see the same motif shown in the previous pictures, but this time the design grows profusely along eight symmetry axis into a larger composition, without repeating patterns.
Same initial motif, no tile
The design shows greater complexity and beauty when no tile is present. This sort of design capacity is not available from databases and really large compositions can only be produced programmatically.
Interlace non-periodic pattern
A new element is added to the previous composition, the embellishment technique known as interlaces. Interlace lines, as well as other embellishment techniques, add to the complexity of the design, enriching the composition.
Interlace details
Notice how interlace lines travel above and below each line crossed, alternately, respecting this unbelievable rule all across the composition, with no exception. In large compositions, interlace lines can only be accomplished through computation power.
Huge Islamic geometric compositions are mesmerizing for yet another reason: as the observer zooms into a large design, it keeps discovering new detail and new geometric structures. A universe of stars and galaxies conceals subtle rosettes that start fading in, until the connection among them is revealed. A closer look shows the complexity of the universe, as the nature of the polygonal pieces connecting stars is unveiled. An even closer look reveals there are lines around each polygonal piece, obeying one unbelievable rule: each line runs above and below each line crossed, alternately, all across the massive non-periodic composition.
Implementing these original groundbreaking large-scale non-repetitive Islamic geometric designs rather than the more common small tile patterns is a unique opportunity for design teams to differentiate themselves in this highly competitive industry.
