Assignment # 2 – Transforming a Sculpture to a Structure

Name: _______________________

Submitted To: __________________

Date: ___________________
 Assignment # 2 – Transforming a Sculpture to a Structure

Summary/Main Theme:

The Jeddah is a famous city for its artwork as it comprises numerous sculptures and junctions

with modern art over them. Different principles are coinciding in form, material, and concept

between these sculptures and architecture. In this assignment The Monument in Jeddah, “The

Mameluke Mosque Lanterns” is selected as a piece of art. In contrast, The Monument from the

industrial revolution is "The Crystal Palace" has been chosen for comparison. London is also the

world`s famous country for its historical contemporary artwork. This assignment will explain all

the stylistic features of art and compare the architectural movement and monument of history to

conclude their legacies and building characteristics.

The Mameluke Mosque Lanterns:

Jeddah is an important urban center region of Hijaz Timah in Western Saudi Arabia. It is the

largest city in Saudi Arabia with a population of 4 million. It is one of the famous sea-port of

Red Sea and well-known for its sculptures and architectural structures. Jeddah provides a

gateway for Madina and Macca. The sculpture is the branch of art that deals with visuals that

comprises plastic arts, durable carving art, and models made up of wood, stones, ceramics, and

metals. In the modern era, there is freedom of use of material and visuals exposures which are

useful to express the messages and movements.

The Monument in Jeddah, “The Mameluke Mosque Lanterns” is considered as one of the

beautiful and appealing artworks in the city of Jeddah. These lanterns illuminated at night and

provide an out-class view. It was built by Spanish architect ‘Julio Lafuente’ who had made the
record of 25 pieces of artwork in Jeddah during 1970s-80s. He added experiences of realization

in his numerous projects and participated in different projects of engineering with Gaetano

Rebecchini. Most famous projects are Hippodrome of Tor di Valle (Rome) and Sovereign Order

of Malta.

This project was known as Jeddah Beautification Project. The Monument in Jeddah – “The

Mameluke Mosque Lanterns” is made up of stained glass and steel. It was planned in 1980 to

install these lanterns in the form of square on corners but later on, they were organized in a

straight way. These glass lanterns light up in the middle of the mosque looks different in style.

They are made up of glass foundations. The design of mosque and lanterns was based on

mosques in Cairo where Sultan Mamluk built lanterns mosques in the 14th century. They are

situated in the center of the city, at Al Tahliah Street opposite to Al Salam Royal Palace based on

Islamic theme.

The Crystal Palace:

On the other hand, The Monument from the industrial revolution is "The Crystal Palace" it gives

an experience of fantasy novels. It was built in 1851 in England and known as Crystal Palace for

its material, technology, and size. It has become the symbol of British Legacy and Empire, where

the British achieved dominance around the world at that time. It is a spectacular and amazing

piece of art.

It is 100 feet tall, 400 feet wide and 1850 feet long building. The entire building is made up of

industrially produced iron and plate glass. In 1851 the first Industrial Revolution was at its peak

where the nation became the top technological power around the globe. British Empire and

Industrial revolutions are the two concepts which are always recalled together, the same
happened at that time, the world experiences vast industrial weaponry revolution. The cities in

the UK was built with stones structure and only crystal palace was transparent building and made

up of glass that was, of course, a powerful impression.

Crystal Palace was huge marvelous and the building with the latest industrial material. It was the

display of the technological power of the British. In 1951, it was deliberated as an exhibition hall

and known as the Great Exhibition. The idea of the Great Exhibition was given by Prince Albert.

He was the husband of Queen Victoria and by designing this Exhibition hall he opened the way

of competition towards innovation around the world. The industrial exposure of the industrial

building was a good material for show off. By making such building British proves itself as the

largest empire on earth who is also an industrial technology leader.

Joseph Paxton was the architect of this building and he was a gardener by profession. The idea of

Exhibition Hall was selected after 245 submissions. The architecture built it into two parts.

Firstly making the structure of iron-rods with standard size, then built the panels of plate glass in

them. The whole material of iron and glass was manufactured in industrial factories. Then

transported to the palace site for installments in the form of building blocks. The whole structure

took less cost and was built in 9-10 months, on the other hand, another famous building of

Natural History Museum London tool seven years for constructions.

Some features of this building include that is world`s biggest enclosure building. It was created

to provide an artificial environment which was wrapped in a transparent box or an envelope. It

was built in Hyde Park for temporary purposes but later on, due to appealing achievement, it

becomes a spectacular dimension.

Every year Great Exhibition is celebrated here for peace, free trade and prosperity of society by

Royal Society of Arts in memory of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Its area is 74,350 square

meter and was completed in 1851 with a budget of $120,000 at that time. Approximately 17

million bricks were used with iron and glass. This building follows the principle of Adam Smith

for architectural designs. 2260 laborers participated to make this dream true. Every year about 6

million people visit this palace.

Similarities and Differences:

“The Mameluke Mosque Lanterns” and “Crystal Palace” are beautiful and made up of

industrial material. “The Mameluke Mosque Lanterns” is an example of sculpture art, that

follows Islamic theme and it is the place where Muslims perform prayers. Its artistic

presentations inspired everyone and use to deliver different messages. While “Crystal Palace” is

an example of architectural design. Both artworks are different in building material respectively.

“Crystal Palace” shows modern art that was created in the 19th and 20th century based on

minimalist, conceptual, and contemporary in nature. “The Mameluke Mosque Lanterns” and

“Crystal Palace” focused aesthetic beauty of performance and conceptual art. They are different

and unique in their looks. Architecture always takes inspiration from architecture such as Crystal

Palace. Building material and structure influences individuals and tourists. Moreover, Crystal

Palace added beauty in the related region, also raises the real state value of the region. Few

things are similar and few are different among them as discussed below.

“The Mameluke Mosque Lanterns” is based on Islamic theme. It welcomed all Muslims to

perform prayer. The structure and color combination stimulated from blueness of sky and seas,

along with colors of shells, sand, and sails. The Municipal Corporation of Jeddah has played a
significant role in its building and maintenance. The opening of a mosque with lanterns is an

impressive view and shows exceptional achievement.

“Crystal Palace” is based on the industrial revolution where the exposure of industrial

dominance has been delivered. It was the modern building in 1851, which raise the glory of the

British Empire. The out-class structure of glass and iron enable it to pass the sunlight through it

easily and also maximized the use of internal space. The chic pre-fabricated design makes it

unique in design, appearance, and technology. It is operating as Exhibition Hall

Conclusion:

Jeddah and London both are famous for historical architecture buildings and sculptures. Jeddah

has approximately 600 sculptures in the city with the largest open art gallery. Virtual work and

movement in the artwork have contributed a lot in making the city`s history rich. Jeddah has also

participated in such movements by making numerous building of architectural styles, even some

of the building has broken the world`s records. These structures and sculptures are basically

landmarks of any region which are unique in exposure and appeal tourists from the world.

Jeddah and London are creating various buildings and contemporary artworks for tourists,

individuals, and families, so they can enjoy, get relax, and learn from them. Few sculptures in

Jeddah and London are facing wear and tear loss due to climatic circumstances. They are losing

their attraction and needs maintenance. Jeddah is facing hot weather and on the other hand,

London is facing cold weather. To tackle the problem government in Jeddah has planes to build

the recreational areas near coastal strips. In London, all breakthrough structures and sculptures

are getting proper care and maintenance as per government regulations. These historical

buildings are the assets of any nation and required concentration.

Reference:

 Gili Merin. "AD Classics: The Crystal Palace / Joseph Paxton" 05 Jul 2013. Arch Daily.

Accessed 17 Mar 2019. <https://www.archdaily.com/397949/ad-classic-the-crystal-palace-

joseph-paxton/> ISSN 0719-8884

 https://susieofarabia.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/the-mameluke-mosque-lanterns-at-night/

 https://commons.marymount.edu/badowijeddah/

 https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/jun/01/rugs-to-riches-the-

extraordinary-sculptures-of-jeddah-in-pictures

 Modern Architecture 1851-1945. Kenneth Frampton. New York: Rizzoli International

Publications, 1983. ISBN 0-8478-0506-9. LC 83-61363. NA642.F7 1983. Perspective

drawing, p4. Typical details of modular components, p5. Section, p11. Perspective drawing,

p12. — Available at Amazon.com

 The architecture of the 19th Century in Europe. Claude Minot. New York: Rizzoli

International, date. Exterior photo, p182.

 Kevin Matthews. The Great Buildings Collection on CD-ROM. Artifice, 2001. ISBN 0-

9667098-4-5.