Research into Moorish Architecture

The most important thing to do after deciding upon a style was to find a building and floor plans to use for my project. I began by searching for famous Moorish buildings and came across the The Alhambra in Granada which I quickly loved the idea of making. I also looked briefly into the history of the Moorish style and the basic characteristics of the style so I could make informed design decisions.

Moorish History
The Moors were Muslims that lived in the areas mainly around Spain, Gibraltar, Southern France and Portugal around the time of 711 AD. After the invasion there was a great deal of conflict between the Muslim religion and the Christians in Europe at the time. This conflict eventually came to an end in 1492 when the city of Granada fell.

Basic Moorish architecture characteristics
- Horseshoe arches
- Ogee arches
- Decorative tiling
- Intricate stonework

A Brief History of The Alhambra

The Alhambra gained its name after the reddish colour of its walls - the name meaning Red Castle in Arabic. The building is situated on a high point that overlooks the whole city beneath it. This has lead historians to believe that there were other buildings already on the site when the Muslims arrived. 

The first historical records of the Alhambra are dated in the 9th century and show a rebellious leader by the name of Sawwar Ben Hamdun, taking refuge in the oldest part of the Alhambra, the Alcazaba fortress. Sawwar also had to repair some areas as civil war was destroying the Caliphate (Islamic state) which Granada belonged to. 

A castle was added later in the 9th century but no royal residence was established until Mohammed Ben Al-Hamar arrived in the 13th century. This arrival brought the start of a period of building and reinforcement where the watch tower, warehouses and keep were built, water drawn in from the river Darro and public baths and mosque were added. All these improvements were added during the royal residence of Mohammed I, II and III. 

Many of the more famous areas of the Alhambra were added during the residence of Yusuf I and Mohammed V. These include the Patio of Lions, Justice Gate and the Comares Room. Later in history, Charles V ordered the destruction of an area of the Alhambra in order to build a palace in his name. The Emperors Chambers and Queen's Dressing Room were also added.

The Alhambra was abandoned during the 18th century and much of it was destroyed when the French domination occurred. During the 19th century, the process of rebuilding and refurbishing the fortress began and continues to this day.

Alhambra of Granada. Tickets, Guided tours, information, photographies, Guide of Granada.. [online] Alhambra de Granada. Available at: http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/ [Accessed 24th September 2014].

Constantin Uhde, (1888), 116 Tafel 6 Grenada Alhambra - Plano del Palacio Arabe [ONLINE]. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra#mediaviewer/File:116_Tafel_6_Grenada_Alhambra_-_Plano_del_Palacio_Arabe.jpg [Accessed 24 September 14].