Architectural design of Taj Mahal from scratch to the completion of the structure - Research Paper Example

?MOTIVATION TO BE AN ARCHITECT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I wish to express my gratefulness to my Mr Ray Hutchins who was generously helpful and offered inestimable assistance and support. Profound appreciation is also due to my ILSC tutor Ms Kat, without her knowledge and assistance, this report wouldn’t have been prosperous, and many thanks to my colleague Rachna for her assistance and encouragement. Abstract Architecture has contributed substantially to the creation of structures in homes town and cities. It is through the unique architectural design of Taj Mahal by Emperor Shah Jahan that I was motivated to become an architect. Because of my interest in architecture I did a research on the architecture and construction processes of Taj Mahal with an aim of doing a thorough exploration and understanding of the architectural design of the mausoleum from the start up to the completion of the structure. With an objective of exploring the architecture, materials, construction techniques, the geometrical applications in addition to all intricate details in the construction of Taj Mahal, a literature review was conducted and a methodological study done of this structure. The discussion of the findings of the research is reported in a manner which justifies the power or architecture as demonstrated by it contribution in the creation of the Taj Mahal. Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 0 Abstract 1 Table of Contents 2 Personal Development Plan 2 Introduction 3 Motivation 4 Background Summary 4 Aim and Objective 5 LITERATURE REVIEW 5 The Construction of the Taj Mahal 5 The Relevance of Taj Mahal Architecture 6 The Architects of Taj Mahal 7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 8 Data Collection 8 Research Approach 9 Data Analysis 9 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 9 Principles of Shah Jahan Architecture 9 9 Craftsmen of the Taj Mahal 10 Construction Materials 11 Construction Techniques 11 Conclusion 12 References 13 Personal Development Plan The motivation and passion that I have of becoming a famous architect has significantly shaped my career goals and objectives. Therefore my ambition revolves around architecture and this has enabled me to draw a personal development plan as a guideline for the course of my studies and career as an architect. It is through studying that I will be able to reach my dreams and as a result I endeavour to finish my degree program by 2014. By the time of my graduation, I am expecting to have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills which would form a basis for the practical experience and future practice in architecture. My further achievement in education will be made possible through the Msc that I plan to pursue in The University of Sharjah, UAE. The masters program will give me more in depth knowledge and skills and thus sufficient qualification for a professional architectural practice. After the masters program, I plan to work at Sharjah for one year so that I would gain an experience in architecture to prepare for my active working career. Since Sharjah is composed of experts in architecture, I will be able to acquire consultative learning and working experience in addition to getting mentorship in architecture. After the Sharjah experience, I plan to travel back to Nigeria where I will work in my uncle’s firm as an architect. The working experience in Nigeria will mark the beginning of the development of my architectural career. I plan to apply my knowledge in architecture and use the best of my abilities so that I will develop myself into a famous architect within Nigeria and beyond. Most importantly I am focused, motivated and determined to follow my dream and plan until I reach the peak of my career. Introduction The Taj Mahal is a perplexing architectural creation which made me to appreciate architecture and thus aroused my interest and motivation in becoming an architect. The mausoleum which was designed by Emperor Shah Jahan and the complexities involved in the whole process of building this amazing structure is the focus of my research. Therefore, this research paper presents my report on the justification of the reason why I decided to become an architect. The report presents the background summary of the mausoleum, a literature review, a methodology for my research and discussion of the results or finding of the research. Motivation I was motivated to studying architecture by an epic edifice, The Taj Mahal, in 2005 while watching a TV show. Initially I thought the Taj Mahal was a mosque judging by its physical appearance. However after watching the entire TV show, I realised it wasn’t actually a mosque but rather a mausoleum. I was perplexed and I appreciated the style and beauty of this structure. My interest inspired me to read about the architectural structure and I was eager to ask my parents and friends questions about the myths regarding this building. My interest was growing and interesting as my dad told me a few stories about the Taj Mahal and the emperor. From my inquiries and preliminary research I came to know that Shah Jahan was the mastermind architect of the monument. The passion I had for this building and its significance is what inspired me to study architecture. Background Summary Key building: Taj Mahal Key architect: Shah Jahan, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri Location: Agra, India Coordinates: 27.174799N 78.042111E Year of construction: 1631-1653 Architectural style: Mughal architecture Land area: 42 acres Height: 67 metres Why it was built: in memory of the emperor’s dead wife (Mumtaz Mahal) Cost of construction: 32million Indian rupees (1653), 1 rupee equivalent to 15 pence meaning the Taj Mahal cost is ?4.8million. With an inflation calculator: ?678,800,000m Significance: The 7th wonder of the world. Mughal architecture: The merge of Persian, Turkish, Islamic and Indian architecture. It is symmetrical and decorative in style. Aim and Objective The aim of the research is thorough exploration and understanding of the architectural design of Taj Mahal from scratch to the completion of the structure. The objective of the research is to explore the architecture, materials, construction techniques, the geometrical applications in addition to all intricate details in the construction of Taj Mahal. LITERATURE REVIEW The Construction of the Taj Mahal The construction of Taj Mahal was orchestrated by its chief architect Shah Jahan. According to Beddow (2008, p. 233), the imagination and creativity that Shah Jahan put into the architecture of the mausoleum has made it to be categorized as the most monumental structure for all time. Through the design of the building, Jahan was enabled to create the purest tomb for his dead wife. Ahmed (1993, p. 62) points out that the building of Taj Mahal was initiated by Shah Jahan who recruited the very best builders and craftsmen within the empire. Additionally, the mausoleum was built using the best and finest of the building material. The emperor who was the mastermind of Taj Mahal building ensured that precious marble stone was used in the construction of the building. These stones had not been used in any construction before and the builders who acted as agents of the emperor’s designs did their best to make the building the most unique and wonderful structure ever built in India and beyond. The Relevance of Taj Mahal Architecture According to Hand (1998, p. 109) the architecture of the Taj Mahal as designed by Shah Jahan was highly regarded within his empire and has received international recognition over the years. The Islamic society considered architectural expression as the most attributable quality of a ruler. Through his architectural work, it can be argued that Jahan expressed his status as the ruler of the empire because his abilities in designing the building were extraordinary and unique. Rhodes (2003) explains that architecture has been used since time immemorial to demonstrate power, social class and culture as buildings were designed and dedicated for religious and learning purposes. In Europe for example, architecture is a highly regarded attainment within the society and this has been the case since the 16th century as illustrated by Bartholet (2011, p. 54). It is through architecture that rulers and other individuals can express themselves and create themes of unity and harmony. The interests that leaders portray in architecture in the west are demonstrated by Louis XIV of France who desired architecture with it relevance to the culture and harmonic themes within the society. The architecture of Taj Mahal on the other hand was more inclined to the traditional of the Indian society and Islamic religion as said by Williams (1991, p. 353). Therefore architecture can be described as the general expression and involvement of the architect with culture and attainment of superiority and recognition and appreciation from the members of the society. This can be illustrated by the fact that architecture is associated with leadership, class, expression of superior feelings and uniqueness as explained by Ahmed (1993, p. 62). Hand (1998, p. 109) asserts that through the architectural abilities and achievement of Shah Jahan, he is accredited for developing Agra the city. This is through the construction of many Mosques, palaces, city and country houses and gardens with the emulation of the emperor’s architectural spirit. This discussion reveals an essential role that an architect plays within the society as the role model for building designs. The city of Agra is personalized through its architectural designs which make it unique and special from other cities of the world. The work of architects therefore have a foremost contribution in creating the images of buildings, towns and cities which makes them to remain part of city histories and being recognized long even after their demise. The Architects of Taj Mahal Buildings and structures are often made possible through the combination of architectural efforts of many architects so that all parts of large structures are designed in a manner that makes them harmonic and constructible. Beddow (2008, p. 237) says that the identity of the other architects who were involved in the Taj Mahal construction is not definite. However it is recognized that Shah Jahan was the mastermind and chief architect who guided the structure of the mausoleum. The emperor did this through asking the designers questions and thus suggesting the most viable approach of constructing the monument. The roles that constructors played in the process were also defined by Jahan who was able to recognize their skills and abilities for diverse activities of the building process. However, Amanat Khan is known as one of the artists who contributed into the building of the Taj Mahal. Ahmed (1993, p. 62) argues that architectural achievement is characterized by special abilities of an architect which makes him or her to stand out and provide the mastermind blueprints of structural design. Shah Jahan for example was recognized for his lead role in the construction of the Taj Mahal. The emperor who was the lead architect of the mausoleum is said to have made alterations on the designs of architects who were involved. Through the emperor’s guidance the building was successfully built with superior architectural design which has been recognized throughout the world. Khan’s contribution into the monument history is recognized through his inscriptions which have helped historians and architects to figure out what really happened that resulted into the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Data Collection The data collection approach employed secondary data within information sources on the architecture of the Taj Mahal. The secondary data was valuable in doing the research because it provided the researcher with adequate information which included the architectural design of the mausoleum. This approach to data collection is appropriate because it allowed the researcher to analyze relevant data on the area of interest so that appropriate inferences are reached. Additionally, the advantages of this approach of data collection such as efficiency in application of readily available data for the research motivated its choice. The use of secondary data in research is also relatively cheap as compared by the primary data collection approach. The secondary data was obtained from authentic and authoritative secondary information sources to ensure that the research was informed by accurate and hence credible data. Research Approach Both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research methodology were used to conduct the research. Quantitative approach was appropriate for the acquisition of statistical and numerical data about the Taj Mahal, its architectural dimensions, materials and historical timelines. The qualitative research methodology was importance in the acquisition and analysis of quantitative data from secondary sources on the Taj Mahal. The application of both the qualitative and quantitative approaches is attributed to their appropriateness in meeting the aim and objectives of the research. Data Analysis The analysis of data employed comparative analysis methodology in the identification of relevant quantitative and qualitative data for the research. The data is analysed systematically by categorization of the architectural and construction processes of the Taj Mahal. The data analysed data is presented in conclusive summary of each of the building processes and its association with the secondary data that is used to discuss the architectural and construction activities of the mausoleum. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Principles of Shah Jahan Architecture The secondary sources of information demonstrated the Jahan architecture as that of geometrical planning. Bartholet (2011, p. 51) says that the construction of the Taj Mahal applied the emperor’s designs in coming up with a rational and yet very strict geometry. Even if such principles have been applied in the modern architecture and construction, the artistic work of Shah Jahan has been admired by architects across the world. Moreover, the Jahan architecture employed symmetrical planning as one of the core architecture as said by Corbin (2011). The symmetry of the Taj Mahal shows a perfect plan with a bilateral symmetry being the main feature of the central axis of the building. Ahmed (1993, p. 62) adds that proportional and hierarchical formulae were applied by the architect in the design of the Taj Mahal. Through the architect’s symmetry, unique triad divisions characterize the building which is merged with uniformity in its shapes. The architect also applied a lot of cultural symbolism within the design of the building which is represented by naturalistic and hierarchical accents which were selected carefully by the emperor with an aesthetic attention to the details of the architecture and the actual construction process. (REF says that it is through the ability of the emperor for architectural design that the symmetry and proportionality within the structure was realized. Craftsmen of the Taj Mahal Hand (1998, p. 109) says that the craftsmen that Shah Jahan recruited were skilled and considered the best across India. The builders included stone cutters who played an important role of smoothening the walls of the building and making it attractive. Successful and effective architecture is archived through the help of good construction work which involves deployment of experts to take charge of the diverse activities and processes of construction work as explained by Williams (1991, p. 353). It is said that the construction of the mausoleum was made possible through the efforts of more than twenty thousand men who played specialized roles in the building the Taj Mahal within a period of twenty two years. The craftsmen in the construction of the Taj Mahal also included bricklayers and stone carvers who played a leading role in the moulding of the building materials in order to fit the specifications of the architect. Construction Materials Kamel (2008) points out that bricks, white marble, red sand stone and polish plaster comprised of the building materials which were used during the building of the Taj Mahal. The effectiveness of the architecture and the construction of the Taj Mahal are demonstrated by the fact that the building materials were standardized so that they would fit to the designs of the architects. Williams (1991, p. 353) demonstrates that kilned stones of 1800-1900x 1100- 1250x 200-300 mm measurement were used in the construction of the Taj Mahal. Sand stone and its soft and easily created carvings contributed to the architectural beauty of the mausoleum. The white marble was easy to work with during the Taj Mahal construction and its transparency is attributed to the architectural marvel that the mausoleum represents. Construction Techniques There was no sufficient evidence on the construction technique for the Taj Mahal from the secondary sources of information. However Corbin (2011) says that it is believed that the plans of the structure were drawn using chalk. Additionally, it is said that the foundations of the building was excavated. The unique construction techniques which were used in the construction of the building is demonstrated by the ability of designers and constructors to make the 68m high building to stand stable on a river bank which is full of unstable sands. The biggest challenge architects and constructors find in the construction is the stabilization of tall buildings through proper foundation setting techniques as said by Lindsly (2009). The building of the mausoleum achieved perfect symmetry, with proportionality and relationships of the structures being presented in harmonic style. The techniques that the architects and constructors designed made it possible to give the mausoleum modesty and a desirable appearance. The decorations that were achieved during the finishing and detailing processes involved moulding and excellent curving of the marble. The building also has monumental porches which arranged symmetrically with rectangular panels which make the mausoleum very attractive. Hand (1998, p. 109) says that the decorations of the building also involved lying of dado flowers at the exterior of the mausoleum with a perfectly ordered arrangement. The interior decorations of the mausoleum are also very superior with the tomb chamber, screen and cenotaphs and the lower tomb chamber being symmetrically and laid in harmony with the rest of the interior structures. Kamel (2008) explains that interior decorations of a building are very important in giving it a superior finish and thus making it as an attractive as the exterior leaves an anticipating. Conclusion My interest and passion to become an architect stemmed from a TV epic edifice (the Taj Mahal) which I watched in 2005 which made me interested in acquiring more information about my motivation. I decided to conduct a thorough research which is based on scientific approaches so that I would be enabled to obtain adequate and relevant information about the architecture and construction of the Taj Mahal. The aim of my research was to explore literature and understand the architectural design of the mausoleum through all construction processes till its completion. Therefore, I applied both qualitative and quantitative approaches of study methodology which enabled me to gather data on the architecture, construction, materials, construction techniques, the geometrical applications and all other intricate details in the construction of Taj Mahal. The discussion of the results thus has made me to appreciate the architecture of Shah Jahan and the general construction of the mausoleum which is the motivation behind my interest in architecture. References Ahmed, A. 1993, 'The Taj Mahal', History Today, 43, 5, p. 62 Bartholet, J 2011, 'What Ails the Taj Mahal?', Smithsonian, 42, 5, pp. 44-57 Beddow, T 2008, 'The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower', Architectural Digest, 65, 9, pp. 233-239 Corbin, L. 2011, Taj Mahal continues to please generations, Spartanburg, S.C., United States, Spartanburg, S.C. Hand, D. 1998, "The Taj Mahal: How and Why It Was Built", School Library Journal, vol. 44, no. 7, pp. 109. Kamel, M. 2008, Product maturity and architecture evolution in complex industries, Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, Canada Lindsly, M. 2009, New at Taj Mahal, Renaissance Publishing, New Orleans, United States, New Orleans. Rhodes, F. 2003, Islamic Art and Architecture: From Isfahan to the Taj Mahal, IC Publications, Inc, London, United Kingdom, London. Williams, C. 1991, "Art and Architecture: Taj Mahal, The Illumined Tomb”, The Middle East Journal, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 353. Read More