ISLAMIC

The typical Islamic design would incorporate the horseshoe arch, the ogival arch, the muqaras-filled niche or dome, and minarets. Hypostyle architectural design is still playing a large role as well. Walls are typically decorated with calligraphy and mosaic or painted tiles in elaborate geometric designs and bright colors. 

Horseshoe arch

Ogee arch

The muqarnas take the form of small pointed niches, stacked in tiers  - and are commonly constructed of brick, stone, stucco, or wood clad in painted tiles. Examples can be found in the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It is a large palace and fortress built in 1250-1360 by Ibn Ahmar.

Muqarnas dome

 The Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia is considered the ancestor of all the mosques in the western Islamic world. Interestingly there is an impluvium in the mosque to collect rainwater – which we learned about when we studied classical Greece. 

Influence on Modern Design

Islamic design is one of my favorites. The amazing geometric patterns are really beautiful. They can been seen in modern interiors in many forms.