Architectural patterns from nature: workshop

Architectural patterns from nature: geometry drawing workshop with geometer Saba Kafil and Architect Nevine Nasser. Session led by artist Saif Osmani.

Geometry drawing workshop overview (10.30am-4pm)

A geometer and architect who designed the School of Sufi Teaching’s new Zawiya, a centre of learning and meditation will take workshop participants on a walk of the local area to explore nature as a common theme found in the design of spiritual spaces across different faith and cultural groups. The new Zawiya in Bethnal Green, East London has used principles of Islamic architectural design taken from nature and cosmology to create a spiritual space inside a historic conservation area. The building design incorporates principles from both Eastern and Western architecture traditions, to represent universal ideas, esoteric realms and the Oneness of creation.

Workshop participants will explore how patterns from nature are interpreted into the architectural detailed design of the Zawiya, resulting in the creating their own geometric drawing inspired by nature and the Zawiya.

The workshop will begin promptly at 10.30am at Bethnal Green Nature Reserve (Middleton Street, Bethnal Green E2 9RR) where participants will be given a brief and programme for the day. At 11.30am the group will walk to the Zawiya located 10 minutes away where the workshop will take place indoors.

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Daytime programme for the geometry workshop:

> 10.30am: Introduction to participants by Nevine Nasser and Saba Kafil. Meet at Bethnal Green Nature Reserve (Middleton Street, Bethnal Green E2 9RR): participants to walk, draw, record and write their experiences from the workshop brief.

> 11.30am: Walk to School of Sufi Teaching Zawiya (253 Globe Road, E2 0JD. 10 minute walk)

> 11.45am: Brief introduction to the building design by Nevine Nasser.

> 12.15am: First half of workshop led by Saba Kafil. Participants undertake first tester drawing.

> 1pm-2pm: lunch break (bring own sandwiches. Some light drinks and snacks provided. There are local eateries nearby)

> 2pm-4pm: Main geometric drawing session, paint and colouring*

No prior experience of geometry drawing is necessary: the workshop will suit all levels.

*Please bring your own drawing materials with you: A4 and A3 paper, set square, compass, sharp pencils, colouring pencils, pens and a clipboard. Some materials may be made available on the day.

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About the lead geometer, architect and artist: 

Saba Kafil finished her Architectural studies in Baghdad, Iraq, where she was inspired by a rich and diverse architectural culture. She completed further studies in geometry and has recently been focusing on the philosophical aspects of space, the built environment  and symbolic language. Saba is a keen gardener, approaches gardening as a sacred art and is inspired by traditional Islamic gardens.

Dr Nevine Nasser studied architecture in Cairo, Egypt, then moved to the UK. Her work explores the transformative capacity of architectural space, and interrelationships between spiritual practice, creative practice and research.

Saif Osmani is of British-Bangladeshi background, a practicing artist and architectural designer who completed his masters degree at UCL Bartlett. His socially-engaged arts practice works closely with East London’s diverse embedded communities to address spatial inequalities.

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Free to attend. Limited places. Booking essential. Please book through this Eventbrite link.

The workshop is part of London Festival of Architecture 2023 and supported by the charities the School of Sufi Teaching and Bethnal Green Nature Reserve Trust. Funded by the People's Postcode Lottery.

Note: aspects of the workshop will be recorded and photographed. There is disabled access to the ground floor of the Zawiya building only. Participants are asked to wear appropriate walking shoes and coats as the Bethnal Green Nature Reserve is an outdoor venue. Participants will be asked to remove shoes on entering the Zawiya. If you have any questions, email [email protected] or call Saif Osmani on 07915 234 404.

Host or Publisher School of Sufi Teaching