An Investigation of Light's Role in Explaining the Spatial Sequence of Mosque's Architecture (case study: Sheikh Lotfollah mosque)

Light is one of the factors influencing the spatial value which has been always present in Islamic architecture as the most immaterial tangible element of nature. Light is not always used in Iranian-Islamic architecture for lighting up the space but sometimes it accepts a mystical and sacred aspect and affects other aspects of space like color, texture etc. Light rhythm has an important role in Islamic architecture for explaining the evolution and sequence of space to the extent that functional role of spatial sequence by light is explained through three factors of pause, motion and emphasis. Thus, it can be said that spatial sequence by light has been considered a lot in the context of Islamic art and this shows the significance of such notion in Islamic thought. This study uses descriptive-analytical method and in literature review section the status of light in Islamic sciences is discussed to elucidate its practical dimensions and aspects. Then, the role of light is explained according to triple elements of spatial sequence in Islamic architecture. The results of this study show that besides its normal functions in spaces of Islamic architecture, light has other functions such as its role in the sequence between material and spiritual worlds. This matter takes place in three temporal spectrums of Separation, Transmission and Union in the spaces of Islamic architecture.