Abstract
The architecture of mosque design since the establishment of Islam in Madinah has witnessed various forms of development and political precedent. Form and function, construction methods, material use and decoration have led and sometimes followed technological innovation. The majority of mosques built in Madinah in the 20th century have a single communal character; a copy of historic architectural forms without a connection to that historical culture or politic.
Various contemporary positions within the nature of these changes are held; some consider that contemporary design does not need to have historical references to buildings which are not part of that political or geographical arena, while other thought recognises historic layers even if out of context with building methods, materials or social norms.
This paper discusses in brief the principles of historic mosque architecture within the first city of Islam in terms of architectural and artistic expression which illustrates the intellectual and physical factors contributing to this architectural heritage. A philosophical criticism is helpful in order to establish some reflections concerning the relationship between authenticity and concept of design in the 21st century.