About
Grounded in analytical methodologies, this four-day workshop offers an in-depth exploration of alternative ways of perceiving and understanding geometric patterns. Combining traditional ruler-and-compass constructions with contemporary analytical approaches, participants will learn to uncover hidden structural relationships across a wide range of geometric forms.
Each day begins with a single geometric pattern and gradually unfolds into a journey of discovery, revealing connections to seemingly unrelated patterns. Through observation, construction, analysis, and discussion, participants will develop new ways of seeing geometry as an interconnected system of forms and transformations.
The Six-Fold Lattice Pattern Family
These designs, more commonly encountered in Ottoman “ahcar-ı müshabbaka” (stone latticework) applications, are known today in Iran and Azerbaijan as droudgari (carpentry lattice patterns). Visually distinct from many other pattern families, these designs are fundamentally characterised by deltoids, which also form the key analytical component of their construction. The accurate construction of complete deltoids constitutes the essential basis of this pattern family.
The Generative Alhambra Four-Fold Pattern
One of the most fundamental characteristics of Maghrebi geometric design is the use of parallel-line systems. This workshop will demonstrate how this principle enables the generation of dozens of distinct patterns. The analytical potential of these underlying parallel structures will be examined through practical geometric construction.
Designs Containing a Four-Directional Cycle
Both primary textual sources and architectural applications in Islamic art demonstrate the remarkable prevalence of designs based on four-directional cyclical systems, many of which carry a deeper philosophical background. Through examples drawn from different pattern families, this session will highlight both explicit and hidden manifestations of these forms. The patterns will be analysed and reconstructed using ruler-and-compass methods.
A Pattern Family Based on the Timurid Style
This session will focus on Timurid-style 12&8 and 12&12 pattern systems. Through these examples, participants will explore k-uniform systems and their potential for generating new designs. The generative capacity of k-uniform structures in pattern production will be examined in detail. Using the puzzle-based analytical system developed by Sönmez, participants will engage with these structures in a comprehensive and hands-on manner.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What days do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 14 – 17 September 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
14 people
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts,
19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
What should I bring to class?
- A standard compass, ie. the Mars Staedtler 551 02 Comfort Bow Compass.
- A small selection of coloured felt-tip pens
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez is an artist, educator, and author specializing in Islamic geometric patterns. Holding advanced degrees in Islamic History and Arts, she combines traditional geometric construction methods with original analytical approaches developed through years of research and teaching. Her publications include Geometric Patterns in Islamic Architecture, The Geometric Language of Anatolian Seljuk Art, and Geometric Patterns Workshop in the Footsteps of Sinan.
Collaboration
In collaboration with Yunus Emre Enstitüsü London.
