# Calligraphy-Inspired Complexes Noble Qur’an Oasis by Mecanoo Embodies Religious Writings By Meghan Young | Published 2014-06-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noble-quran-oasis References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2014/06/calligraphy-architecture-saudi-arabia.html) & [mecanoo.nl](http://www.mecanoo.nl/) The [Noble](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highperformance-bedding) Qur’an Oasis competition has inspired some incredibly creative submissions, one of which was conceived by Dutch architecture firm [Mecanoo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-history-museum-abu-dhab). Channeling the ancient aesthetic of Arabic calligraphy and the Qur’an, it is a series of interconnected buildings that is particularly striking when view from above. The proposal for the Noble Qur'an Oasis competition found its starting point in this passage: "He cast firmly embedded mountains on the earth so it would not move under you, and rivers and pathways so that hopefully you would be guided. (Qur’an, 16:15)." An important symbol throughout the writings of [Islam](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bait-ur-raiyan-mosque), the first thing people are greeted with when walking into the complex are undulating, high walls that bring to mind mountain ranges. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Calligraphy-inspired Architecture:** Exploring the integration of calligraphy-inspired motifs and designs in architectural structures. - **Interconnected Complexes:** Creating complex structures composed of interlinked buildings, offering a unique architectural experience. - **Ancient Aesthetics:** Drawing inspiration from ancient aesthetics, such as Arabic calligraphy, to create visually striking architectural designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Exploring innovative architectural designs that incorporate calligraphy-inspired elements for a more visually stunning experience. - **Religious Tourism:** Developing religious tourism attractions with unique architectural complexes that embody the spiritual essence. - **Art and Design:** Exploring the intersection of art, design, and architecture to create visually captivating structures that pay homage to ancient aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Red Brick Geometric Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bait-ur-raiyan-mosque.md) - [Classically Designed Geometric Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mamluki-lancet-mosque.md) - [Geometric Cone-Shaped Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bab-al-salam-mosque.md) - [Cultural Civic Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ismaili-center-houston.md) - [Ceramic Vault Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muqarnas-pavilion.md) - [Perforated Pink Concrete Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zebun-nessa-mosque.md) - [Islamic Home Decor Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nakkas-boytu.md) - [Beautifully Sculptural Concrete Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lusail-museum.md) - [Arched Garden-Topped Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hengqin-culture-and-art-complex.md)