Primary Elements in Andalusian Architecture (V): Nasrid room with lantern.

This is a later prototype, only common in 14th century Nasrid art, whose origin is Egyptian Mamluk “Qa'a” building. It consisted on a rectangular or square room with four columns in its center, which are connected to immediate walls by arches or lintels. A lantern with lattice windows stands Over the central and allows ventilation and overhead lighting. This Qubba or lantern was covered with wood trusses or mocarabe domes. 

Architects in Alhambra Palace reached very imaginative ways to cover these spaces, as we can see in Muhammad 5th's Meunar (Royal Bath) or Partal and Infantas Towers. However, these solutions are exclusive in Nasrid art and were not used in Mudejar. 

 Alhambra Palace, Granada (14th c.). General plan showing rooms with lantern.

   Alhambra Palace, Granada (14th c.). Plan of Royal Bath in Middle Ages.

      Alhambra Palace, Granada (14th c.). Plan of Royal Bath today.

         Alhambra Palace, Granada (14th c.). Section of Royal Bath today.

      Alhambra Palace, Granada (14th c.). Interior of Royal Bath.

Alhambra Palace, Granada (14th c.). Plan and elevation of Mexuar in Middle Ages. 

 Alhambra Palace, Granada (14th c.). Plan and elevation of Mexuar today. 

 Alhambra Palace, Granada (14th c.). Interior of Mexuar. 

Lecture by D. Rafael Manzano Martos on November 17, 2010 at the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, USA