As we enter the fall season I would like to share some thoughts on research that I have been conducting throughout the year. All year I have been working on an MBA and a separate master’s degree, and have spent most of the year in one library or another. This post is an annotated bibliography of the books I have purchased to aid in my endeavor to build a riad home.

The Alhambra by Antonio Fernández-Puertas

“‘The Alhambra’ is a must have if you’re seeking authentic Moorish and Andalusian style.”

This book is by far my favorite book regarding Moorish art and architecture. The author provides a crisp introduction and cultural context followed by a detailed mathematical breakdown of how each element of the palace complex was designed. The principles of design in this book directly apply to designing a legitimate riad home, accounting for proportion, balance, and harmony. Before applying the techniques within this book, I highly recommend you choose a central design theme of locus; I chose the central atrium as mine. All of your proceeding designs will flow from this central point. I also recommend Islamic Geometric Design by Eric Broug as a geometric design supplement par excellence. 

Al-Andalus: The Art of Islamic Spain by Jerrilynn Dodds

“I recommend this book if you are trying to holistically understand Islamic art and architecture in Spain.”

While Riads of Marrakech was my first book in riads, Al-Andalus was the first book I purchased about Islamic art in Spain. I purchased the book after a trip to Barcelona to build a solid knowledge base of pre-Reconquista art in Andalucía.  Commissioned by the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the editor provides historical context of the first four centuries of Islamic rule, followed by the Reconquista period (Emirate to Taifa period, or 700-1492). Each section contains detailed discussion on textiles, ceramics, architecture, and fortifications within their contemporary context. There is also an entire section dedicated to the Alhambra prior to the arrival of Ferdinand and Isabella.If you are wanting to learn more about the design and development of the Alhambra, this book is very helpful – but I recommend you supplement with Robert Irwin’s Alhambra and Antonio Fernández-Puertas’ The Alhambra.

The Alhambra by Robert Irwin

“This book will remind you that even empires have to compromise on spending and choose materials that meet budgetary limitations.”

Robert Irwin’s The Alhambra is a historical analysis of the famed fortress and palace. Irwin provides a quick historical orientation followed by discussions on the context of the Alhambra’s place in the Islamic world, construction methods, and greater philosophical implications. Irwin’s work also illuminates why certain shapes, forms, or embellishments were used, due to such factors as candle-based lighting (light from below), multi-purpose room usage (every room is (can be?) a bedroom), and cultural perceptions of art. I recommend you read this book after you visit the Alhambra, and prior to Antonio Fernández-Puertas’ work. This is the book to read if you are struggling with the purpose of your home or you need a reminder that even Emirs (or kings) have credit limits. 

Islamic Geometric Design by Eric Broug

“I highly recommend this book if you want to learn how to make Islamic designs, tessellations, and understand the proportional systems used in Islamic design.”

I became fascinated by Islamic architecture after my first trip to India back in 2012. Since then I have been amazed how artists and artisans produced complex and precise designs without the aid of modern technology. Likewise, I noticed that classic riads (and dars) have mathematical underpinnings that ensure design elements remain in proportion. I struggled to understand the actual method until I bought this book. It explains the premise behind Islamic geometric design with examples of each form of symmetry. Eric also provides detailed instructions on how to create Islamic tessellations and designs, as well as how to scale them. The Alhambra, by Antonio Fernández-Puertas, has similar information towards the end, but not to the level of Eric’s book.

Riads of Marrakech by Elan Fleisher

“The cover is from la Sultana, which is my personal favorite from the book, due to its mixture of traditional and modern designs.”

Riads of Marrakech was the first book about riads that I purchased, back in 2016. Elan showcases 12 beautiful riads* spanning traditional to contemporary and modern designs. Elan provides a brief introduction to what constitutes a riad (and a dar) and the typical design motifs therein. This is a great book with high quality photos that showcase several design concepts. It is best suited for dreaming and reflection. I recommend Villas and Riads of Morocco if you want to start studying the designs. 

*El Fenn, Riad Nashira, Villa Des Oranges, Riad Anayela, La Sultana, Riad Kaiss, Riad Noir D’Ivoire, Riad Enija, Lotus Privledge, Villa Makassar, Riad Farnatchi, and Dar Les Cigognes.

The Villas and Riads of Morocco by Corinne Verner, with photographs by Cecile Treal & Jean-Michael Ruiz, translated by Laurel Hirsch

“This book illustrates the superiority of true research over Pinterest or Instagram, and also offers a path to higher awareness with an extensive ‘further reading’ section.”

 Villas and Riads of Morocco was the 2^nd book about riads I purchased – and my favorite to date. Corinne’s work is more detailed and expansive than Riads of Marrakech; covering three major cities, kasbahs, and remote retreats. We stayed in Riad Al Bartal in Fez in November of 2016, and this book did not lead me astray. It will take time to study, but is worth every minute if you want a solid survey of Moroccan architecture. I have come back to this book on numerous occasions as my knowledge has increased, only to discover more each time.

Casa Bohemia: The Spanish-Style House by Linda Leigh Paul

“This book is a must if you are looking to combine pre-modern and modern design, or if you are interested in the stylistic descendants of the Alhambra.”

Casa Bohemia is an excellent book that illustrates complete Spanish-style design concepts. I purchased this book back in 2016 to expand my understanding of courtyard homes and explore the cultural drift of design elements. I also chose this to explore exterior and garden designs outside the limited urban constraints of a riad. Casa Bohemia is truly “a celebration of uniquely vibrant architecture” with six chapters that include five thematic parts, each containing between three & fifteen examples. Casa Entre Suenos is one of my favorite haciendas highlighted here, reminding me of Casa De Pilatos in Sevilla, Spain.

Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid by Marianne Cusato and Ben Pentreath

“If you are at the stage of making basic drawings or building Pinterest boards – this book is for you.”

I purchased this book to develop a working knowledge of ‘common-architecture’ and general design principles. Get Your House Right is a great tool to critically review your custom designs within the paradigm of Western tradition. Marianne and Ben walk through a logical progression on the importance of proper design, basic terminology, followed by a chapter-by-chapter journey through different design areas. It pays homage to the concepts on page 11, but additional research is required concerning pre-electric design. This book will not teach you how to orient your home to maximize solar gain or arrange rooms to encourage air flow, which is something we are interested in, but it will put you on the path to good design. If you want an example of design gone wrong (and a good laugh) or where builders were just in a rush to make a profit, check out McMansion Hell.

The Architecture Reference & Specification Book: Everything Architects Need to Know Every Day by Julia McMorrough

“This is the book you need to determine minimum sizes of rooms, hallways, stairs etc., or to get an idea of which materials are best suited for your needs.”

The Architecture Reference and Specification Book is a quick reference guide for architectural design. While Get Your House Right discusses design concepts in general or theory, The Architectural Reference provides the details of materials, structures & systems, and industry standards. I recommend using this book to check your ‘math’ at each level of design, ensuring your sinks are high enough, doors wide enough, and car ports big enough. I bought this book to make sure any design plans I talk to a professional architect about are generally sound so I can reduce cost and get down to the brass tacks of building my dream home. If you are a ‘hands-on’ type of person, this book is for you – but it is not a substitute for a professional!

Fundamentals of Residential Construction (3^rd Ed) by Edward Allen and Rob Thallon
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What Your Contractor Can’t Tell You by Amy Johnson

“This is a good book with which to start your journey if you want to learn about construction, and especially if you plan on having a custom home built without being at the mercy of your contractor/builder.”

This is a straight-up textbook that breaks down the ins and outs of residential construction. I bought this book to understand the overall construction process for single and multi-family houses. This book falls within he paradigm of American construction style that is centered around wood framing, but it also covers concrete on a limited basis. I am wanting to build using concrete, compressed earth blocks, and maybe even 3D-printed concrete (aka the Holy Grail), but I feel it is important to understand the basics before venturing off into custom territory.

I recommend pairing this book with What Your Contractor Can’t Tell You by Amy Johnson. Amy’s book is a guide to building and renovating, and picks up where Allen and Thallon leave off. I recommend reading both before meeting with a builder or an architect. As a note, these books are both centered around construction in the United States, so they are of limited value elsewhere. 

Making Stained Glass by Robert and Gertrude Metcalf

“It’s an easy book to read and provides simple and timeless instructions on how to make stained glass, as the technology hasn’t changed much since this book was published.”

I found this book in an antique store for a few dollars right around the time my wife and I started taking staind glass classes. Professionally made stained glass costs about $150 per square foot, which is insane when compared to such luxuries as marble floors or the most complex hand-made zellige tile. My wife and I decided that we would learn how to make it and eventually use a home studio to gradually produce pieces. The cost of self-made glass runs about $20 per square foot, and even less if you are good at cutting glass and sorting the remnants. I recommend this book if you want to get into the stained glass game. 

A Thousand Years of Stained Glass by Catherine Brisac

I also found this book at an antique store for a few dollars and love it. The cover is from the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, home to some of the most sumptuous stained glass in the world (fun fact: the architect is unknown). This book chronicles the history of stained glass from Roman to modern times, with examples from each period. It goes into some detail of how the glass is made, supported, and maintained. It’s a good book to have as a catalogue of Christian stained glass art.