Enclosure, water, sanctuary and shade.  These are the principal elmements of the Islamic style  garden.  The Islamic garden was developed as an oasis away from the harsh dersert environment. 

This garden in the middle of a busy road in Palma, Majorca has been inspired by the same ideals.  A cool shady retreat from the heat and noise of a busy Spanish city.

The key element is water and its cooling effect.  The cascading fountains cool the area in the centre of the garden and provide welcome respite from the intense summer heat.  The jet fountains add movement and sound to the space.

Traditional islamic gardens were often situated in the central courtyard of a house.  Coolness was brought into the heart of the building by enclosing the garden with colonades.  In this islamic inspired garden this sense of enclosure is brought about by the colonades of upright pines which proivde both shade from the hot sun and screen the garden from the harsher world outside.

The component elements of a traditional islamic garden have deeper philosophical signficances.   One is the cruciform shape of the water channel in the centre creating a garden of four quarters.  The resulting four water channels are symbolic of the four main rivers of paradise outlined in the Koran.  One is a river of water, one of milk, one of wine and one of purified honey – these are the essential elements of desert life.

While space and location may not have allowed for a cruciform water channel in the Palma garden, the cruciform feel has still been achieved by a path that transverses the water channel.  This path also allows access to the centre of the garden.

If you are in Palma during this summer on a hot day, pay a visit to this wonderfully simple yet delightful respite from the heat and noise of a busy Spanish city.

Tags: enclosure, fountains, islamic garden, majorca, merton design, Palma, shade, www.mertondesign.ie
Posted in Garden Design • John • No Comments »