The Islamic Design Tradition In The U.S.

Most U.S. cities have many buildings with strong echoes of Islamic architecture and design traditions.

1 minute read

November 30, 2004, 1:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"In fact, the history of Islamic-influenced architecture in the United States hasn't been given its due for many years. It dates back at least to the late 19th century -- longer if Moorish architecture (a blend of Islamic and Spanish) is considered.

Moorish buildings have existed in the United States since before the 18th century, primarily in the Southwest, where former Spanish citizens brought with them an architectural sense influenced by years of Muslim rule in Spain.

...Islamic architecture is, of course, rooted in Islamic traditions, but the term itself refers to a style of building and design that, as used in the West, has no religious significance. "

Thanks to ArchNewsNow

Sunday, November 28, 2004 in The San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Floor-to-ceiling rotating gates at Fairmount subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems

SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.

15 minutes ago - Mass Transit

South LA Wetlands Park in Los Angeles, California.

How South LA Green Spaces Power Community Health and Hope

Green spaces like South L.A. Wetlands Park are helping South Los Angeles residents promote healthy lifestyles, build community, and advocate for improvements that reflect local needs in historically underserved neighborhoods.

1 hour ago - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Intersection in downtown Sacramento, California with neoclassical building with columns on left.

Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects

The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.

2 hours ago - The Sacramento Bee