Khanum seeks to elaborate an experimental method to create a virtual reconstruction of an architectural heritage which can convey both constructive qualities and cultural context, the taste of a civilization. It combines 3D scanning with traditional 3D modelling and motion graphics.

The monument of this initial experiment is the Mausoleum of Princess Kutlu Aga (Blessed Lady) from the royal necropolis of Shah-i Zinda in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The reconstruction takes places in three steps: holographic emanation, brick layering and luminous mosaic cladding. These stages are considered as a metaphor for the historical development of a turquoise civilization, starting with the emanationist ideals of the mystics and crystallizing in the mosaics of star-shaped glazed tiles.

Enameled Mosaic Cladding

Khanum is Turkish for lady and it is derived from the word “khan” which means the leader of the clan, similar to a king. The letter “m” in Turkish is used as first-person possessive suffix. So, khanum literally signifies “my khan”, my leader, my king. The Turkish language considers the lady as the khan of khan, the leader of man. It is how the khan would call his wife. The Khanum project is a tribute to the powerful Timurid women and the significant role which they played as great patrons of art and architecture during the Turquoise Renaissance.

Geometric Harmonisation

Holographic Emanations

From Dreamwork To Brickwork