Indian Ocean Islamic Trade and its Impact on Architecture

This Final Report provides an overview of the data collection and research processes, as well as the outputs produced by ArCHIAM for the project, Indian Ocean Islamic Trade and its Impact on Architecture. 

This final report outlines the content (outputs) developed for the project, Indian Ocean Islamic Trade and its Impact on Architecture, and the data collection, analysis, structuring and formatting processes and protocols adopted to achieve this. It outlines the rationale, approach and the methodology applied to curate and manage data, scholarly work, and other resources. The material aims to elaborate on the knowledge and disseminate a consolidated understanding of the influence of Indian Ocean trade on the architecture and urbanism in the western Indian Ocean region. 

This report acts as a critical guide to the project and its evolution, developed following a meticulous framework established to catalogue, categorise, and administer the diverse range of data, material and scholarly contributions. This framework is robust enough to serve as a foundation for future research endeavours which integrate digital databases with pedagogic outputs.

The report underscores the significance of a well-structured approach in academic pursuits, supported by efficient documentation of the process. It highlights the importance of methodical planning and execution in managing extensive research material. 

It emphasises the role of effective categorisation in ensuring easy access to and retrieval of information. This is particularly crucial in large-scale projects, especially where a significant volume of disparate resources need to be considered.

All the project objectives and planned outputs have been achieved and exceeded. This includes the establishment of resource databases for textual and visual material, and the production of templates, sample slide presentations and recorded lectures. The work has produced a consolidated knowledge base, introduced robust new analytical tools and novel methods of visualising data.  

Bandyopadhyay, Soumyen, editor. Indian Ocean Islamic Trade and its Impact on Architecture. 2023

Centre for the Study of Architecture and Cultural Heritage of India, Arabia and the Maghreb, The University of Liverpool, School of Architecture