In collaboration with the Reed Society for the Sacred Arts
This three-day programme offers an in-depth continuation and development of the drawing-based pattern studies taught in 2025, expanding participants’ understanding of geometric and arabesque design through advanced constructions, historical references, and material-based practice.
The workshop is designed as a natural learning progression for those who have previously attended drawing classes, while remaining fully accessible to new participants. Over the course of the weekend, students move from precise geometric constructions and biomorphic pattern drawing into a full-day plaster carving workshop, translating drawn designs into architectural relief.
All sessions are accompanied by contextual reference material, including historical imagery, diagrams, and source examples, which will be supplied digitally to participants alongside the workshops for continued study and reference.
All classes differ from those taught last year in Washington DC at the Katzen Center, as well as from the New York workshops taking place the previous week. Participants attending both programmes may book at a discounted rate.
Across the weekend, participants will explore pattern traditions from Persia and Morocco, examining how geometry, vegetal forms, and architectural ornament are constructed, adapted, and combined across different regions and periods.
The programme balances:
Traditional compass-and-straightedge construction
Biomorphic (arabesque) pattern logic
Historical and architectural context
Hands-on making through plaster carving
All materials and equipment are provided.
Open to all abilities
No prior experience required
Participants under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
Foundations of Geometric & Biomorphic Pattern
Geometric Islamic Pattern
9:30am – 11:30am
An introduction to geometric pattern construction using the traditional tools of compass and straightedge. Participants will construct a classical rosette while learning about proportion, symmetry, and the underlying grid systems that govern Islamic geometric design.
Moroccan Geometric Patterns
1:00 – 3:00pm
This session focuses on zellij geometry from Fez and Marrakech. Participants will construct multi-layered rosettes and explore how repetition, rotation, and subdivision are used in Moroccan tilework.
Persian Biomorphic Patterns
4:00 – 6:00pm
An introduction to flowing Persian vegetal patterns, examining how organic forms grow from geometric frameworks. Emphasis is placed on rhythm, continuity, and balance.
Arabesque & Advanced Pattern Systems
Moroccan Stucco Patterns
9:30am – 11:30am
Participants will draw a biomorphic stucco rosette inspired by the Bou Inania Madrasa (1356), Fez, learning how carved plaster decoration is designed specifically for architectural surfaces.
Arabesque Patterns (Islimi & Rumi)
1:00 – 3:00pm
This session explores the Islimi arabesque tradition, with a focus on the Rumi family of motifs. Participants will learn how vegetal forms interlock, branch, and repeat, creating dynamic yet controlled compositions.
Geometric Persian Patterns
4:00 – 6:00pm
A more advanced geometric session focusing on 5- and 10-fold symmetry, commonly found in medieval Persian architecture. Participants will learn to construct complex polygonal systems and understand their structural logic.
Plaster Carving Workshop
Plaster Carving
10:00am – 5:00pm
A full-day, hands-on workshop introducing traditional plaster carving techniques. Participants will work with cast plaster panels and carve either a geometric or biomorphic pattern of their choice, using traditional tools and methods.
The session covers:
Preparing and transferring designs
Carving techniques and tool control
Understanding depth, shadow, and relief
Finishing and surface refinement
Each participant will complete a carved panel to take home.
