Geometric & Arabesque Pattern Workshops

In collaboration with the Reed Society for the Sacred Arts

New York — 20 & 21 June 2026

Location: Madison Square Park Tower45 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010

This two-day programme offers an in-depth exploration of geometric and biomorphic pattern traditions from across the Islamic world, structured as a progressive journey from foundational construction to advanced ornamental composition.

Participants begin with the principles of Islamic geometric design, learning classical compass-and-straightedge techniques and proportional systems, before exploring the relationship between sacred geometry and natural form, including the construction of a golden proportion spiral. The programme then moves into the study of geometry in architecture and ornament, culminating in the drawing of Mughal and Moorish arches in perspective.

On the second day, the focus shifts to arabesque and regional pattern traditions, including Moroccan zellij geometry, the structural logic of arabesque composition, and a session inspired by the Silk Road heritage of Uzbekistan, drawing from the architectural ornament of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.

The course integrates historical context, structural logic, and contemporary studio practice, and all sessions are supported by digital contextual reference material — including historical imagery, diagrams, and source examples — supplied for continued study and reference.

The workshop is designed as a natural learning progression for returning students, while remaining fully accessible to new participants.

All classes and course material are entirely new and differ from those taught at the Old American Can Factory in Brooklyn in 2025, as well as from the Washington DC workshops taking place the following week. Participants attending both programmes may book at a discounted rate.

Booking Options

Participants may book individual classes or choose from several pass options:

• Individual classes

• Day passes

• Full Weekend Pass Includes all 6 drawing classes

• Limited places

• Traditional compass-and-straightedge construction

• Biomorphic (arabesque) pattern logic

• Historical and architectural context

• All materials and equipment are provided.

• Open to all abilities

• No prior experience required
  Participants under 15 must be accompanied by an adult

Programme Schedule

Day 1 — Saturday 20 June 2026

Foundations of Geometric & Biomorphic Pattern

Introduction to 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.

Sacred geometry & nature 
1:00 – 3:00pm

This class explores the relationship between sacred geometry and natural form, guiding participants to observe and draw the underlying geometric structures found in plants, shells, and organic growth patterns, culminating in the construction of a precise golden proportion spiral and an examination of how different traditions interpret sacred geometry.

Sacred geometry in architecture and ornament 
4:00 – 6:00pm

This class examines how sacred geometry informs architectural design and ornamental systems across a range of cultural traditions.

Participants will study how geometric frameworks guide proportion, structure, and surface decoration, culminating in the drawing of Mughal and Moorish arches in perspective as expressions of geometric harmony in architecture.

Day 2 — Sunday 21 June 2026

Moroccan Patterns
9:30am – 11:30am

This class focuses on an classical geometric pattern found in traditional zellij (mosaic) designs of Morocco. Participants will construct the pattern step by step using compass and straightedge, experiencing the design as a geometric journey that unfolds across the session. The class culminates in the completion of a carefully constructed artwork that reflects both precision and craftsmanship.

Arabesque Patterns 
1:00 – 3:00pm

This session examines the structural and historical development of arabesque pattern systems, focusing on how motifs are transmitted, transformed, and reinterpreted across cultural contexts.

Through guided drawing and analysis of repetition, symmetry, and visual rhythm, participants will construct a radial composition drawn in perspective.

Uzbekistan, Patterns from the silk road 
4:00 – 6:00pm

This class introduces the rich pattern traditions of Uzbekistan, following on from our recent visits to the region.

Participants will explore a new selection of geometric and ornamental patterns distinct from those studied on the Central Asia study trips, drawing inspiration from the architectural heritage of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khivathrough structured, drawing-based pattern studies.

Washington DC
26–28 June 2025

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.

About the Programme

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

Programme Schedule

Day 1 — Friday 26 June 2025

Foundations of Geometric & Biomorphic Pattern

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
701 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States

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.

Day 2 — Saturday 27 June 2025

Arabesque & Advanced Pattern Systems

Diyanet Center
9610 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706, United States

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.

Day 3 — Sunday 28 June 2025

Plaster Carving Workshop

Diyanet Center
9610 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706, United States

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.

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is suitable for:

• Returning students wishing to deepen and extend their drawing practice

• Artists, designers, architects, and craftspeople

• Beginners with an interest in geometry, ornament, and traditional design

• Anyone seeking a structured yet creative introduction to Islamic pattern traditions

No prior experience is required, though previous drawing classes will enhance continuity and confidence.

What Participants Say

“Unforgettable. The team was warm, helpful, and perfectly organised. The balance between art courses and guided site visits was exceptional. I would absolutely recommend this experience.”
— Sarah R.

“This was a tremendously enjoyable experience. The art instruction was excellent, the planning worked out perfectly, and most of all, the people were terrific.”
— Michael L.

“What an amazing experience to be part of.”
— Rosie