Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Nottingham Trent Institutional Repository (IRep) VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design _________________________________________________________________________ From Manual to Hybrid, Parametric Mashrabiya Digital Workflow for the Re-envisioning and Conservation of Eastern Architectural Screens and the Engagement of Digital Tectonics NEHAL ALMERBATI, DUSTIN HEADLEY, PETER FORD, AND AHMAD TAKI desiGNPRINCIPLesaNDPRACtiCes.COM EDITORS Lorenzo Imbesi, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Loredana Di Lucchio, University of Rome, Italy COMMUNITY EDITOR Jeremy Boehme, Common Ground Publishing, USA ADVISORY BOARD Genevieve Bell, Intel Corporation, USA Michael Biggs, University of Hertfordshire, UK Jeanette Blomberg, IBM Almaden Research Center, USA Patrick Dillon, Exeter University, UK Michael Gibson, University of North Texas, USA Loredana Di Lucchio, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Jorge Frascara, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Canada Judith Gregory, Institute of Design, USA; University of Oslo, Norway Christian Guellerin, L'École de design Nantes Atlantique, France Tracy S. Harris, The American Institute of Architects, USA Clive Holtham, City of London University, UK Lorenzo Imbesi, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Hiroshi Ishii, MIT Media Lab, USA Gianni Jacucci, University of Trento, Italy Klaus Krippendorff , University of Pennsylvania, USA Bill Lucas, MAYA Fellow, MAYA Design, Inc., USA Ezio Manzini, Politecnico of Milano, Italy Mario Minichiello, University of Newcastle, Australia Guillermina Noël, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Canada Mahendra Patel, Leaf Design, India Toni Robertson, University of Technology Sydney, Australia Terry Rosenberg, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK Keith Russell, University of Newcastle, Australia Maria Cecilia Loschiavo dos Santos, University of São Paulo, Brazil Louise St. Pierre, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Canada ASSOCIATE EDITORS Articles published in The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design are peer reviewed by scholars who are active participants of the Design Principles and Practices Journal Collection or a thematically related Knowledge Community. Reviewers are acknowledged as Associate Editors in the corresponding volume of the journal. For a full list of past and current Associate Editors please visit www.designprinciplesandpractices.com/journals/editors. ARTICLE SUBMISSION The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design publishes quarterly (March, June, September, December). To find out more about the submission process, please visit http://www.designprinciplesandpractices.com/journals/call-for-papers. ABSTRACTING AND INDEXING For a full list of databases in which this journal is indexed, please visit www.designprinciplesandpractices.com/journals/collection THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTONIC, SPATIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN KNOWLEDGE COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP Authors in The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and www.designprinciplesandpractices.com Environmental Design are members of the Design Principles and ISSN: 2325-1662 (Print) Practices Journal Collection or a thematically related Knowledge ISSN: 2325-1670 (Online) Community. Members receive access to journal content. For more, doi:10.18848/2325-1662/CGP (Journal) visit www.designprinciplesandpractices.com/about/become-a-member. First published in 2016 in Champaign, Illinois, USA by Common Ground Publishing SUBSCRIPTIONS The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental www.commongroundpublishing.com Design is available in electronic and print formats. Subscribe to gain The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, access to content from the current year and the entire backlist. and Environmental Design is a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal. Contact us at [email protected]. ORDERING COPYRIGHT Single articles and issues are available from the journal bookstore at © 2016 (individual papers), the author(s) www.ijg.cgpublisher.com © 2016 (selection and editorial matter) Common Ground Publishing All rights reserved. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of study, HYBRID OPEN ACCESS research, criticism, or review, as permitted under the applicable The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental copyright legislation, no part of this work may be reproduced by any Design is Hybrid Open Access, meaning authors can choose to make their process without written permission from the publisher. For permissions articles open access. This allows their work to reach an even wider audience, and other inquiries, please contact broadening the dissemination of their research. To find out more, please visit [email protected]. www.designprinciplesandpractices.com/journals/hybrid-open-access. DISCLAIMER The authors, editors, and publisher will not accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may have been made in this publication. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material Common Ground Publishing is a member of CrossRef contained herein. From Manual to Hybrid, Parametric Mashrabiya: Digital Workflow for the Re-envisioning and Conservation of Eastern Architectural Screens and the Engagement of Digital Tectonics Nehal Almerbati, De Montfort University, United Kingdom Dustin Headley, Kansas State University, United States of America Peter Ford, De Montfort University, United Kingdom Ahmad Taki, De Montfort University, United Kingdom Abstract: This research seeks to bridge the gap between traditional artisans and emerging digital craftsmen generated by the Arts and Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century and the third Industrial Revolution (Krugh 2014; Economist 2012) now underway via material culturalism as outlined by Grier (1996). Mashrabiya, an Eastern patterned screen, represents an architectural construction that is rooted in cultural and functional parameters, but whose craftsmen have become essentially extinct due to industrialization. In looking at the preservation and redesign of this archetype, the digital tectonic (Beesley and Seebohm 2000) becomes a powerful agent in reconciling tradition with contemporary manufacturing via 3D printing. The authors are exploring the cultural foundations of the Mashrabiya in order to understand how these act as measurable parameters in the re-envisioning of the construction. This paper presents the background, relevant work, and the workflow for the first array of 3D-printed Mashrabiya, exploring their viability and re-insertion into architecture. Keywords: Mashrabiya, Culture, Craft, 3D Printing, Parametric Architecture, Heritage Conservation. I. Introduction aterial culturalism is defined by Grier (1996) as the study of a subject matter that takes in the ‘biosocial environment’ from cultural buildings and landscapes. These valuable Mcollections of artifacts reflect the lifestyles, interactions, environments and eras of people’s parents. Material culturists believe that the study of objects and artifacts and the circumstances in which they were made reveals unique perspectives and data that have not been well documented. Islamic Architecture is a rich cultural example with its delicate and geometrically advanced artifacts and production methods (Kaplan 2002). Analysis into historic archetypes, specifically Mashrabiya, can significantly influence the current and future design of architecture facade treatments that could comply with the harsh environmental conditions in the Middle East. John Fenny (1974) poetically describes the silken masks of the Mashrabiya as symbolizing the “legendary mystery of the Orient.” Within Eastern cultures, this architectural construction is a three-dimensional, carved wood lattice structure whose primary function is to control visual privacy as well as temperature and lighting in interior spaces (Samuels 2011). The Mashrabiya, as studied by Hassan Fathy (1986), represents an architectural screen that has five functional dimensions that are achieved through parametric variation in the material thickness and member density: controlling the passage of light, controlling the air flow, reducing the temperature of the air current, raising the humidity of the air current, and ensuring the privacy of the inhabitants within the Haramlak or Harim (women’s quarter) in the courtyard houses of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and other eastern countries (see Abdelgelil 2006; Almurahhem 2011). The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design Volume 10, Issue 2, 2016, www.designprinciplesandpractices.com, ISSN: 2325-1662 © Common Ground, Nehal Almerbati, Dustin Headley, Peter Ford, and Ahmad Taki, All Rights Reserved. Permissions: [email protected] THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTONIC, SPATIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Figure 1: The Craft of Mashrabiya Making Using Lathing Tools Source: http://qanzaman.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/blog-post_9979.html This vernacular architectural construction requires significant craftsmanship in developing the individually hand-turned parts that work together in the overall assembly (Figure 2). As these craftsmen have become more and more scarce, the architecture has continued to become a caricature, losing much of its cultural value and passive performative functions. The high cost
Recommended publications
  • THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY in CAIRO School of Humanities And
    1 THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO School of Humanities and Social Sciences Department of Arab and Islamic Civilizations Islamic Art and Architecture A thesis on the subject of Revival of Mamluk Architecture in the 19th & 20th centuries by Laila Kamal Marei under the supervision of Dr. Bernard O’Kane 2 Dedications and Acknowledgments I would like to dedicate this thesis for my late father; I hope I am making you proud. I am sure you would have enjoyed this field of study as much as I do. I would also like to dedicate this for my mother, whose endless support allowed me to pursue a field of study that I love. Thank you for listening to my complains and proofreads from day one. Thank you for your patience, understanding and endless love. I am forever, indebted to you. I would like to thank my family and friends whose interest in the field and questions pushed me to find out more. Aziz, my brother, thank you for your questions and criticism, they only pushed me to be better at something I love to do. Zeina, we will explore this world of architecture together some day, thank you for listening and asking questions that only pushed me forward I love you. Alya’a and the Friday morning tours, best mornings of my adult life. Iman, thank you for listening to me ranting and complaining when I thought I’d never finish, thank you for pushing me. Salma, with me every step of the way, thank you for encouraging me always. Adham abu-elenin, thank you for your time and photography.
    [Show full text]
  • The Traditional Arts and Crafts of Turnery Or Mashrabiya
    THE TRADITIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS OF TURNERY OR MASHRABIYA BY JEHAN MOHAMED A Capstone submitted to the Graduate School-Camden Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Master of Art Graduate Program in Liberal Studies Written under the direction of Dr. Martin Rosenberg And Approved by ______________________________ Dr. Martin Rosenberg Camden, New Jersey May 2015 CAPSTONE ABSTRACT The Traditional Arts and Crafts of Turnery or Mashrabiya By JEHAN MOHAMED Capstone Director: Dr. Martin Rosenberg For centuries, the mashrabiya as a traditional architectural element has been recognized and used by a broad spectrum of Muslim and non-Muslim nations. In addition to its aesthetic appeal and social component, the element was used to control natural ventilation and light. This paper will analyze the phenomenon of its use socially, historically, artistically and environmentally. The paper will investigate in depth the typology of the screen; how the different techniques, forms and designs affect the function of channeling direct sunlight, generating air flow, increasing humidity, and therefore, regulating or conditioning the internal climate of a space. Also, in relation to cultural values and social norms, one can ask how the craft functioned, and how certain characteristics of the mashrabiya were developed to meet various needs. Finally, the study of its construction will be considered in relation to artistic representation, abstract geometry, as well as other elements of its production. ii Table of Contents Abstract……………………………………………………………………….……….…..ii List of Illustrations………………………………………………………………………..iv Introduction……………………………………………….…………………………….…1 Chapter One: Background 1.1. Etymology………………….……………………………………….……………..3 1.2. Description……………………………………………………………………...…6 1.3.
    [Show full text]
  • The Fractal Shapes in Islamic Design & Its Effects on the Occupiers of The
    مجلة العمارة والفنون والعلوم اﻻنسانية – عدد خاص اكتوبر 2020 The Fractal shapes in Islamic design & its effects on the occupiers of the interior environment (case study: El Sultan Hassan mosque in Cairo) Assist. Prof. Dr. Doaa Ismail Ismail Attia Assistant Professor of Interior Design and Furniture, Faculty of Applied Art, Benha University, Benha, Egypt. [email protected] Abstract: The Islamic civilization are distinct for using the art of geometry in their creative designs. In the early Islamic period, designs used simple forms like square shape, gradually more geometrical transformations are applied such as; shapes subtraction, addition, subdivisions, branching and rotation. The aim of this study is to show that the fractal geometrical shape, with the feature “self-similarity, infinite number of iterations for shapes with reducing scale, in finite region ”is one of the most influential elements in the Islamic design and consequently has its beneficial effects on the occupiers of Islamic interior environment. This study analyzed the existence of fractal shapes in the Islamic design with finite number of iterations since the old centuries through analyzing El Sultan Hassan mosque in Cairo, Egypt (1356-1362) as a case study. The fractal shapes are used in the Islamic design of the walls, ceiling, doors, domes and floors. The study also suggested a new contemporary Islamic golden and non-golden fractal shapes with large number of iterations to be generated by using the computer technology that can be used in the interior design. The Islamic fractal design acts as a strong stimulus to the brain generating strong emotions in very short time.
    [Show full text]
  • The Evolving Transformation of Mashrabiya As a Traditional Middle Eastern Architecture Element
    International Journal of Civil & Environmental Engineering IJCEE-IJENS Vol: 17 No: 01 15 The Evolving Transformation of Mashrabiya as a Traditional Middle Eastern Architecture Element Reem Abdelkader, Jin-Ho Park Architecture Department, College of Engineering, Inha university, South Korea Abstract--- Buildings’ facade is considered as the skin and the eastern countries that suffer from hot weather climate, later it main component which covers the building and the only that has became a cultural component that reflects special eras through a direct contact with the outer climate. Not only the façade is history and an icon which provides local identity for each considered as a building’s cover component, but also it can be country. The Mashrabiya is a lattice screen that was used used as a sustainable technique for energy saving in present day within Middle Eastern desert architecture to regulate light, architecture. Approaching the 21st century, the world has heat, airflow, humidity and privacy. It was a highly-prized witnessed a dramatical change regarding architecture. New architecture expressions were introduced to face environment feature in these countries, not only because of its extraordinary global issues. Mashrabiya which was known as a wooden versatility and effectiveness at controlling the climate but also window screen largely tends to be a cultural expression of form because of its delicacy and beauty [2]. and solve environmental issues especially in hot arid climate, was reshaped and reintroduced in a different form to keep up with II. HISTORICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BACKGROUND OF the modern technologies. Also, Mashrabiya didn’t become MASHRABIYA limited to cover openings and windows, but also covering the Mashrabiya which was introduced in the middle east entire façade of the building.
    [Show full text]
  • The Fractal Shapes in Islamic Design & Its Effects on the Occupiers of The
    مجلة العمارة والفنون والعلوم اﻻنسانية – عدد خاص اكتوبر 2020 The Fractal shapes in Islamic design & its effects on the occupiers of the interior environment (case study: El Sultan Hassan mosque in Cairo) Assist. Prof. Dr. Doaa Ismail Ismail Attia Assistant Professor of Interior Design and Furniture, Faculty of Applied Art, Benha University, Benha, Egypt. [email protected] Abstract: The Islamic civilization are distinct for using the art of geometry in their creative designs. In the early Islamic period, designs used simple forms like square shape, gradually more geometrical transformations are applied such as; shapes subtraction, addition, subdivisions, branching and rotation. The aim of this study is to show that the fractal geometrical shape, with the feature “self-similarity, infinite number of iterations for shapes with reducing scale, in finite region ”is one of the most influential elements in the Islamic design and consequently has its beneficial effects on the occupiers of Islamic interior environment. This study analyzed the existence of fractal shapes in the Islamic design with finite number of iterations since the old centuries through analyzing El Sultan Hassan mosque in Cairo, Egypt (1356-1362) as a case study. The fractal shapes are used in the Islamic design of the walls, ceiling, doors, domes and floors. The study also suggested a new contemporary Islamic golden and non-golden fractal shapes with large number of iterations to be generated by using the computer technology that can be used in the interior design. The Islamic fractal design acts as a strong stimulus to the brain generating strong emotions in very short time.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Modern Architecture in the Living City of UAE: Incorporating Sustainable Design Into Covered Bazaar Buildings
    MATEC Web of Conferences 266, 06008 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/2019 26606008 IConBEE2018 Assessment of Modern Architecture in the Living City of UAE: Incorporating Sustainable Design into Covered Bazaar Buildings Mohamed El Amrousi1, and Feda Isam AbdulHafiz2* 1Department of Architecture, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 59911, UAE Abstract. In the UAE modern architecture is now considered part of early attempt of sustainable design and heritage of the living city that reflects good design practices, especially after the establishment of the Urban Planning Council and Estidama Guidelines. Madinat Zayed Gold Souk/bazaar still attracts many visitors because it represents a space of specialization, tt is also a representative of ‘modernism’ of 1970s Parallel examples such as the Central Market/Gold bazaar in Sharjah also manifest architectural attempts to create architecture within cultural and environmental contexts. Traditional wind towers known as Barjeel, vaults, domes and arcades borrowed from the broader spectrum of Islamic arts, recreated in concrete act as architectural containers of heritage and spaces of socio-cultural interaction accessible to all social groups. The aim of this research is to examine modern Arab ornament and its application on buildings in the downtowns of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. This research examines the environmental properties of the gold bazaars in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah using Formit architectural modelling software. This study outlines the importance of forms of representation of form and identity in rapidly developing Arab cities and proposes a number of solutions/designs to improve the facades, and to enhance the comfort in the building then offers scenarios to make these buildings more sustainable.
    [Show full text]
  • From Vernacular to Personalised and Sus-Tainable
    F. Madeo and M. A. Schnabel (eds.), Across: Architectural Research through to Practice: 48th Interna- tional Conference of the Architectural Science Association 2014, pp. 479–490. © 2014, The Architectural Science Association & Genova University Press. FROM VERNACULAR TO PERSONALISED AND SUS- TAINABLE The value of additively manufactured window screens in Middle Eastern dwellings NEHAL ALMERBATI, PETER FORD, AHMAD TAKI, and LI- ONEL DEAN De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom {p12046192, pbford, ahtaki, ldean}@dmu.ac.uk Abstract. The social and environmental role of closed oriental balco- nies (Mashrabiyas) remains a significant vernacular aspect of Middle Eastern architecture. However, changes in architectural style, social needs, and the high manufacturing cost of Mashrabiya materials and techniques, Bahraini houses lost their very distinctive window veils. The research aims to validate a new Mashrabiya product for 21st cen- tury Bahraini houses using new manufacturing technologies. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is now at the heart of evolutionary technologies. Contextual information drawn from relevant theory, ethnography and practice is used to form a methodological framework for the new AM Mashrabiya. Additionally, interviews with architects, manufacturers and residents are the methods used to define a new AM Mashrabiya prototype that is then functionally and economically compared to oth- er manufacturing techniques. Prototypes of new AM screens are de- veloped. The main results set boundaries for the viability of AM to produce Mashrabiya and promote a sustainable way of reviving their use within Middle Eastern dwellings. Keywords. Mashrabiya, additive manufacturing, innovative construc- tion, personalised products. 1. Introduction It is possible to use the traditional (vernacular) architectural elements of the Middle East for problem-solving design solutions in present-day architecture.
    [Show full text]
  • The Aesthetics of Islamic Architecture & the Exuberance of Mamluk Design
    The Aesthetics of Islamic Architecture & The Exuberance of Mamluk Design Tarek A. El-Akkad Dipòsit Legal: B. 17657-2013 ADVERTIMENT. La consulta d’aquesta tesi queda condicionada a l’acceptació de les següents condicions d'ús: La difusió d’aquesta tesi per mitjà del servei TDX (www.tesisenxarxa.net) ha estat autoritzada pels titulars dels drets de propietat intel·lectual únicament per a usos privats emmarcats en activitats d’investigació i docència. No s’autoritza la seva reproducció amb finalitats de lucre ni la seva difusió i posada a disposició des d’un lloc aliè al servei TDX. No s’autoritza la presentació del s eu contingut en una finestra o marc aliè a TDX (framing). Aquesta reserva de drets afecta tant al resum de presentació de la tesi com als seus continguts. En la utilització o cita de parts de la tesi és obligat indicar el nom de la persona autora. ADVERTENCIA. La consulta de esta tesis queda condicionada a la aceptación de las siguientes condiciones de uso: La difusión de esta tesis por medio del servicio TDR (www.tesisenred.net) ha sido autorizada por los titulares de los derechos de propiedad intelectual únicamente para usos privados enmarcados en actividades de investigación y docencia. No se autoriza su reproducción con finalidades de lucro ni su difusión y puesta a disposición desde un sitio ajeno al servicio TDR. No se autoriza la presentación de su contenido en una ventana o marco ajeno a TDR (framing). Esta reserva de derechos afecta tanto al resumen de presentación de la tesis como a sus contenidos.
    [Show full text]
  • Traditional Sustainable Architecture Techniques and Its Applications In
    World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Vol:13, No:5, 2019 Traditional Sustainable Architecture Techniques and Its Applications in Contemporary Architecture: Case Studies of the Islamic House in Fatimid Cairo and Sana'a, Cities in Egypt and Yemen Ahmed S. Attia United States Green Building Council (USGBC) founded, and Abstract—This paper includes a study of modern sustainable controlled the Leadership in Energy and Environmental architectural techniques and elements that are originally found in Standards (LEED) to encourage sustainable practices in design vernacular and traditional architecture, particularly in the Arab [2]. region. Courtyards, Wind Catchers, and Mashrabiya, for example, are elements that have been developed in contemporary architecture using modern technology to create sustainable architecture designs. II. ARCHITECTURE WITHIN THE ISLAMIC CONTEXT An analytical study of the topic will deal with some examples of the The term context in scientific context is more universal and Islamic House in Fatimid Cairo city in Egypt, analyzing its elements comprehensive than the function, technology and economic and their relationship to the environment, in addition to the examples aspects in order to reach the best use of the space. in southern Egypt (Nubba) of sustainable architecture systems, and traditional houses in Sana'a city, Yemen, using earth resources of The architecture theories are closer to the mechanical mud bricks and other construction materials. In conclusion, a context, while the term "context" includes social, economic comparative study between traditional and contemporary techniques and human needs. will be conducted to confirm that it is possible to achieve sustainable As an Islamic architecture which is paired to Islamic values, architecture through the use of low-technology in buildings in Arab and the formal values that are associated with local and regions.
    [Show full text]
  • The Elements of Local and Non-Local Mosque Architecture for Analysis of Mosque Architecture Changes in Indonesia
    The International Journal of Engineering and Science (IJES) || Volume || 7 || Issue || 12 Ver.I || Pages || PP 08-16 || 2018 || ISSN (e): 2319 – 1813 ISSN (p): 23-19 – 1805 The Elements of Local and Non-Local Mosque Architecture for Analysis of Mosque Architecture Changes in Indonesia Budiono Sutarjo1, Endang Titi Sunarti Darjosanjoto2, Muhammad Faqih2 1Student of Doctoral Program, Department of Architecture, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia 2Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia Corresponding Author : Budiono Sutarjo --------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT---------------------------------------------------------- The mosque architecture that deserves to use as a starting point in the analysis of architectural changes in Indonesian mosques is the Wali mosque as an early generation mosque in Indonesia. As a reference, the architectural element characteristic of Wali mosque (local mosque) needs to be known, so that this paper aims to find a description of a local mosque (Wali mosque), and also description of architectural elements of non- local mosques (mosques with foreign cultural context) because one of the causes of changes in mosque architecture is cultural factors. The findings of this paper are expected to be input for further studies on the details of physical changes in the architectural elements of mosques in Indonesia. The study subjects taken were 6 Wali mosques that were widely known by the Indonesian Muslim community as Wali mosques and 6 non-local mosques that were very well known and frequently visited by Indonesian Muslim communities. Data obtained from literature studies, interviews and observations. The analysis is done by sketching from visual data, critiquing data, making interpretations, making comparisons and compiling the chronology of the findings.
    [Show full text]
  • Islamic Architectural Heritage: Mashrabiya
    Islamic Heritage Architecture and Art II 245 ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: MASHRABIYA AYMAN FATHY ASHOUR University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates ABSTRACT Islamic architectural heritage is often distinct in its construction and designation. Its elements were designed to respond effectively and dynamically to the psychological, physical, social, environmental, and religious requirements of the time and place in which they appear. The present article discusses Islamic architecture, demonstrating that the elements of Islamic architectural heritage were created under a number of psychological, social, environmental, and religious forces and constraints. The paper then explores the individual forces and constraints that shaped one traditional Islamic architectural element called “mashrabiya,” a type of oriel window enclosed in carved wooden latticework. The mashrabiya has been a popular feature of traditional Arabic and Islamic architecture since the Middle Ages, appearing in the built environment all the way up to the mid-20th century. Keywords: Islamic architecture, Islamic heritage, Islamic design, mashrabiya. 1 INTRODUCTION The convergence of ideas of Islamic heritage have been regarded as a testing site for development, in which distinct perspectives, orders, sources, and investigative strategies shape both the subject of study and the procedure of defining heritage [1]. The article does not intend to expand the definition of “Islamic heritage” nor assert what makes an element “Islamic”; rather, the paper recognizes that Islamic heritage is a system of classification that is regularly integrated into the built environment and circulated throughout the Islamic world as a distinctly identifiable concept [2]. Thus, this article does not explore Islamic heritage from a theological position. While many definitions have been proposed for “heritage,” the concept is best comprehended as “a contemporary item molded from history” due to its tendency to center the present era during its development [3].
    [Show full text]
  • Mashrabiyacontemporary Design Cultural Anchor and Environmental
    IMPACT: International Journal of Research in Engineering & Technology ISSN(P): 2347–4599; ISSN(E): 2321–8843 Vol. 8, Issue 1, Jan 2020, 1–12 © Impact Journals MASHRABIYA CONTEMPORARY DESIGN: CULTURAL ANCHOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE Khalid Eljaouhari 1, Larbi Amhamdi 2 & Larbi Bouayad 3 1Research Scholar, Center of Doctoral Studies, National School of Architecture of Rabat, Morocco 2, 3 Professor, National School of Architecture of Rabat, Morocco Received: 03 Jan 2020 Accepted: 08 Jan 2020 Published: 25 Jan 2020 ABSTRACT Facing the challenges of globalization and sustainability, some architects claim inspiration from traditional crafts in search of regional specificities and environmental performance. This article proposes to invest this practice, trying to understand factors of its emergence. And that, through the study of Mashrabiya which was renewed and interpreted in contemporary projects as ornamental skin of building, claiming to provide a local identity and intelligent climate control. This paper will focus on the concept of Mashrabiya, analyzing its contemporary features in comparison with the traditional ones, evaluating its contributions in contemporary project. Seminars, focus groups, and interviews were conducted to build a comprehensive background supporting the purposeof this study. This article is a modest scientific contribution to understand this trend and find some answers to the critical questions raised by adopting this design approach that resides in transcribing traditional elements in contemporary contexts. KEYWORDS: Design, Crafts, Mashrabiya, Interpretation, Context Anchor, Traditional, Contemporary INTRODUCTION In recent years, issues of local specificity and the search for alternatives to the global standardization of architecture and culture led architects to seek solutions in combining contemporary design concepts and engineering methods with traditional crafts.
    [Show full text]