Islamic Architectural Heritage: Mashrabiya, from Tradition to Innovation

Research & Reviews: Journal of Architectural Designing Volume 3 Issue 1

Ar.Balpreet Singh Madan1*, Ar.Shubhangi Saxena2 1Department of Design, School of Architecture and Planning, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India. 2University School of Architecture and Planning (GGSIPU), New Delhi, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail Id:[email protected]

ABSTRACT Islamic Architectural Heritage is unique and distinctive in its own way according to the chronology attached to it. The features of Islamic Architecture were designed to support all major aspects starting from psychological, environmental, social and religious demands catering to all the requirements of that era. The facade of a building acts as its identity as it is the most prominent element that is observed and connects the building with the surroundings and is also considered as climatic responsive systems which not only add aesthetics, but also save energy by maintaining the temperature inside the building. Presently, the concept of Mashrabiya is being incorporated in building design as one of the most prominent feature of the tall buildings of the Gulf region giving them an extra-ordinary outlook while preventing constant penetration of solar radiations. Mashrabiya has been reshaped and reintroduced in terms of its materiality, scale and utility. The study explores transformation of Mashrabiya from a heritage feature of ornamentation to a climate responsive façade system against harsh desert sun of the Middle East, which contributes to substantial amount of energy saving.

Keywords:-Climate responsive, dynamic screens, geometric patterns, islamic architecture, mashrabiya, sun-shading device, lattice screen

INTRODUCTION AND facing the street, as it can be seen in figure BACKGROUND 1. It may also be incorporated within the Mashrabiya, also known as ‘shanshul’ or building on the internal facade, usually ‘rushan’, is a variety of projecting oriel facing the courtyard. This style is windows composed of wooden informally known as harem window in latticework, usually found in a traditional English. It was commonly used in building. It is an element of traditional houses and palaces along with some of Arabic architecture which has been in the public buildings like hospitals, inns, existence since the middle ages untilmid- schools and government buildings. These 20th century. Mashrabiya is usually seen are found mostly in Mashriq which lies in on the external facade of the building, the eastern part of the Arab World. [1]

Fig.1:-Example of an Islamic style Mashrabiya in Cairo from the late 19th century.(https://levihammett.com/The-People-s-Mashrabiya)

Mashrabiya, which has its origin and Syria. [2] existence in the Middle east, comes from an Arabic word “Sharab” which literally The earliest fact of Mashrabiya dates back means “To drink”, the reason because of to 12th Century during the Abbasid which its existence was referred to the period in Baghdad. Some of the examples place where one can drink water from a of Mashrabiyas are 300 to 400 years old. clay pot, later on, gradually developed to [1] be a cooling object, which combines wooden lattice panels with Nowadays, this traditional Islamic accommodating clay pot in order to keep window element with its attribute of the water cool. However, another latticework is used to cover whole building assumption claimed that the word as an oriental adornment, which is Mashrabiya was derived from the word providing limited identity and acts as a “Mashrafiya” which means “To observe” sun shading device used for cooling. Over in Arabic as people can see through it, the time, this vernacular wooden though there is no certain evidence to construction is also transformed into ultra- prove how the term Mashrabiya was modern receptive daylight systems. [3] originally derived from. [2] JUSTIFICATION AND PROBLEM According to various regions, Mashrabiya STATEMENT is also known under different terms. For ‘Mashrabiya’is one of the elementary example, it is known as Mashrabiya in features of Islamic Architecture, which Egypt and North Africa, Rawshan which is has attained a distinct image in the present common in the kingdom of Hejaz “Saudi world. The application of Mashrabiya has Arabia” and that term derived from the mainly been associated with the façade Persian word “Rawzan” which means that also gives an identity to the building. window. Furthermore, it is known for The image of Mashrabiya has been “Shanashil” in Iraq and “Kushk”, Turkish changing with time, from a traditional term which means pavilion, in Turkey and patterned window screen to an innovative

climate responsive shading device. In iconic buildings incorporating it as a some of the cases, it has further been prominent component of Architecture and enhanced and used as a prominent feature Energy conversation. The buildings of the covering entire exterior of the building. Middle Eastern countries demonstrate This paper explains the role of Mashrabiya tremendously, the function of Mashrabiya, that has evolved over the years to one of emphasizing on its functionality as an the most essential components of the energy conservation tool along with building facade which can reduce the preserving the Arab-Islamic heritage. This consumption of energy while adding to the paper, therefore, emphasizes on the study iconicity by inculcating a distinct image in of some of the recent iconic buildings the overall outlook. Many Architects have which have been constructed in the Middle designed number of buildings globally, East demonstrating the remarkable connect which consume tremendous amount of between the culture and technology. energy, majorly due to the air- conditioning loads, which has resulted in MASHRABIYA IN ARID REGION over-exploitation of natural resources. Mashrabiya and arid regions are closely Realizing the significance of energy linked with each other. Due to extreme conservation, the focus has been shifted to heating conditions in the desert, identify the strategies to reduce energy maintaining comfortable temperature was consumption which necessitated the a challenge in earlier times, due to construction of energy efficient buildings which, it was necessary to construct with without compromising on the aesthetics. In suitable construction techniques and the countries of arid region, where climatic materials that could keep the inside conditions are extreme with harsh sunlight, temperature lower. The most common it becomes extremely important to reduce material to serve the purpose was mud the air-conditioning loads of a building. that absorbs heat during daytime and This paper emphasizes on the contribution prevents them from reaching rooms. of Mashrabiya as a prominent shading Thick walls of mud release the absorbed device which can significantly, bring down heat throughout night, as the deserts areas the consumption of energy, while cool down much faster during the night making the building extraordinarily time. To provide for ventilation in these attractive. mud walls, small perforations were created for convenient air flow, while METHODOLOGY blocking the heat. High ceilings used to Mashrabiya is a major component of maintain the inside temperature by Islamic culture and Architecture, deep- removing hot air outside from the top. [1] rooted in the ancient era, which makes it important to understand its historical These openings in the walls were not background and origin. This paper sufficient to allow appropriate light in the reviews some of the old and existing rooms that resulted in darker spaces buildings worldwide, especially the imparting a sense of disconnection from buildings of Islamic origin which have the surroundings. Mashrabiya was incorporated Mashrabiya as a major design incorporated as a solution to these feature, to understand its commencement problems, which prevents direct sunlight, and evolution. without blocking the view allows The integration of Mashrabiya in the sufficient air flow, maintains comfortable buildings has evolved greatly with the temperature inside and reduces the solar advancement of technology, which has heat gain inside. The grandeur of this resulted in the development of numerous spectacular Islamic Architecture element

lies in its amalgamation of its function Mashrabiya started to thrive during with its aesthetics and social values Tulunid period (868-905) where they associated with it. Without compromising utilized a lot of wood in their structures, the privacy of architectural spaces behind and Arab makers profited toward the start these screens, Mashrabiya also contributes of the business, from the experience of the to the aesthetics to the streets overlooking Copts, who were astounding carpenters. the windows. [1] The development of this development kept during the Abbasid time (750-1258), HISTORY OF MASHRABIYA particularly during the hour of the Mashrabiya is the remarkable window that Ayyubid (1171-1250). From that point, overlooks the street or the courtyard of during the Mamluk time (1250-1517) the classic Arab houses. Before, Mashrabiya Mashrabiya business developed and was the name given to space which is prospered imaginatively. The security encased with wooden grid openings where necessity was a fundamental belief of containers of drinking water were put to the Islamic religion, so the Mashrabiya cool (Fathy, 1986). Afterward, the name had boundless fame since the Mashrabiya was just given to the grid beginning, particularly during the Islamic screen which is made of wooden balusters Ottoman period (1517-c1805) and it with a round segment as an ideal condition likewise proceeded with later in different to give smoother wind stream which adds Arab districts, assisting with enhancing the to the dissipation factor. This screen was lanes, by giving it a wonderful creative totally hand-made and the plan of the character (Maspero, 1974). [5] balusters was shifted in various imaginative manners. [4] Mashrabiya spread to the urban communities of Syria, Arabian Gulf, The word Mashrabiya originated from an Lebanon, Sudan, Iraq and in the Maghreb Arab root meaning a spot where the nations, just as to India, Pakistan, Iran and containers of drinking water were being Spain. Furthermore, the spread of it in put to cool, and Mashraba is the noun form these nations concurred with the of a verb in Arabic "yashrab " signifying Egyptian time frames, yet the Egyptian "drink". [4] Mashrabiya remained the most well- known and expert form (Dayyob, 2001). The historical backdrop of Mashrabiya is [6] going back to the period when Arabs entered to Egypt, however when it Moreover, Egypt despite everything jelly previously got utilized specifically, it is the legacy of Mashrabiyas, perhaps hard to pinpoint as a result of the ever- because of the pay created by the travel advancing nature of engineering. [4] industry, just as to the Maghreb nations, Pakistan, India and Spain do. While then The British architectural historian author again, there are a few nations which Briggs theorized (1974) that the disregard the Mashrabiya legacy, for birthplaces of Mashrabiya could be found instance: Saudi Arabia, and a few nations in the Coptic places of worship in Egypt. which have lost their important legacy In a definite clarification by the French because of wars, similar to Syria and Iraq. Egyptologist Maspero (1914), (Manual of [7] Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to the Study of Antiquities in Egypt) he talks The regular conventional spots of about the procedure of the improvement Mashrabiya were as façades of customary of Mashrabiya and he brings up that the houses, or in mosques, tombs, offices and

caravansaries. Additionally, it was utilized functional impacts (Akbar, 1994).[8] as parcel in inside plan between rooms to Some Examples of Mashrabiya of build ventilation from more than one side Historical Era: of the house (Feeny,1974). [7] Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain is a complex In the mid 20'th century Mashrabiya began of medieval and Renaissance residential to decrease being used because of palaces and courtyards wrapped within a numerous elements. For instance, the fortress — a 13th century alcazaba or consequence of careless modernization, walled city within sight of Spain's Sierra the development of globalization, and the Nevada mountain range. [9] surrender of vernacular conventions. Simultaneous with this was a changing The clerestory windows, on the wall monetary structure, which was conceived reflect the features of Gothic cathedral. of the mechanical upheaval that made little Although not extended as oriel windows, art-based assembling repetitive. In this the mashrabiya lattice is functional and way, the explanations behind the decrease decorative, bringing Moorish beauty to in the utilization of the Mashrabiya are windows that have been associated with twofold: because of both social and Christian churches. [9]

Fig.2:-Mashrabiya in Alhambra palace in Granada, pain (https://in.pinterest.com/pin/40391727880174170/)

Fig.3:-MashrabiyainHashtBehesht palace in Isfahan, Iran (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/19097236223/in/photostream/)

Fig.4:-Al-Wazir Street, Cairo, 19th Century, Cairo, Old Egypt (https://in.pinterest.com/pin/551339179359580615/)

Bayt al-suhaymi, Cairo, Egypt the middle of Khan El Khalili, one of the House of Suhaymi, is an old Ottoman era oldest parts of Cairo, as it is the perfect house museum in Islamic Cairo, Egypt. example of Islamic and Ottoman style Bayt Al- Suhaymi was built in 1648 by architecture. [10] Abdel Wahab el Tablawy. It is located in

Fig.5:-Mashrabiya windows - Bayt Al-Suhaymi (http://www.ehabweb.net/bayt-al-suhaymi/#.XnN4hUAzbIU)

Fig.6:-Mashrabiya in Faraj Ibn BerkukMosque, Fig.7:-Mashrabiya in a House, Cairo,Egypt) Cairo,Egypt in the 1920 (https://medinanet.org) (https://tr.pinterest.com/eee7aaa/h-i-s-t-o-r-y/)

Fig.8:-Mashrabiya in Old Jeddah, Saudi Fig.9:-Boutique hotel in the Jewish Arabia quarter in Damascus' old city, (https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/29639321921 Syria(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/40 9173659/) 3142604115390565/)

Evolution of Mashrabiya Al Bahr towers, Abu Dhabi, United Arab The concept of Mashrabiya has been Emirates evolving from time to time in terms of its One such building example from Middle appearance, aesthetics and functionality. East, is the Al bahr towers in the United From a traditional Arab-Islamic building Arab Emirates (UAE). Located at the sea design feature; integration and purpose of shore in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of Mashrabiya has been taking varied UAE, the set of two towers aimed at shapes. With the changing scenario, it highlighting the Architectural heritage of has also evolved to a large extent from an the region along with maintaining its oriel window to a highly innovative corporate image [11]. One of the climate responsive facade system of a requirements of the design was to erect a skyscraper and a large span self- sustainable building, considering the supporting lattice structure. extreme climatic conditions of Abu Dhabi, especially in summers, when it is too In the present scenario, the availability of sunny with the temperature going up to 49 advanced technology and better resources degrees with humidity as high as 100 has made it much faster and more percent. convenient to design buildings which are more capable of confronting the environmental challenges. Technological advancements have also altered the role of Mashrabiya from traditional perforated screens to high-tech climate responsive shading device, even for the skyscrapers. These devices can adjust themselves according to the requirement and climatic conditions. Most of the buildings worldwide, especially in the Middle East, are being designed incorporating the highly technological systems that can contribute greatly to the environment by reducing energy consumption.

Fig.10:-Al Bahr Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE, (https://www.ahr.co.uk/Al-Bahr-Towers)

The towers reflect the concept of substantially in the reduction of energy Masharabiya combined with the modern consumption [12]. technology providing automated dynamic solar screens. The facade of this climate All the Mashrabiya units, totaling to 1049 responsive building prevents its users in count for each tower, have been from extreme solar radiation and lowers conceived as unitized systems that are the glare without obstructing the cantilevering out of the primary structure beautiful view, yet ensuring the privacy. about 2800 millimeters. The shading The towers are enveloped with the weather system consists of a stainless steel support tight glass curtain wall, comprising of and folding members made of 4200 mm high floor to floor high unitized Aluminium and fibre glass mesh fill panels [13]. The moving joints separate comprises of stretched the curtain wall from the dynamic shading Polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) penal system, which comprises of triangulated [11]. These Mashrabiya shading devices umbrella like panels which unfold at are controlled by sun-tracking software different angles to block the direct and are driven by actuators that make them sunlight. These umbrella-like components respond in accordance with the movement are semi-transparent and contribute of the sun.

Fig.11:-Al Bahr Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE, (https://www.ahr.co.uk/Al-Bahr-Towers)

The overall appearance of the building is The estimated reduction in the solar heat like a massive cylinder which takes it gain ranges from 20 to 50 percent along form from the watch towers of the Al- with the substantial reduction in the Jahili fort, located in Al-Ain, with cooling loads by 25 percent. The unique traditional dynamic Mashrabiya like dynamic umbrella like facade of the structure that highlights the legacy of building contributed greatly in making it Islamic Architecture and responds to the sustainable and energy efficient with an climatic conditions, making it a overall saving of 40 percent of carbon sustainable building. emissions. [16].

Louvre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emriates

Fig.12:-Louvre, Abu Dhabi, UAE, (https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/about-us/architecture)

Louvre, Abu Dhabi is another example, Jean Nouvel, Louvre is constructed in the which reintroduces the traditional Islamic Persian Gulf, surround by water [14]. The Architectural features in the form of the design consists of a composition of white highly creative design and advanced cube-like blocks arranged together to form structure. It is part of the Abu Dhabi’s series of passages, eventually connecting shorefront gentrification plan along with to the main vista of the waterfront. provision of cultural spaces. Designed by

Fig.13:-Louvre, Abu Dhabi, UAE, (https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/about-us/architecture)

The floating dome light to penetrate a large gathering space Louvre redefines Mashrabiya in the form beneath it [15]. of its large span perforated steel dome which creates an interesting and attractive The perforated steel dome on top acts as a interplay of light, shade and shadow. The floating roof and the most prominent silvery dome is the key feature of element which unites the entire design Louvre, Abu dhabi, which is a by connecting the white cubical multifaceted, geometric structure structures and combining them as a consisting of 7,850 stars, which are single space under one main roof (dome). repeated at different angles and With the movement of the sun, the natural dimensions through eight segregated light, when passes through this screen layers. The 180 meter span iconic dome provides the shower of abstract forms weighing 7,500 tonnes (similar to that of below which creates a delightful effect Eiffel tower, Paris) creates a textured making the entire space more lively and collection of abstract forms which permits active.

Fig.14:-Louvre, Abu Dhabi, UAE, (https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/about-us/architecture)

The dome ties together the smaller spaces Doha Tower, Doha, Qatar formed due to the placement of the blocks Doha tower, also known as Burj Doha, is and provide a larger space. It acts as a an iconic building located at the water shading screen which not only blocks the front of the city overlooking the Persian direct sun but allows a filtered light to Gulf. The tower forms one of the penetrate through its start-shaped prominent components of the skyline, as it interlocking screens giving it an is located at the waterfront and can be appearance of a highly decorated screen of singled out without difficulty among rest Mashrabiya, which is a traditional and of the buildings due to its unique facade very valuable component of Arab- Islamic and distinct outlook. The 238 meters Architecture. It is incorporated high tower is majorly used as office space prominently in almost all the imperative including restaurant and some luxury buildings of Arabic region irrespective of residence. Having an off-centred core, the the height and span of the structure. The intersecting columns of the building are in dome provides a shade to the connecting dia-grid form, placed inwards adjacent to spaces of the galleries which allows the curtain wall, which ensures continuous natural cooling by lowering the facade treatment without compromising on temperature and reducing the consumption the structural stability. This makes it the of energy. first skyscraper having a dia-grid structure

on the internal side. tower, forming a full-span dome at the top which makes it stand out against all The unique exterior skin of Burj Doha other buildings in the close vicinity. The evokes the traditional Arabic-Islamic texture of the facade screen mainly concept of Mashrabiya, in the form of consists of a single geometric motif which artistically patterned external screen made has been repeated at different scales of stainless steel. The ornated perforated spread across the entire facade. facade screen covers entire height of the

Fig.15:-Doha Tower, Doha, Qatar, (https://www.akdn.org/architecture/project/doha-tower)

The Mashrabiya screen is the most the directions. The screen is considerably prominent feature of Doha tower, which denser, making it more opaque, on the plays a vital role in bringing down the sides which are more exposed to the temperature inside the building by shading direct sunlight, yet offering good views to the building from harsh desert sun, thus, its occupants. The eastern and western reducing the heat gain. The density of faces account for 60 percent of opacity, the screen pattern, which is made up of while, 25 percent and 40 percent opacity multiple layers of Aluminium, varies in was placed on the north and south side accordance with the solar conditions on all respectively [16]

Fig.16:-Doha Tower, Doha, Qatar, (https://thetowerinfo.com/buildings-list/doha-tower/)

It is estimated that the shading screen Habitat (CTBUH) awarded the building reduced the cooling loads by 20 percent. with CTBUH skyscraper award for its The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban excellence in the year 2012 [17]. The

Mashrabiya further prevents the view of few decades, it has transformed any activities of the occupants from being completely in terms of its functionality seen from outside, thus, ensuring the from a traditional window screen, to a privacy, as it used to be done in older highly advanced facade system acting as a buildings. The Mashrabiya facade of Doha potential shading screen for the entire tower makes an extraordinary appearance high-rise, making it energy efficient. It has at night time, having an integrated also made tremendous development in its programable lighting system which materiality and ability to create self- further enhances the facade screen, even at supporting structure. In the examples night time [18]. discussed above, Mashrabiya has been incorporated as a complete building RESEARCH OUTCOME envelope, which is made of metal – steel The outcome of the study of iconic and aluminium – imparting greater buildings includes that Mashrabiya is not strength to self support entire facade of a just an aesthetical feature that reflects tall building and a large span dome. Islamic culture and tradition, it also plays a vital role in the functioning of the building Importantly, Mashrabiya has maintained by reducing the consumption of energy the essence of ancient Arab-Islamic through its perforated and highly tradition and culture, even in the present decorated pattern which provides shading post-modern era. The perforated screen to the building from harsh sunlight and highlights the age old patterns of Islamic glare, thereby minimizing the solar gain. Architecture. It can be further concluded Louvre, Abu dhabi, has integrated that the development and use of Mashrabiya in the form of massive dome Mashrabiya in its varied forms, at such a acting as a perforated floating screen large scale, can be majorly seen in the providing shade to the entire complex Middle Eastern countries; however, allowing the light to penetrate to form Islamic Architecture has been deep-rooted attractive pattern beneath, naturally. in many other parts of the world. Similarly, Doha tower, Qatar, illustrates Mashrabiya as a self-supporting facade FUTURE RESEARCH which acts as a vast shading device With more research, advanced technology designed in accordance with the and innovative materials, there is a lot of movement of the sun, thereby, filtering scope of outstanding developments direct sunlight and reducing the inside incorporating Mashrabiya along with other temperature, creating more convenient sustainable design principles, in the spaces inside. Furthermore, the Al Bahr construction of future developments in our towers, Abu Dhabi, have integrated the country. In the present era of dynamics concept of Mashrabiya in an extremely and technological advancements, sophisticated manner incorporating Mashrabiya can greatly contribute to the computer aided dynamics based on exceptionally attractive and climate direction of sunlight. responsive buildings. Further research can be carried out in examining the CONCLUSION Mashrabiya as a major structural Mashrabiya is a vital Architectural feature component of a building. that contributes greatly in bringing down the energy consumption of a building by REFERENCES reducing the solar gain, cooling the 1. https://www.hisour.com/mashrabiya inside spaces of the building and -31940/ maintaining sufficient air flow. In the past 2. Ficarelli, L. (2009, May). The

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