Contemporary Islamic Architecture Assig.

1: Architecture Quotes Karim Reda 173775

ASE4632 Nadine Mohamed 170861

“Beauty is the harmony of purpose and form” - Alvar Aalto

-Design needs to be taken as a whole not just the form or not just the purpose.

Mihrab of El Sultan Hassan mosque,

Cairo, Egypt

Mihrab is one of the mosque elements, this meaningful architectural Islamic

element combined both form and function. It is a niche in the wall varies in size
and usually decorated with ornamental detail that can be geometric designs,
linear patterns, or calligraphy and it is made of wood, marble, mosaic, stone or
tiles (form). It indicates the direction for prayers “qiblah”, locates the imam
at prayer and functions acoustically as it helps to assemble and amplify the
imam's voice, so it serves as an important focal point in the mosque (function).

References:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/434104851563693761/
https://www.jstor.org/stable/164202?seq=1
Contemporary Islamic Architecture Assig.1: Architecture Quotes Karim Reda 173775
ASE4632 Nadine Mohamed 170861

Mashrabiya in Islamic architecture

Mashrabiya is that part that protrudes from the walls of buildings that overlook
the street or the middle courtyard of Islamic houses, and this part is based on
corbels and outriggers of stone or wood connecting the protruding part of the
building, while covering the three vertical sides of this prominent part with fillings
of wood turning, made of conical spindles, finely made and assembled in an
artistic way, so that their assembly results in geometric and botanical motifs or
arabic writings.
Rather than its beautiful shape it is a very important element in Islamic
architecture. It controls the temperature in both summer and winter, allows sun
light to pass, adjusts the flow of air, increases air flow humidity, and provides
privacy.

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashrabiya
 Karim Reda 173775
Mosul's Al Nouri Complex Nadine Mohamed 170861
Taha Ahmed 173425
According to the 7 principles of Islamic Architecture

1.Unity 2.Functionality 3.Pursuit of knowledge

Keywords: One belief - unifying resources – cultural interaction – Islamic The complex as a whole: • Researches done to respond to the needs of the muslim community in Mousl
architecture • 5 entrances to the complex by adapting the previous techniques:
• hierarchy and articulation of the space Shading units in the plaza are inspired by that of the El Nabawi mosque in
Recited from holy quran: “…..and made you peoples and tribes that you may know • defined outdoor spaces using arcades, Seoudi Arabia
one another….” landscape, water features
• higher institute art and architecture -
The complex as a whole: ( People unity ) community center – museum - school
Aim to revive soul of Mousl after the
separation happened due to different The mosque:
religion, beliefs and ideologies, so it’s a The simple plan of the mosque is distinguished by its circulation flow:
place for all people gathering not just • clear path leading from the public context into the mosque
muslims. • a semi public space surrounded by an arcade, 2 masses and the wall of the main
-Plaza in front of the mosque plaza for prayer hall
Shading units in El Nouri Complex Canopies in El Nabawi mosque in Seoudi Arabia
welcoming people to go to the complex not
• the main prayer hall covered by a
just the mosque.
-Each 2 classrooms open on a courtyard so
dome • Spaces for knowledge: community center, school, library and museum
• women and VIP prayers area with
if the wall is opened common outdoor
activity will occur
their own entrances. 6.Identity & diversity
• main courtyard in front of the
-same grid and form • Reconstructing the mosque with its preserved design and adding some enhances
Prayer Hall with the expansion
area • same material of the minaret applied on the new buildings (visual memory)
The mosque: ( Muslims unity )
• other common components of the  Identity:  Diversity:
The mosque’s unity is vivid in the space where Muslims are unified,
mosque plan: minaret , mihrab • The new elevations looking like the old ones. • Modern design
border-less community transcends race, rank & wealth to perform
and minber • The elevations looking like typical Iraqi (not full of decorations)
their prayers to one god facing one direction.

4.Creativity 5.Professionalism
Mosque -Respect:
Reconstructing the mosque with its preserved design and adding some enhances • Visual memory of the mosque ( simple form – simple decorative details )
according to the required functions. • Architecture in Mosul: the buildings are looking inward on its Inner courtyards with Mosque before reconstruction
Mosque after reconstruction
• Portico is protruded outwards 11 m from the prayer hall for a semi out door openings on the courtyard, buildings of the complex applied this also
space(summer praying area) -Procedures The design followed a well defined procedure
• Adding 2 masses on the right and left sides (VIP and women prayer hall) • Design Strategy: The reconstruction is not solely for the valued mosque, it is primarily 7.Sustainability
School for the people and the city
• Design Program: Mosque , Higher institute of art, school, museum and administration Climate Responsive using Passive design
• Minaret Al-Hadba the tallest in Iraq (45m)
and added community center techniques
• In the school between every 2 classes there is a court that can be used in joining
them. • Design Concept: preserving the visual memory of the place with some enhances  Shading units in the plaza for shading and
• Detailed Design: detailed drawings for the complex collecting water during raining
-Regulations
 Solar panels above Multi-purposed hall
• Integration with urban context • Integration with the 3 old historical
 Opened courtyards for lighting and to
buildings in the site (placing the required
blocks and areas in a manner that respects, enhance indoor quality
contains and enhances the old buildings and  Water features in plaza for Evaporative
reuse this building in various functions) cooling
 Using local materials

 Enhancing daylight and sun exposure in

prayer hall : using modular prismatic
roof units with distributed north oriented
small glazed openings and shading added
between double glazed windows (south –
Enhances in the mosque El Hadba Minaret
• Privacy concerns: Separation between women and men in different spaces like east – west)
entrances of prayer halls of men and women
 Contemporary Islamic Architecture
• Is it a Style?
• What made it so influential?
Al-Bahr Tower AUC New Campus
The center is the geometrical
Centrality point and origin from which
the components of any shape
or building is generated

Verticality The building trials to be

connected to the sky

The building is
Horizontality connected to the
ground. The building
is shaped and
articulated
Using mashrabya for privacy, sun protection, and allowing cool air
flow.
Malkafs of roof to capture prevailing wind and circulate fresh air.
• What is significant about Islamic architecture? Shukshaykhas to remove hot air.
3 feet thick walls for insulation.
Islamic architecture was adapted smartly to fit the necessities and concepts of 'Islam', the culture, World largest dynamic façade Green areas inside and outside in eastern and northern for
characters and traditions of the region it stepped foot in it. Example of Its principles and philosophies; Using the concept of mashrabia with high-technology filtration.
Water areas for natural cooling.
Respect environment Respect people’s needs and privacy

• Interior courtyards • the indirect refracted entrance • Why it had a strong impact & a wide spreading?
• Mashrabya • division of dwelling into two main
parts Salamlek and haremlek Flexibility of style
• Malqaf For achieving the the that helps in
• Domes and vaults • Mashrabya communities needs
• Interior courtyard contacting other
• Type of building materials like privacy ventilation cultures
etc.

Adaptation with
modern technology
and sustainability
together.

• Why it reached the scale of cities and planning?

The concepts of the plans Establish of markets and
was delivered from the shops away from
geometric Islamic forms residential area

Nadine Mohamed 170861

Karim Reda 173775
Hossam Mohamed 180359
Taha Ahmed 173425
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 CIA Excellence
The #1 Islamic architecture magazine

Traditional Mashrabiya- Page 5

•Contemporary Mashrabya- - Page 8

And Yet Another Story Title – Page 13

Authors
Esraa Mahmoud
Karim Reda
Nadine Mohamed
Taha Ahmed

Editors
Dr Doaa Esmat
Dr Alaa Abd El Latif

Mashrabiya
Understanding its form, function and different interpretation methods Issue #1, June 2021
• From the Authors
Dear Readers,
Here at CIA magazine, our goal is to educate the Authors
Esraa Mahmoud
03 TRADITIONAL MASHRABYA
// Understanding the form & function of traditional mashrabiya

10
general population on the ins and outs of Islamic
Karim Reda
architecture. Nadine Mohamed CONTEMPORARY MASHRABYA
Taha Ahmed // Understanding the form & function of contemporary mashrabiya
In this issue, the focus is on the Mashrabiya.
Editors

23
Architects re-focused on the study of its concept
and functions to get the most beneficial
Dr Doaa Esmat OTHER INTERPENTATIONS
Dr Alaa Abd El Latif // Misnaming and disregarding the mashrbiya
application of it. There are different projects
Photography

26
benefited from the Mashrabiya in various
methods. This is what we are going to present in Google Images
REFERENCES
the following pages.
Enjoy!
Traditional
Mashrabiya
Understanding the origin of the mashrabiya, its
function and form
Introduction
The delicate mashrabiya has offered effective protection against intense
sunlight in the Middle East for several centuries. However, nowadays this
traditional Islamic window element with its characteristic latticework is used
to cover entire buildings as an oriental ornament, providing local identity
and a sun-shading device for cooling. nowadays this traditional Islamic
window element with its characteristic latticework is used to cover entire
buildings as an oriental ornament, providing local identity and a sun-shading
device for cooling.
Form
the lattice screen which is made of wooden balusters with a circular
section as a perfect condition to provide smoother airflow which
contributes to the evaporation factor.
prominent window that overlooks the street or the courtyard of
traditional Arab houses. In the past, Mashrabiya was the name given to
space which is enclosed with wooden lattice openings where jars of
drinking water were put to cool
Function
The privacy requirement was a core value of the Islamic religion, so
the Mashrabiya had widespread popularity throughout history
it was used as partition in interior design between rooms to increase
ventilation from more than one side of the house
adjustment of lighting, humidity and air flow control, reducing the
heat, and playing an essential role in securing privacy
able to control when and how much direct daylight could enter the
building during summer or winter
allows ambient light to pass through spaces without letting in direct
sunlight. it doesn't raise the temperature of the room, but it causes
an optical inconvenience. ensure air circulation inside the building, air
is pulled into the room through the small interstices of the
Mashrabiya in the lower part and hot air is ejected out through the
large interstices of the upper part.
loses some of its humidity by the absorption property of the wooden
balusters
An illustration of old Mashrabiya in 1640's shows the porous clay water jar used to cool
the air as it passes through the Mashrabiya and into the building behind (Source: Ashi,
2010)
Analysis
The ladies behind the Mashrabiya in Cairo, Egypt in late
19th century (Source: Ficarelli, 2008)
artistically. The privacy requirement was a core value of the Islamic
religion, so the Mashrabiya had widespread popularity throughout
history, especially during the Islamic Ottoman era (1517- c1805) and it
also continued later in various Arab regions, helping to adorn the
streets, by giving it a beautiful artistic character (Maspero, 1974).
The common traditional places of Mashrabiya were as façades of
traditional houses, or in mosques, tombs, agencies and caravansaries.
Besides, it was used as partition in interior design between rooms
Views of Mashrabiya at Suhaimi house in Cairo, Egypt (Source:
Marawan, 2016)
Environmental
making the dry air more moist in the heat of the day, humidifying and
cooling it at a time when most needed. it works as a mediator between all
of the techniques that adjust the temperature of buildings; it regulates the
light, provides a continuous and steady airflow, and also facilitates the
evaporative cooling. limits the solar gain by shading the inner spaces during
the hot summer months but is able to supply some heat in the cooler
months of the year, by allowing direct daylight to enter the building during
winter.
CONTEMPORARY
MASHRABYA
// Discussing different methods of
interpenetrations
 METHODS OF
INTERPRENTATION
Mashrabiya is one of the leading
environmental traditional and
architectural elements that have been
revived. Architects re-focused on the
study of its concept and functions to get
the most beneficial application of it, and
thus adopting it in contemporary projects

The modern versions of Mashrabiya occurs in three notable forms, including:

the primitive form, the sustainable form, and the form provided with
advanced technology. Besides to this It is figured out that there is kind of
facades that use the properties and functions of Mashrabiya but by name
“Geometric Panels” will be discussed later.

Arab World Institute in Paris, France, completed in 1987 and designed by Jean Nouvel,
Architecture-Studio, Pierre Soria and Gilbert Lezenes.
Arab World Institute Facade
“Visible behind the glass wall, a metallic screen
unfolds with moving geometric motifs. The motifs are
actually 240 photo-sensitive motor-controlled
apertures, or shutters, which act as a sophisticated
brise soleil that automatically opens and closes to
control the amount of light and heat entering the
building from the sun. The mechanism creates
interior spaces with filtered light — an effect often
used in Islamic architecture with its climate-oriented
strategies.”— (Architecture studio, 2013)

Interpretation Method
Nouvel used the mashrabya concept to create a shield for the building which uses a
technological system containing 27,000 light sensitive diaphragms. The function of these
diaphragms is the same as the Mashrabiya lattice function that regulates the amount of
light which can enter the building.

The architect in this project benefited from

the Mashrabiya only in the pattern, though
the sensitive diaphragms can filter the light
and ensure the visual spectacle. However,
they did not play the same efficient role as
the traditional Mashrabiya, with regard to
the other important functions of airflow
and temperature adjustment.
The use of glazed curtain walls prevents the
airflow through the building causing static
thermal zones; so the internal spaces will be
climatically adjusted by HVAC units “cooling
-Mahrabya House -Jerusalem, Palestin.-completed in 2011 -designed by Senan Abdelqader
devices”.
Mashrabiya House project in general
looks like a primitive project, due to it
uses the concept of Mashrabiya; but it
does not apply the correct terms which
are related to the functions, patterns
and design parameters of traditional
Mashrabiya.

A new interpretation is achieved, where the wooden lattice is re-conceptualized in the

structure of a stone layer that covers the whole house. The architect, in his use of
Mashrabiya just focused on the effect of light and porosity by adopting irregular
spacings between large scale stone pieces. The playful design of the façades by creating
small and large openings, ensures views from inside to outside while retaining the
required privacy. The architect also understands that the stone layer which surrounds
the whole building works as a climatic buffer.

““It helps to absorb heat during the day and

release heat during the nights. Thus it protects
the building against solar radiation as well as
winter rain and winds. The gaps between the
stones ensure a constant flow of fresh air. A
further element of passive cooling is the 1m
gap between outer and inner envelop. Not
only does it ensure constant circulation of
fresh air around the building the fact that it
remains open towards the top of the building
generates a suction effect like that of a
chimney: Hot air travels upwards and fresh air
is sucked into the gap from below.”—
(Abdelqader, 2011).
the modern version of Mashrabiya in Masdar City project tries to emulate the
traditional version in the environmental functions manner, of palm wood and the
terracotta cladding is used.

In ddition to a careful study of

traditional techniques in
cooling was obvious in the
modern project, despite using
some technological systems,
the merging of the methods
was creative

the perforations for light and shade in modern Mashrabiya are based on the
patterns found in the traditional architecture of Islam, but by using large sized
partitions and large spacing, compared to the fine rounded balusters of traditional
Mashrabiya.

Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, completed in 2012 and designed by
Aedas Architects.
 The project aims to The façade works as a curtain wall,
create an outstanding positioned two meters around the
landmark which to
buildings’ exterior on a separate
express the Arab
frame. Each triangle is plated with
architectural heritage,
conjointly with fiberglass and programmed to
contemporary and respond to the movement of the sun
sustainability principles
as a method of decreasing solar gain
by using modern
technology. and glare. In the evening, all the units
Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, completed in
2012 and designed by Aedas Architects.
of the façade close.

“At night they will all fold, so they

CRITIQUE
will all close, so you’ll see more of
El Bahar Towers is a very famous project but that does not imply that it is a perfect
project. The evaluation of any project should rely on its validity, the application of the facade. As the sun rises in the
correct design standards and providing the required functionality without an
morning in the east, the
exaggeration in construction cost as well .
In this project the interpretation succeeded in reducing incoming daylight at all Mashrabiya along the east of the
times, but by a solar-responsive dynamic shading screen which was very expensive,
building will all begin to close and
due to the advanced technology, compared to the traditional version that has a high
efficiency in light/heat control and it is considered a difficult rival in this field as the sun moves round the
DESIGN building, then that whole vertical
The computational design team created an interesting external automated shading strip of Mashrabiya will move
system which encases the building as a dynamic façade, inspired from Mashrabiya. The with the sun.”— (Oborn, 2012)
system contains about 2000 umbrella-like modules per tower controlled by
photovoltaic panels. “The advantage of this approach is the avoidance of dark tinted glass which inevitably
restricts incoming light all of the time rather than just problematic direct sunlight at
certain times of day. Instead, these dynamic shades let daylight in for part of the day
allowing the use of artificial lighting and air conditioning in the interior can be
significantly reduced. The result is a 50% reduction in energy consumption within the

Each unit consists of a series of stretched PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) panels, and it twin towers and an 80% reduction in solar gain.”— (Welch, 2013

is operated by a linear actuator that will gradually open and close once per day in
response to a pre-programmed succession that has been calculated to block direct
sunlight and to limit direct solar gain to a maximum of 400 watts per linear meter
(CTBUH, 2012).

• Oxygen Villa:
Comprised of modular boxes with both vertical and horizontal screens, this
solar-powered gem provides all of the natural lighting, ventilation and privacy
the average Arab family needs. Mashrabiya serves several functions: these
wooden screens provide shade against the sun and natural ventilation, privacy,
which is especially fundamental to Arab culture, and shelter for the people on
the street. The home has a steel structure and concrete floor slabs and then the
multicolor prefabricated screens can be stacked inside according to a variety of
different configurations. When the weather’s great, the vertical shades can
open to permit daylighting and air to circulate through the home.
On a super sunny day, the horizontal screens will
allow the same, except they provide protection
against the sun. But on those days when the
desert goes mad with dust and wind storms, the
entire home can be shut down to prevent the
elements from tearing the inside apart.
• Mashrabiya in interior design
Doha Office Tower:
The Mashrabiya screen is the most prominent
feature of Doha tower, which plays a vital role in
bringing down the temperature inside the building
by shading the building from harsh desert sun, thus,
reducing the heat gain. The density of the screen
pattern, which is made up of multiple layers of
Aluminum, varies in accordance with the solar
conditions on all the directions. The screen is
considerably denser, making it more opaque, on the
sides which are more exposed to the direct sunlight,
yet offering good views to its occupants. The
eastern and western faces account for 60 percent of
opacity, while, 25 percent and 40 percent opacity
was placed on the north and south side respectively
Ecooler:
The Cooler tile screen offers an alternative for
cooling internal spaces, without the use of
electricity. It is based on a hollow ceramic tile that
can carry and transfer water. Using a designated
connector, it can be connected to other tiles,
creating a natural cooling screen.
Cooler is a combination between two traditional
Middle-Eastern elements: the Mashrabiya and the
Jara. The Mashrabiya is an architectural element
that bears social values as a mediator between
the inside and the outside. It is designed to allow
air and light into internal spaces. The Jara is an
ancient jug used for cooling water by seepage and
evaporation through the clay.
Unlike today's air conditioner that creates
separation between the user and the
environment while exaggerating climate
conditions, the Cooler system takes responsibility
and allows you to live in harmony with the
environment.
OTHER
INTERPENTATIONS
// Discussing other projects that misnamed and
disregarded the mashrabiya as an important
architectural element
DISREGARD AND MISNAMING
Many modern projects have benefited from the concept and functions of Mashrabiya
without mentioning it by name, like the Central Market Abu Dhabi, Al-Ghanim Clinic,
Manish restaurant, The King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station and the Hotel
and Residential Tower in Qatar. The architects of these projects just pointed out that Manish restaurant is located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, completed in 2011 and designed by
their façades inspirations came from traditional local culture. (ODVO arquitetura e urbanismo, Mínima) architects

Moreover, the mashrabya was misnamed in countries outside the Arab region as its
architects used a totally different name such as (geometric panels) and without even
mentioning of Arab culture, like the façades of the Birmingham Library in the United
Kingdom.
In Manish restaurant the whole frontispiece is covered by a muraxabi, an imposing
concrete arabesque, that decreases the natural light in small frames and focuses the
shadows of the busy street (ODVO, 2011).
The architects asserted that they benefited from the functions and decoration of an
Arab architectural element, they called it "muraxabi frame," instead of mentioning it
by its original name "Mashrabiya".

Al-Ghanim Clinic is located in Kuwait, completed in 2014 and designed by AGi architects.

The architects talked about the role of the façade in generating light, views, ventilation and
cultural identity without mentioning al mashrabya that functions the same as that facade

““ The metal sheet is split into 1m

segments where the punctured mesh is
placed into,
and works to maintain sufficient sunlight
in the interior spaces. When struck by
sunlight, the mesh, casts patterned
shadows on the courtyards, which give
the spaces a
calmer tone.
References
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317699493_A_Theoretical_Framework_for_t
he_Evaluation_from_the_Traditional_Mashrabiya_to_Modern_Mashrabiya
https://www.archdaily.com/510226/light-matters-mashrabiyas-translating-tradition-
into-dynamic-facades
https://www.abiya.ae/knowledge/the-revival-of-mashrabiya-in-contemporary-
architecture
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279195027_FROM_VERNACULAR_TO_PERS
ONALISED_AND_SUS-
TAINABLE_The_value_of_additively_manufactured_window_screens_in_Middle_Easter
n_dwellings
Contemporary Islamic Architecture
ASE 4632

“RAWDET EL SAYEDA REDESIGN”

Presented to
Dr Doaa Esmat
Dr Alaa Abd El Latif

Presented by:
Esraa Mahmoud 174063
Karim Reda 173775
Nadine Mohamed 170861
Taha Ahmed 173425
 “CURRENT DESIGN”
A Composite trend of contemporary Islamic architecture
Succeeded in its interpretation in points and failed in others discussed in the coming slides
Layout Analysis:
Facade Analysis:

Arches Entrance arch is bigger to emphasize

on the entrance

Windows shape inspired from Height of the buildings allow

mashrabya optimum shade on the street
Facade Analysis:

Openings / mass rhythms, façade patterns, Height for Ground floor for
proportions of elevations & openings commercial use respects human scale

Continuity of the façade design by All blocks with same height

covering the recess with wood screens
 “PROPOSED DESIGN”

great change in the layout, same façade design with some adjustments to
enhance the environmental and social aspect using Islamic features
CONCEPT:
-Make main axe (preserving the old
main street)
-bending entrance
-spatial hierarchy

Buildings

Nodes

Path

Main Axis
Inspirations:

Spatial hierarchy wadi saleh housing

project by rasem badran Bending entrance in Al-Ta’ameer
Centerby architect rasem badran
-

AUC campus by architect Arcades in AUC campus by

Shading between 2 masses
abd el halim ibrahim architect abd el halim
in el moez street
ibrahim
Sketches:

Arcades infront of Mastaba infront of Small plazas between

commercial spaces buildings each cluster of buildings
for shading