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![Main parts of a mashrabiya in Jeddah. Reproduced from Alitany et al. [23].](publication/348642917/figure/fig3/AS:11431281399162322@1745538705103/Main-parts-of-a-mashrabiya-in-Jeddah-Reproduced-from-Alitany-et-al-23_Q320.jpg)
This paper reviewed related research works and developments on the traditional architectural element “mashrabiya” focusing on its history, design and structure, typology, and functions in hot climates. Moreover, the paper assessed the effect of the traditional mashrabiya on the indoor thermal environment and thermal comfort in a selected case study...
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... Mashrabiya has many shapes starting from simple hexagons to more complex polygons and stars, which are further classified into 8-, 10-, and 12-point (see Figure 1b). Mashrabiya is one of the most iconic cultural and historical elements in many hot climate regions like the selected case studies [39], which are Cairo (Egypt), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Kuching (Malaysia), making the Mashrabiya PSS a highly suitable choice. Art and architecture are essential in preserving cultural heritage and shaping individual identity. ...
Direct sunlight causes glare and reduces indoor daylight quality, making shading systems essential. This study proposes and validates a perforated shading screen (PSS) to enhance daylighting and energy efficiency. A hybrid approach integrating parametric modeling, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), and genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the design incorporating architects’ preferences. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) is used to assign weights to performance metrics while accounting for interdependencies. The study evaluates PSS performance in three hot climate regions—Cairo, Riyadh, and Kuching—on both south and west elevations, comparing it to traditional fins. Results show that PSS consistently outperforms fins, significantly improving daylight and energy performance. The Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI) increased by up to 105.32%, Continuous Daylight Autonomy (CDA) by up to 11.87%, while Annual Solar Exposure (ASE), Solar Gain (SG), and Energy Use Intensity (EUI) were reduced by up to 100%, 88.07%, and 45.2%, respectively. To validate the findings, the optimal PSS design from a selected case study was 3D-printed and experimentally tested. Results confirmed enhanced daylight distribution and reduced glare, improving occupant comfort. The proposed PSS offers an effective shading solution adaptable to various climates, balancing daylighting needs and energy efficiency.
... Consequently, appropriate building characteristics can be classified based on the building's location, surrounding climate, and building's function (Elghamry and Hassan 2020;Blanco et al. 2019;Kumar and Raheja 2016;Mirrahimi et al. 2016). However, envelope characteristics can be characterized by envelope's shape (regular, irregular, or organic shape), envelope's orientation (the four cardinal directions), window-to-wall ratio (WWR) (%), envelope's position (in front of or flush with the building), number of envelope layers (single, double, or multiple layers), envelope's materials, and envelope's colors (one, monochrome, or random colors) (Mainini et al. 2022;Zhao et al. 2022;Bagasi et al. 2021;Blanco et al. 2019;Taki et al. 2016;Emami et al. 2014;Joe et al. 2014;Papadaki et al. 2014). The perforation characteristics can be classified in terms of pattern shapes (PSs; regular, irregular, or organic shape), way of envelope perforation (fully or partially perforated), perforation ratio (PR) of the envelope (0%-100%), pattern scale (fixed, increasing, or random), pattern matrix (PM) in the x-and y-directions, and pattern distribution (even, clumped, or uneven) (Youssef et al. 2020;Emami and Giles 2016;Emami et al. 2014;Jabi et al. 2013). ...
Perforated patterns embedded in building envelopes have recently received much attention as a solution to improve indoor thermal performance. This study presents a practical framework based on a parametric approach to optimize perforated building envelope (PBE) design. The framework employs four stages: design intentions, input parameters, a three-step parametric approach, and output results. To this end, Grasshopper software for Rhino 7.0, ClimateStudio plug-in, and Galapagos components were used to assess thermal performance influenced by various pattern shapes, perforation ratios, and pattern matrices. Additionally, optimal design scenarios for the proposed south-oriented PBE of office space in a hot, arid climate are determined concerning thermal performance with energy consumption. The results indicate that pattern shape and perforation ratio are the variables that should guide the design of PBEs. However, the pattern matrix has little effect on improving thermal performance. The results then indicate that the optimized PBEs can contribute to an improvement in thermal performance of more than 28.2% and an enhancement in energy consumption of 27% compared to the base case without PBE.
... Numerous studies have extensively examined the architecture of Makkah throughout history (Al-Shareef, 1996;Angawi, 1988;Bagasi et al., 2021;Hariri, 1986;Maghrabi, 2005). Firstly, Angawi (Angawi, 1988) analyzed the Roushan, while Hariri (1986) focused on the Shawabir, both examining each architectural vocabulary individually. ...
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Makkah's architectural vocabulary by examining the characteristics and design principles that shape the composition of its heritage buildings. It focuses on defining the shapes, scales, and proportions of architectural elements and their compositions concerning design principles such as retheme, unity, emphasis, balance, contrast, transformation, and repetition within selected heritage buildings.
The study reveals specific proportional ranges for key architectural features: entrances exhibit proportions ranging from 1/1.5 to 1/3.3, averaging 1/2.7; shobacks from 1/1 to 1/3, averaging 1/2; Roushans from 1/1.4 to 1/4, averaging 1/2.7; and Shawabirs from 1/3 to 1/5, averaging 1/4. The analysis highlights that the most emphasized design principles for the entrance include emphasis, balance, contrast, and transformation, while for the shoback, unity, balance, and reflection are predominant. The Roushan predominantly features unity, emphasis, and contrast, and the Shawabirs focus on harmony and balance.
This study also addresses the application of these findings in creating a digital repository, which serves as a basis for machine learning applications to regenerate Makkah’s architectural vocabulary (MAV). This initiative not only preserves the architectural identity but also encourages the innovation of generative AI applications that predominantly focus on the exterior features of buildings.
In a broader sense, this paper establishes a referential digital repository that underpins machine learning applications and the future regeneration of Makkah's architectural vocabulary. Previous studies on Makkah’s architecture often focused on individual elements without considering how they collectively contribute to the city’s unique architectural style, limiting their usefulness for further development. By investigating Makkah’s architectural vocabulary as an integrated whole, this paper elucidates how various elements come together to form its distinctive aesthetic.
... The long-term goal of this research is to advance the creation of lightweight ceramic facade panels or screens that offer beneficial properties such as light, sound, and air filtration, as well as cooling and humidity control to positively influence the environmental climate. Traditionally, mashrabiya screens in Middle Eastern architecture have achieved similar goals by using intricate wooden lattice work to regulate light, enhance ventilation, and provide cooling effects through natural airflow (Bagasi, Calautit, and Karban 2021). This work represents the initial step towards these broader goals. ...
This paper introduces a novel method for fabricating lightweight ceramic structures by incorporating traditional weaving patterns and sewing techniques into a 3D printing process. Traditional clay forming techniques like slip casting or pressing are less economical for these complex patterns. Instead, the study demonstrates the feasibility of using additive manufacturing, particularly paste-based extrusion of clay, to create intricate woven-like structures. The research focuses on developing an efficient fabrication process that allows for a range of weaving patterns with varying densities and sizes. By integrating sewing and weaving motions into the print path, the study expands the design vocabulary of additive manufacturing. Results were achieved by using the developed method, enabling the production of ceramic panels with variable pattern-densities ranging from 73% to 100%. This innovative approach paves the way for advanced applications in architecture, interior design, and industrial manufacturing, including enhanced cooling systems, acoustic optimization, and light or air filtration.
... However, it can be easily understood from awardwinning projects and academic studies that there is a severe tendency to go in this direction. Bagasi et al., 2021;Guillaud et al., 2014;Hassan et al., 2016;Manzano-Agugliaro et al., 2015 are some academic studies in this field. However, it is tough to apply traditional passive design strategies in the same way in the current conditions, considering the current human and environmental conditions. ...
... Mashrabiya can be defined as a wooden frame that decorates the building facade and covers the window opening (Bagasi et al., 2021;Fathy, 1986). Air leaking through the small openings of the mashrabiya can be directed into the interior space to provide cooling (Bagasi et al., 2021). ...
... Mashrabiya can be defined as a wooden frame that decorates the building facade and covers the window opening (Bagasi et al., 2021;Fathy, 1986). Air leaking through the small openings of the mashrabiya can be directed into the interior space to provide cooling (Bagasi et al., 2021). Jali can be defined as a type of mashrabiya built of stone material (Figure 22a) (Prasad et al., 2022). ...
The building sector is among the most critical factors affecting environmental sustainability due to its impacts, such as energy consumption and greenhouse gas production.The reasons for energy consumption and greenhouse gas production in the building sector may vary according to climatic characteristics. In hot and arid climate regions, a significant portion of energy consumption is caused by indoor cooling, especially since the focus is on reducing the indoor temperature. In the periods when traditional architecture was developed, the lack of technological products that would increase energy consumption was effective in providing indoor air conditioning with passive design strategies. This study aims to identify the building openings for natural ventilation and cooling used in the traditional architecture of hot and dry climates and to analyze and evaluate their modern interpretations. A total of 235 award-winning projects were analyzed, and 21 were included in the study. In this context, it was determined that 16 different strategies used in traditional architecture were re-interpretation, and their modern interpretations were analyzed through award-winning projects. The traditional passive design strategies identified in this context have been adapted to modern architecture in 18 types. Wind orientators come to the forefront. In addition, it was determined that the strategies adapted to modern architecture are generally integrated. This study guides modern interpretations of traditional passive design strategies for sustainable building design
... An example of a traditional Makkan house from the 19th century (aoa3060). Modified by authors and students materials), and environmental (i.e., responding to the harsh weather) (AL-BAN, 2016;Albarqawi, 2022;Al-Murahhem, 2010;Al-Murahhem 2011;Al-Murahhem, 2022;Al-Murahhem, 2020;Al-Shareef, 1996;Bagasi et al., 2021;Maghrabi, 2000;SCTA, 2013;UNESCO, 2014). Those architectural elements and design vocabularies were sustainable solutions that sufficed the different needs of local society and presented a unique architectural identity, as will be discussed later in this paper. ...
Makkah City during the 19th century had rich architectural vocabularies and characteristics. Due to the impact of modernism and the demolition of heritage buildings for the Holy Mosque expansion, most of those traditional design vocabularies and characteristics disappeared from the architectural practice of many designers in Makkah. These factors, among many others, have caused a discontinuity between the current architectural attributes of Makkah and its rich architectural history, representing the research problem and incentive. Through a descriptive and experimental methodology, this paper examines the potential of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) as a source of inspiration to resolve the research problem. The findings indicate that GAI can inspire and help practitioners create a modern yet authentic architectural identity for residential building facades in Makkah City. The reached identity is expected to improve the quality of life and social sustainability in Makkah City.
... An example of a traditional Makkan house from the 19th century (aoa3060). Modified by authors and students materials), and environmental (i.e., responding to the harsh weather) (AL-BAN, 2016;Albarqawi, 2022;Al-Murahhem, 2010;Al-Murahhem 2011;Al-Murahhem, 2022;Al-Murahhem, 2020;Al-Shareef, 1996;Bagasi et al., 2021;Maghrabi, 2000;SCTA, 2013;UNESCO, 2014). Those architectural elements and design vocabularies were sustainable solutions that sufficed the different needs of local society and presented a unique architectural identity, as will be discussed later in this paper. ...
Makkah City during the 19th century had rich architectural vocabularies and characteristics. Due to the impact of modernism and the demolition of heritage buildings for the Holy Mosque expansion, most of those traditional design vocabularies and characteristics disappeared from the architectural practice of many designers in Makkah. These factors, among many others, have caused a discontinuity between the current architectural attributes of Makkah and its rich architectural history, representing the research problem and incentive. Through a descriptive and experimental methodology, this paper examines the potential of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) as a source of inspiration to resolve the research problem. The findings indicate that GAI can inspire and help practitioners create a modern yet authentic architectural identity for residential building facades in Makkah City. The reached identity is expected to improve the quality of life and social sustainability in Makkah City.
... The photovoltaic films are placed in front of the vegetation, aiming to protect the greenery from extreme weather and high levels of solar radiation while allowing for energy generation in the system. In order to provide homogenous shading to the vertical green façades, mashrabiya style shading devices, traditionally used in the warmer regions, especially in Middle East, can be applied as shown in Figure 1c [10]. The second strategy focuses on self-shading of the building envelope achieved by the protrusions on the envelope to place transparent surfaces more inward [6]. ...
Vertical green façades provide many benefits to the urban biotope, such as improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, providing sustainable stormwater management, creating habitat for insects and animals, contributing to food production, and positively affecting the psychology of urban residents. However, these façades are also adversely affected by extreme climatic events. In this paper, the authors examine shading strategies to increase climate resilience of these façades, and in particular to protect them from sudden heat waves. Three main strategies identified by authors, i.e. passive shading, kinetic self-shading and shading with kinetic layer, are qualitatively analysed and their compatibility to vertical green façades is evaluated. The research results shown that shading with kinetic layer has been the most effective strategy in terms of function, aesthetics, adaptability, and protection. Kinetic shading layer can provide various shading scenarios such as equal, full or partial shading unlike passive shading and require less energy compared to the kinetic self-shading. The paper underlines the gap in the literature on this subject and emphasises the importance of future works on conceptual framework and parametric design for shading strategies.
... The photovoltaic films are placed in front of the vegetation, aiming to protect the greenery from extreme weather and high levels of solar radiation while allowing for energy generation in the system. In order to provide homogenous shading to the vertical green façades, mashrabiya style shading devices, traditionally used in the warmer regions, especially in Middle East, can be applied as shown in Figure 1c [10]. The second strategy focuses on self-shading of the building envelope achieved by the protrusions on the envelope to place transparent surfaces more inward [6]. ...
... Mashrabiya: It is a wooden frame covering the window opening (Bagasi et al., 2021;Fathy, 1986;Reda Abdallah et al., 2020;M. Shahda & Noseir, 2021). ...
... (Abdelkader & Park, 2018;Algburi & Beyhan, 2019;Almerbati et al., 2014;A. S. Attia, 2020;Bagasi et al., 2021;Jain, 2010;Kamal, 2014;Shaikhli & Shafie, 2020). Mashrabiya also provides evaporative cooling in integration with the water element. ...
... Shahda & Noseir, 2021). Jali: Used in hot and dry climate traditional architecture, especially in India, jali, a perforated stone window, is a lattice system that provides indoor heat protection (Bagasi et al., 2021). This system conserves heat by protecting the interior from solar radiation and cooling the natural ventilation. ...
Global environmental problems are one of the most critical problems of humankind. Increasing energy consumption and CO 2 emissions are among the most important causes of global environmental problems. The existing building sector is vital in increasing energy consumption and CO 2 emissions. Buildings are responsible for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions and about 40% of energy consumption. Energy used for heating and cooling is one of the most important causes of energy consumption in the building sector. Reducing the energy used for heating and cooling is possible with sustainable building design. One of the most essential criteria of sustainable building design is using passive air conditioning strategies. Traditional architecture is a crucial guide for using passive air conditioning elements. This paper presents an architectural taxonomic proposal for passive cooling strategies used in traditional architecture in hot and dry climate areas of the globe. The aim is to facilitate and simplify access to all cooling strategies and provide a guide for their adaptation to modern architecture. A total of 55 passive cooling strategies were identified in the research. Within the taxonomic proposal's scope, the strategy was first divided into four groups: settlement scale, building scale, space scale, and building environment scale, depending on the usage criteria. Then, this grouping was split into 16 subgroups. A taxonomic proposal was created by considering the intended use of the identified strategies. The findings indicate that although traditional architecture in hot and dry climates primarily focuses on heat protection and heat dissipation is also highly utilized. It has been determined that thermal insulation, shading and natural ventilation cooling strategies come to the fore. In addition, it has been determined that approximately 50% of the strategies used for cooling purposes are related to thermal insulation, shading, and natural ventilation. The taxonomic proposal guides modern adaptations in the built environment by combining traditional passive design strategies and simplifying their use. It can also be adapted to different climates and contribute to creating new modern building design guidelines.
