Mashrabiya - from veritable to hybrid

Mashrabiya- From Veritable to Hybrid Alisha and Hafsa Rafi Aligarh Muslim University, alishakafeel@gmail.com, hafsa.rafi@outlook.com

Abstract-Islamic architecture has a very significant contribution to the architecture heritage of the World’s architecture. The elements of Islamic architecture are the manifestations of the interpretation made from the teachings of Prophet Mohammed. These teachings are the eternal source to the entire social, economic and cultural needs of mankind. One of the significant philosophies of Islam is the segregation of women with the non-mahram.

This originated the tradition of parda in Islam.

Simultaneously the architecture of the society adapted the change and created a new element mashrabiya. Also, mashrabiya didn’t become limited to draw partition, but also solved various environmental issues in hot and humid climate. Owing to its meticulous design and grace, the mashrabiya is among the highly cherished elements of Islamic architecture. The design of Mashrabiya not only complied with the Islamic principles of parda, but also functioned as a climate responsive design. Thus, this paper aims to analyse the evolution of mashrabiya. Along with the transfiguration of the expression of mashrabiya with its function and form overtime. The modification of mashrabiya with contemporary architecture in the present urban scenario is exemplified in the case study of Al Bahr Towers in Dubai. These examples illustrate the revival of traditional architecture within a contemporary context.

Keywords: Climate Responsive, Contemporary, Environmental Issues, Evolution, Islamic architecture, Islamic teachings, Mashrabiya, Parda, Traditional Architecture, Urban Scenario INTRODUCTION The components of Islamic architecture were designed to react effectively towards individual physical, environmental, social, physiological and religious needs. (ASHOUR, 2018).

Although in today’s scenario the architecture is found to be heavily biased towards physical infrastructure with very little focus on sustainability and preserving heritage. To safeguard the traditional practices and the inherent identity of the society, conservation of heritage became the foremost need.

The obligation to conserve the architecture heritage is imperative as it is at the risk from lack of appreciation.

(Embaby, 2014). Some of the features of ancient architecture have already been lost and some are at the verge of extinction.

(Embaby, 2014). Moreover, this revitalisation requires not only architectural restoration but also socio and economic infrastructure to ensure survival and vitality of communities.

(Ozkan, 2004). On the other hand, demands of world is for progression rather than historical continuity of old practices.

This progression and advancement in technology has led to increased carbon footprint. In order to meet the growing

demands along with sustainability and conservation of heritage a tentative solution was required. A new design philosophy was needed which could incorporate modern day technology with passive techniques of the past. The energy efficiency of the building can be greatly increased at little cost with a positive effect on lifestyle of society. (Asad & Musa, 2004). Moreover, this advancement does not necessitate the use of technologically complex, untried gadgets but through incorporation of traditional practices. (Asad & Musa, 2004).

Consecutively, the elements of traditional architecture moulded according to the changing requirements of society.

The incorporation of traditional elements with contemporary architecture has added new to the vocabulary of Islamic heritage. Thus, this resulted in transformation and evolution of traditional elements in present urban scenario.

PRIVACY- A KEY FEATURE IN ISLAM Islam identifies the basic human needs and emphasises on safeguarding them. These fundamental needs are similar to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs which demarcates the priorities of an individual. (ASHOUR, 2018). These needs provided contentment at three different levels- authoritative, individual and state. (ASHOUR, 2018). Similar to this, but in a spiritual and religious way Islam perceived these fundamental requirements. According to Islam, gratification can only be achieved if the lifestyle adopted by Prophet Muhammad is followed by the individual. In the way of life proposed, the segregation of women from non-Mahram was a core value.

This segregation promoted healthy relations among people. In response to this philosophy, the concept of parda was introduced in the society.

Consecutively, the architecture that developed within the context of Muslim faith is affected as an important aspect of culture, defining and determining how people live and relate to each other and to their urban environment. (Ozkan, 2004).

The architecture of the era integrated the Islamic values into built form and exemplified the true essence of Islam. This not only integrated Islamic values into built form but also complimented them. As an absolute solution to this, Islam responded effectively and dramatically to the change and complimented the expression of the existing architecture.

As the society responded positively to the parda concept, privacy became a key factor for design. In order to maintain the segregation of private and public spaces a passive technique was needed. Mashrabiya as a minimalistic perforated screen, enriched with interstices provided partial division. The lattice framework permitted the occupants to an outside view, without being seen. The impenetrable, almost exclusive, privacy of the home and its strictly controlled access and visibility from the public realm of the town is

1

perhaps the basic issue that defines all urban architecture in Islamic cities. (Ozkan, 2004) Thus, the degree of separation was maintained in a reflexive way through the incorporation of mashrabiya in the design of the household. The introduction of mashrabiya between male reception area(majlis) and the women area(haram) fulfilled the purpose. (HWAISH, 2016) This simultaneously maintained communication and contact without compromising the privacy, within the household.

Additionally, this enabled the freedom of activity for women.

Apart from division within the household, in Islamic tradition the visitor was also required to maintain a code of behaviour. (HWAISH, 2016) This was again achieved by mashrabiya which provided a structural division enabling occupants to retain contact with the outside world meanwhile preserving their privacy. In this way, mashrabiya fulfilled the ethical issues by ensuring privacy within the neighbourhood and isolation between the genders.

MASHRABIYA- SOLUTION FOR POSITIVE COEXISTENCE OF THE BUILT AND THE UNBUILT Earlier mashrabiya was only considered as cultural element which will maintain the degree of separation between genders. The primary function of mashrabiya was to maintain the gender segregation which was basically the utmost requirement of the people. At that time mashrabiya as a competent tool was satisfying ethical issues in order to satisfy the needs of the society. Mashrabiya because of its function as parda got adopted in almost every Islamic country. Most Islamic countries have a warm, sweltering climate.

(ASHOUR, 2018). Some Islamic urban communities are in arid region, while others are plagued by humidity. (ASHOUR, 2018). For example, Saudi Arabia has a dry climate with unforgiving temperature extremes. (ASHOUR, 2018) Therefore, the architecture of any region is influenced a lot by the climate of the particular region. Thus, in order to maintain habitable conditions, the building structures were designed to tackle the extreme climatic conditions. The major issues that were faced included, thermal discomfort, humidity control, airflow and glare control. A passive solution was needed to resolve these issues and respond to the changing demands of the society.

Mashrabiya proved to be a highly prized element as it helps to maintain thermal balance in a building. Its function was based on the concept of evaporative cooling. The initial design comprised of clay pots placed in front of a perforated screens. This results in cooling of hot air once it comes in contact with the clay pot filled with water. This permitted cool breeze inside the building.

Moreover, the wooden framework of mashrabiya helps in regulating the humidity as it absorbs water from the cool air, passing through the clay pot. In this way, this passive technique works as modern-day air conditioner.

FIGURE1 EVAPORATIVE COOLING An illustration of old Mashrabiya in 1640's showing the porous clay water jar used to cool the air as it passes through the Mashrabiya and into the building behind (Ashi, 2010)

One of the impressive features of mashrabiya was the regulation of air current in buildings. This feature follows the principle of venturi effect. The design of mashrabiya involves interstices having smaller area. Subsequent reduction in area led to an increase in pressure which simultaneously generates a wind with higher velocity.

Even the intricate patterns of the lattices were designed to control sun glare, without compromising airflow. A typical Mashrabiya is composed of two parts: a lower section with fine balusters in close mesh, and an upper section filled with a wide mesh grill of turned wood in a pattern called Sahrigi.

(Reem & Park, 2017). The upper section was designed with large openings to ensure adequate airflow. Concurrently, lower section with small openings will control glare of the sun.

Mashrabiya can be metaphorically be equated to a shady tree branch, sheltering the person below from the sun, creating exquisite patterns of light on the plane. (Kamath & Daketi, 2016). The protruded mashrabiya provided shade to the people passing by from the heat of the scorching sun.

This architectural feature, gained recognition not only because of its functional advancement but also due to its feasibility. The flexible design of mashrabiya proved to be economical, as the construction was majorly done in wood and stone which were locally available. Thus, this economic sustainability complimented the functional aspect of mashrabiya.

2

ORNAMENTATION The pattern of mashrabiya changed a lot over time. After fulfilling the functional aspect for climate responsive and gender segregation it soon transformed itself according to the changing demands of the society. One of the most impressive features of mashrabiya was its lattice framework which was further enriched by the skilful craftmanship of the era.

Moreover, a minimalistic and delicate approach has been done by the craftsmen by not using nails in fabricating the screens. This further improved the overall appearance of mashrabiya. Altogether, these characteristics of mashrabiya has resulted in its transformation as an ornamentation element. This element gained popularity in middle eastern countries due to the prohibition of use of figurines in Arab culture for ornamentation. This resulted in frequent use of geometric patterns which may be overlapped, interlaced and can be arabesque to form sophisticated patterns. (Geometric Patterns in Islamic Art, 2015) The formation of complex patterns of mashrabiya were a result of repetition and amalgamation of different geometric shapes. These are further combined and reworked to form a decorative tessellation with varieties of symmetry with improved reflections and rotations. (Islamic Geometric Patterns, n.d.). This feature is often accompanied by pietradura which further enhances its splendour.

These interstices and patterns not only emphasise beauty but also has a symbolic significance. Mashrabiya infinitive and repetitive geometric patterns, represent the endless power of the Almighty, as stated in Quran. This symbolic significance of mashrabiya, added a lot to its widespread popularity.

Earlier, the use of mashrabiya was only limited to household and palaces due to its importance in providing partial segregation. (Reem & Park, 2017) Later, its intricate and magnificent design pattern was considered for the sole purpose of ornamentation. The use of mashrabiya was embraced by other fields due to its distinctive ornamentation.

The repetitive patterns, develop a continuity and eyes move over the composition. (Kamath & Daketi, 2016). The formation of various permutation and combination of geometric shapes resulted in a diverse range of patterns in mashrabiya. Thus, this attribute of repetition, uplifted the decorative aspect of mashrabiya. Moreover, due to replication of module over and over, the continuation seemed to go beyond the physical boundary of frame. (Kamath & Daketi, 2016). This deliberated repetition, provided harmony which enriched its grandeur. Additionally, mirroring and copying of same geometrical shapes resulted in symmetry of patterns.

This in turn perfected the magnificence of mashrabiya. Along with this, mashrabiya enhanced the indoor quality as it plays with the natural light. (Kamath & Daketi, 2016) It weaves a subtle play of shadow and light which enhances the quality of indoor space. (Kamath & Daketi, 2016) The patterns create a dramatic and dynamic impact on the subtle peaceful quality of indoor space. The variation of patterns with changing time

and seasons resulted in a vibrant light and shadow effect.

(Kamath & Daketi, 2016) As an ornamentation element it maintains a connection of the ground level with the clerestory and also between interiors and exteriors. (Kamath & Daketi, 2016) This creates hierarchy in spaces. In this way, mashrabiya transformed its need and function according to the needs of the society. As an astonishing feature for decoration, mashrabiya started being used in mosques. Symbolism of mashrabiya in Islam and beauty played a very crucial role for its acceptance as a design feature for mosque. It was repeatedly, used in mihrabs, parapet roofs, windows and walls of masjids.

The translation of this practice is exemplified in Siddi Syed Mosque. A total of 8 arched windows are adorned with intricate designs, it is assumed that a total of 45 craftsmen worked day and out to form that minimalistic graceful pattern.

(Joshi, n.d.) This mosque is popularly described for its ornamentation fulfilled by one key element. The lattice work consists of ‘Tree of Life’ done in a semi-circular arched window. This intricate work was the centre stage element of the design which provided a unique identity to the mosque.

The amalgamation of simplicity with precision in Siddi Syed Mosque has resulted in its utmost grandeur.

FIGURE 2 TREE OF LIFE Siddhi Syed mosque

FIGURE 3 TREE OF LIFE (htt7)

3

FORMULATION OF THE CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY I. Need for Sustainability Fast growing cities have exerted enormous pressure on the historical fabric of their towns by adopting cheap and inferior construction techniques with little concern for urban planning and development. (Ozkan, 2004) With the emergence of modernism, new building practices and mechanised systems are now being used to provide thermal comfort in buildings. These reformed practices are being used globally due to their efficiency in managing the extreme weather conditions outside.

However, the excessive influence of mechanical systems on the contemporary architecture has severed the harmonious coexistence of the built and the unbuilt. The fragile relationship was maintained by the utilisation of knowledge gained from centuries of trial and error evolutionary practices.

These practices solved the issue without causing a disruptive intervention in the ecological processes.

Furthermore, the dependency of mechanised means on fossil fuels have accelerated us towards energy crisis and an estimated exhaustion of resources in the coming decades.

Besides this, the contribution of these in increased amounts of carbon dioxide emissions have raised issues of global warming. Hence, to minimise the harmful impacts, the need for adopting the concept of sustainability arose.

Earlier, the buildings were designed to be responsive to climatic factors in a passive way. Mashrabiya was one of the passive factors which managed the airflow of wind and distribution of light in a building. But in the past decade, due to a stark increase in temperature and adverse climatic conditions, the traditional solutions were not solely sufficient in overcoming the contemporary problems and environmental challenges.

The earlier techniques such as that of arabesque and mashrabiya represented the identity of a region. The abandonment of these essential elements of traditional Islamic architecture is indeed a great loss to the cultural heritage of a place. Hence, the revival of these indispensable elements of architecture is necessary in order to preserve the legacy and traditions of that place.

The core feature of the contemporary philosophy is the interdependence of the modern technology and the traditional practices. The modern technology promotes the revival and the sustenance of the cultural values through these traditional elements. On the other hand, the traditional practices hold solutions to regulate the balance between built and un built.

The amalgamation of simplicity and creativity and that of contemporary and traditional, resulted in a distinctive form of sustainable architecture.

II. Scenario in The Middle East The dominance of glazed towering skyscrapers in the architectural typology in the middle east has forced the designers to search for exclusive solutions to make the

structures habitable. The hot and arid climate of the region has widened our gaze to look for new building forms and envelopes to counter the high solar heat gains and reduce extreme thermal discomforts. Therefore, the synthesis of an Arabian cultural element in the design of these buildings served as a revival for the traditional element and an environmental control for the modern.

Due to its expenses and the extensive labour required in construction of the latticework of mashrabiya, it wasn’t the primary choice to use mashrabiya to cover the whole buildings. Moreover, the conventional material used in construction, i.e. wood was flammable. Hence, it couldn’t be used in the primitive and the more prevalent form and shape in which it was being used.

However, Mashrabiya, being capable of moulding the purpose of its existence, has reformed to great extents and modified itself to the contemporary philosophy. Different possibilities were looked upon to discover a blend of the contemporary and the traditional philosophies of this element.

The renovation of mashrabiya took place in terms of form, shape and function in a way that not only performed as a passive element but also dealt with the existing constraints in a unique way. The most renowned and innovative application of this element in urban scenario, being the Al Bahr Towers and the Doha towers.

AL BAHR TOWERS- A MARVEL OF CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE Evolution of mashrabiya in contemporary architecture can be exemplified through Al Bahr Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The vernacular, static element has been modified into a dynamic façade system. This façade system consists of a metal framework with translucent PTFE panels in the shape of umbrella like components. The two towers consist of over 1000 individual units which are controlled electronically by the building management to generate a second intelligent façade. (Reem & Park, 2017). These panels were installed on the east, south and west facades and acted as shading devices.

The north façade was constructed without the use of installation of these panels due to minimal solar heat gains in that direction. This mashrabiya cladding system acted as an efficient shading device and reduced solar heat gains up to 50%. In addition to this, the dynamic folding and unfolding of panels reduced the extensive demand of artificial lighting.

This technology resulted in transmission of natural lighting into the interior of the building. therefore, besides reducing the load on HVAC systems, it has also achieved sustainability by reducing the energy consumption.

It is estimated that the design resulted in a 40% saving in carbon emissions from the tower beside reduces cooling loads by 25% and between 20-50% reductions in solar heat gain compared with other traditional curtain wall buildings. (Reem & Park, 2017) Al Bahr Towers fused the principles of vernacular architecture through integrating Mashrabiya geometry derived from Islamic composition into a total responsive

4

façade system, and performance through using parametric and algorithmic computer studies to come up with an efficient energy integrating system. (Reem & Park, 2017) This marvel of architecture, combines the best principles of vernacular mashrabiya geometry, with a responsive, algorithmic computer aided façade system. The utilisation of a vernacular decorative element in environmental control proved to be an efficient architectural solution.

FIGURE 4 OPENING AND CLOSING MASHRABIYA (htt9)

its surfaces, posed a drastic increase in the solar heat gains, making the building a greenhouse. To sustain thermal comfort inside the building, a unique solution was required to reduce the amount of solar radiation encountered.

The architect resolved this by reverting back to the concept of mashrabiya. From a single butterfly geometric pattern, the entire design of the lattice was generated by repetition and rotation of that unit. The cylindrical façade was covered with this lattice, fabricated in varying densities. The variation in density was achieved to respond to varying intensities of light in different cardinal directions. The density was varied along the façade as 25% opacity covered the north, 40% in the south and 60% on the east and west. (Reem & Park, 2017) In addition to the aluminium lattice, a glazed screen wall was provided to further improve thermal comfort. The double skin of the building, along with the two-metre space in between also helps in the escape of hot air in accordance with stack effect. The result of the aluminium panels, the curtain wall and the gap in between has helped reduce the mechanised cooling loads by 20%. The building not only provides an incredible play of light and shadow but also stands out from the monotonously developing commercial spaces by being energy efficient.

FIGURE 5 CONTROLIING THE PENETRATION OF LIGHT BY CONTROLLING SIZE OF OPENINGS (htt10)

DOHA TOWER In accordance with his philosophy of revival of traditional architecture, Jean Nouvel perfected the use of the Arab cultural element, Mashrabiya, in his building, Doha Tower.

The high-rise office building, exhibits its splendid appearance through its glass façade. However, the use of glass on all of

FIGURE 6 VARIATION OF DENSITIES OF SINGULAR UNITS (htt11)

5

CONCLUSION The paper presents an incisive idea of evolution and transformation of mashrabiya with time. It demonstrates the change of form and function of mashrabiya according to the needs and requirements of people. Moreover, the change also took place in order to eradicate the issues arising in society.

Thus, mashrabiya as a tentative solution investigates the perspective of public. The objective of this paper is to equip researches with ideas of intermixing traditional elements with contemporary architecture in order to perceive and understand Islamic cultural heritage. (ASHOUR, 2018). Architects must complement the traditional components like mashrabiya in their design to maintain the perseverance of cultural heritage.

The deeper understanding of this paper also reflects the idea of reduction of carbon footprint by incorporation of traditional passive techniques into the present-day building designs.

Embaby, M. E. (2014, December). Heritage Conservation and architectural education: "an educational methodology for design studios".

Geometric Patterns in Islamic Art. (2015, December 1).

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.

HWAISH, A. N. (2016, February). CONCEPT OF THE “ISLAMIC HOUSE”; A CASE STUDY OF THE EARLY MUSLIMS HOUSE. International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 18-25.

Islamic Geometric Patterns. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipdedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_geometric_pa tterns Joshi, S. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sidthewanderer.com/2015/02/sidi-saiyyed-mosquehome-to-ahmedabads.html?m=1

REFERENCES (n.d.). Retrieved from https://amzingclicks.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/sidisaiyyed-mosque.jpg (n.d.). Retrieved from https://amzingclicks.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/sidisaiyyed-mosque.jpg (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.archdaily.com/ (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mailattachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik =5439942d90&at (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mailattachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik =5439942d90&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:r2998799149400320345&th=1662accc9ebc2d54&view=att& disp=safe&realattid=1662ac452d2e9e21dc1&saddbat=ANG jdJ8h2EJFElwZMD2BfjM-PwmluqWmdqC0xvxfDpXBepIT

Kamath, L. G., & Daketi, S. (2016, February). Jaalis: A study on aesthetics and functional aspects in built.

International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Applied Science (IJSEAS) – Volume-2, Issue-2.

Ozkan, S. (2004). Defining Architecture. (H. Castle, Ed.) Architectural Design, pp. 24-32.

Paulo J.S. Cruz. (2016). Structures and Architecture: Beyond their limits.

Reem, A., & Park, J.-H. (2017, February). The Evolving Transformation of Mashrabiya as a Traditional Middle Eastern Architecture Element. International Journal of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

AUTHOR INFORMATION Alisha, Student, Department of Architecture, Aligarh Muslim University Hafsa Rafi, Student, Department of Architecture, Aligarh Muslim University

Asad, M. a., & Musa, M. (2004, November). The Built and the Natural Environment: Reaching a State of Positive Coexistence. (H. Castle, Ed.) Architectural Design, 74(6), pp. 54-63.

Ashi, A. (2010). Theories and History of Architecture. Al Baath University Press.

ASHOUR, A. F. (2018). ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: MASHRABIYA. WIT Transations on The Built Environment vol 17, 245-253 .

6