Islamic Architectural Heritage: Mashrabiya, from Tradition to Innovation

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.