Evaluation of the Integration of the Traditional Architectural Element Mashrabiya into the Ventilation Strategy for Buildings in Hot Climates

Abstract

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 building. For this purpose, two similar rooms were investigated in a selected historic building with abundant mashrabiyas located in the Makkah Region, specifically in Old Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The field tests were conducted during a typical hot summer month with two different configurations. The study demonstrated that opening the mashrabiya allowed more airflow into the room during the day and reduced the indoor temperature by up to 2.4 °C as compared to the closed mashrabiya. Besides, the building envelope played an important role in preventing the high fluctuation of the indoor air temperature, where the fluctuation of the rooms air temperature ranged between 2.1 °C and 4.2 °C compared to the outdoor temperature which recorded a fluctuation between 9.4 °C and 16 °C. The data presented here can be used for the future development of the mashrabiya concept and the potential incorporation with passive cooling methods to improve its design according to the requirements of modern buildings in hot climates. Moreover, further studies and tests on mashrabiyas under different climatic conditions are required. Also, the different strategies or materials can be incorporated with mashrabiyas in order to improve its thermal performance.

Recent Advances in Low-Carbon and Sustainable, Efficient Technology: Strategies and Applications

“…Bagasi et al [172] presented a review work on the mashrabiya, describing its functions, history, design, structure and typology, mainly in hot weather zones. Mashrabiya is a natural forced ventilation device, frequently used in the traditional architecture of Arab countries.…”

Parametric Study and Comparative Efficiency of Islamic Geometric Patterns as a Retrofit Strategy in Mid-Rise Buildings of Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi, Uae

“…With the emergence of advanced designing tools such as parametric modelling, Luigi Giovannini's work developing the shape variable Mashrabiya (SVM) has risen to prominence [3] in the field of Mashrabiya studies. Similarly, Bagasi and Calautit [4] and Bagasi et al [5], have conducted numerous comprehensive studies on Mashrabiya as a passive cooling technique.…”

Architectural Values Behind the Formation of Heritage Houses as a Tool for Promoting Cultural Identity in Saudi Arabia

“…Nabawi believes that Najdi art has achieved environmental sustainability because it uses local materials from the surrounding environment, and the dyes are made from local plants [26]. A study conducted by Bagasi et al found that Mashrabiya played an active role in Hijaz architecture, as they contributed to regulating internal temperatures by increasing air flow inside and reducing relative humidity [23]. At a broader level, Al-Ban saw that the Hijazi urban fabric considered ventilation, natural light, and the formation of shadows through the heights of dwellings and their proximity to or distance from each other [29].…”