In the sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean, where the interplay of light and shadow has long been a dance of cultural and architectural significance, a new study is shedding light on how traditional design can meet modern energy efficiency needs. Sana’a Al-Rqaibat, a researcher from the Department of Architecture at Jordan University of Science and Technology, has been exploring the daylighting performance of parametric Mashrabiya-inspired shading devices, offering a glimpse into the future of energy-efficient, culturally responsive facades.
Mashrabiya, a traditional Islamic architectural element, is a type of projecting oriel window enclosed with carved wood latticework. It has historically served as a privacy screen and a way to control sunlight and ventilation. Al-Rqaibat’s study, published in the Journal of Daylighting (which translates to “Journal of Natural Light” in English), delves into the potential of this ancient design to enhance occupant comfort and visual performance in contemporary buildings.
Using advanced digital tools like Grasshopper/Rhinoceros for motif design and Climate Studio for annual daylight simulations, Al-Rqaibat and her team evaluated 21 different shading patterns. They varied opening ratios, depth angles, and directions to find the optimal balance of daylight sufficiency and glare control.
“The goal was to find a balance,” Al-Rqaibat explained. “We wanted to maximize natural light to reduce energy consumption, but also ensure that the light quality was comfortable for occupants.”
The study found that four scenarios, with a 50% opening ratio and either downward or eastward-facing depths, achieved this balance. These designs offered spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) values between 57.4% and 65.3%, Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) values from 0.5% to 7.4%, and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI-a) between 54% and 61.5%. These metrics indicate a significant potential for energy savings and improved occupant comfort.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption, innovative shading solutions like these can play a crucial role in reducing energy demand. Moreover, the study highlights the potential of combining traditional design elements with modern parametric design, opening up new avenues for culturally responsive architecture that is also energy-efficient.
Al-Rqaibat’s work is not just about looking back at traditional design; it’s about looking forward. “This is not just about preserving the past,” she said. “It’s about using the past to inform the future.”
The study also points to future research directions, such as in-situ validation and kinetic Mashrabiya systems for dynamic daylight control. These advancements could further enhance the energy efficiency and comfort of buildings, making them more sustainable and responsive to the needs of their occupants.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy consumption, studies like Al-Rqaibat’s offer a beacon of hope. They show that by looking to the past and embracing the future, we can create buildings that are not just energy-efficient, but also culturally resonant and comfortable for their occupants. The dance of light and shadow continues, and it’s a dance that could shape the future of our built environment.