In the heart of Turkey’s hot and dry climate, an ancient architectural element is making a modern comeback, offering a breath of fresh air to the energy sector. Researchers have turned to the traditional mashrabiya, a perforated screen often found in historic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean architecture, to reimagine energy-efficient facades in contemporary buildings. The study, led by Ruşen Ergün from Dicle University, reveals that this age-old design can significantly reduce cooling loads, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for modern architecture.
The mashrabiya, typically used for privacy and ventilation, has been adapted and integrated into the living rooms of buildings in Diyarbakır, a city known for its extreme climate. Ergün and his team analyzed 148 different configurations, varying the perforation sizes, depths, and components of the mashrabiya on four different facades. The results were striking. “The use of appropriate perforation sizes, depths, and components in the mashrabiya reduced the cooling load by approximately 21% on the south facade, 17% on the west facade, and 13% on the east facade,” Ergün explained. These findings, published in the Vitruvio: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability (translated as “Vitruvius: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability”), underscore the potential of integrating traditional design elements into modern architecture to enhance energy efficiency.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. As cities worldwide grapple with rising temperatures and the pressing need for sustainable building practices, the mashrabiya offers a proven, passive design strategy that can reduce energy consumption and lower cooling costs. “This study shows the importance of mashrabiya in modern buildings for indoor thermal comfort,” Ergün noted. By reinterpreting traditional passive design strategies, architects and builders can create structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and economically viable.
The research highlights the potential for other traditional architectural elements to be reimagined in the context of modern sustainability. As the world seeks innovative solutions to combat climate change, looking to the past for inspiration could be a key strategy. Ergün’s work serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to look back. The findings could inspire architects and builders to explore other traditional design elements, fostering a new wave of sustainable architecture that bridges the gap between history and innovation.