There is often an intricate relationship between architecture and the environment. Each part of the world has defined its own architectural techniques based on its unique climatic conditions. However, environmental concerns in the 21st century provoked new techniques, implementing solutions to preserve natural resources and provide thermal comfort. While some opted for a futuristic approach with mechanical and technologically-advanced solutions, others decided to go back in time and explore how civilizations protected their people, architecture, and environment when they had nothing else to resort to but the environment itself. In this article, we look at how Musharrabiyas found their way back into modern-day architecture as significant vernacular features.
The Mediterranean region's climate is characterized by a hot and often dry weather due to the fact that it is surrounded by deserts, whether it is the Sahara in North Africa, or the desert in the Arabian gulf. Naturally, structures in ancient times were not equipped with mechanical ventilation systems, so they were designed to tackle the natural conditions and optimize indoor thermal comfort by relying on natural resources. The Musharrabiya, also known as Mashrabiya, was first introduced in the Arabic regions of the Middle East and North Africa. It is believed that its name came from the Arabic word “Sharab” which translates to “drink”, due to the fact that the Musharrabiya referred to a cool, shaded place where one can drink water from a clay pot. Others believe that the word was derived from “Mashrafiya” which translates to “an observation place”, which is why it was often associated to a small protruding wooden balcony in houses
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The Musharrabiya was first implemented as a traditional architectural
element that covers openings and windows not just for thermal purposes,
but for cultural reasons as well. By definition, it is a perforated
screen made of wood, clay, or stone, that regulates light, heat, ventilation,
and humidity, and created a space of privacy that's not too obscure.
Privacy was a very important factor as it is one of the core distinctive
value of Islam. Its perforation patterns were derived from Islamic patterns and motifs,
and each pattern uniquely served a specific purpose; detailed designs
were used for spaces that required more privacy, whereas as large
geometric forms were used for more public spaces that needed bigger air
flow and light. The Musharrabiya became a prime example of how
aesthetics and functions can go hand in hand. 
Although the Musharrabiya is of Arabic origins, it was used in Brazil during the Portuguese
colonization, under the name of Muxarabi. Its application has decreased
throughout the years with the emergence of new solar filtration
resources, but it is still possible to find contemporary projects in the
country, and across the world, that use the architectural element.
However, Musharrabiyas were reimagined to fit modern day requirements,
as they are considered an expensive feature in terms of manufacturing
and maintenance. Privacy is also no longer a crucial factor since the
architecture itself is now built to provide it. Regardless, the
Musharrabiya witnessed an evolution of its own in terms of its shape and
materials, adapting to the architectural requirements of the 21st
century.
