Parametric Mashrabiya as a Shading System for Optimized Daylighting in Egypt

Kamal Fahmy, Marwa; Elsoudany, Moemen; Gaber, Basma

doi:10.21608/erj.2023.289551

Parametric Mashrabiya as a Shading System for Optimized Daylighting in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Architectural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Ibrahim Abdel-Razik St., Ain Shams

² Architectural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al Mansoura University

³ architectural engineering department , faculty of engineering , al mansoura university

10.21608/erj.2023.289551

Abstract

The major drawback in hot climate zones is the high intensity of solar radiation, which
produces undesired solar heat gain and influences indoor daylighting dispet the
advantage of having enough natural lighting. Several attempts have been made to use
Mashrabiya as an environmentally friendly architectural design element. This study
presents a new methodology for optimizing parameters of parametric Mashrabiya
oriented to the west in a hot arid climate in Cairo, Egypt. The study concentrates on the
pattern parameters (Lattice) in the body part of the Mashrabiya, so it uses parametric
design and simulation techniques to reach an optimal geometrical parameter for the
patterns, which enhances the indoor daylighting and builds an Associative model for
the Mashrabiya. The study also aims to investigate the influence of each parameter to
find effective parameters on daylighting. Grasshopper for Rhino is used to generate the
parametric variations. Ladybug and honeybee -Grasshopper plugins- for daylighting
simulation. The methodology includes field experiments and simulation. The result of
the study shows a significant impact of some parameters rather than others. Some cases
achieve the required daylighting, which proves the advantage of using parametric
Mashrabiya in façade treatment for sufficient daylighting in hot arid climates.

Keywords