The Revitalisation of Al Mashrabiya Traditional Craftsmanship Through Artisans’ Participation

Abstract

Traditional crafts carry aesthetic, functional, and social values, often associated with specific rituals, ceremonies, and social customs. One such craft is المشربية (Al Mashrabiya), a traditional architectural element spread across hot and arid regions, renowned for its cultural and social value. It is a lattice of intricately carved geometric patterns historically used to allow air circulation and light control. Despite its decline in popularity in the early twentieth century due to cultural and economic changes, its potential for reinterpretation and integration into contemporary product design has become a focal point, bridging tradition and innovation. This fusion in product design presents a dynamic challenge, urging designers to consider products resonating with tradition and contemporary methods. The present research focuses on the geometric pattern designs of Al Mashrabiya and the use of modern technology to revive the art form through new practices. This thesis explores its roots in history and culture, its craftsmanship, and the symbolism inherent in its design. The research methodology includes desk and field research under the “Research About Design” category, focusing on collecting and documenting traditional designs for database archiving with the support of cultural organisations in Saudi Arabia (KSA), Morocco, and Egypt. These techniques aim to streamline this craft’s development process using parametric design parameters and make the production accessible to a global market by running workshops and outlining available digital fabrication methods to the artisans. The outcomes of this study contribute to the activities of organisations, artisans, designers, and educators for the sake of cultural continuity and innovation for the purpose of reviving cultural heritage, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and challenging the boundaries between tradition and modernity in product design.