Traditional Residential Architecture in Cairo from a Green Architecture Perspective

Abstract

In Egypt, traditional residential architecture of Islamic eras accorded a great deal of importance and respect to the environment, the source of the construction materials that give form to architectural elements. It also contributes to creating architectural spaces that realize mental and physical comfort of users while complementing the surrounding environment. In this paper, various components and design patterns of the traditional residential architecture in Cairo (Cairene houses) were observed and analyzed from a green architecture perspective in order to determine best building techniques and elements of environmentally friendly design. First, the climatic system of Egypt is explained, second a description of the traditional residential architecture in Cairo is provided, third, green principles in the design patterns and elements of Cairene houses were observed and analyzed in detail in terms of: 1) solar heat energy, 2) solar light energy, 3) wind energy, 4) construction materials, and 5) sound insulation Keywords: Cairo, Cairene houses, green architecture, maq’ad , takhtabush , mashrabiyya , qa’a , shokhshekha , malqaf , solar heat, solar light, wind, construction materials, sound insulation.