Hybrid Parametric of Mashrabiya and the 3D Digital Craftsmen
Technology nowadays causes alterations in the methodology of constructional pruduction, thus creating a major number of variables in Mashrabiya manufacture.
“The use of computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling devices, now a common form of digital fabrication, gives a much higher degree of accuracy, speed and versatility than was previously possible using hand driven lathes. By using a flip-bed CNC system, where a block is cut, flipped and a matching cut is made on the other side, a screen of almost any possible shape can be made. This means that the individual section, shape and dimension of each baluster can be precisely defined to provide the optimal climatic and spatial control.”
This means that more advanced turning machines are available in the design and production process, such as CNC Wood Turning Lathe, (Figure 4.19) which allows a choice of design by entering numeric values to the computerized memory for turning wood. This cuts the need for expending a great deal of time and manpower, as found in the tradional fabrication process (Figure 4.20).
Figure 4.19: The CKX-600/1300/1600 CNC Wood Turning Lathe (http://en.intorex.com/1674/cnc-wood-turning-lathes-ckx-600-1300-1600#ad-image-2832)
Figure 4.20: The CNX is a fully automatic CNC wood turning lathe (http://en.intorex.com/1674/cnc-wood-turning-lathes-ckx-600-1300-1600#ad-image-2832)
Almerbati et al. (2016) in their research about the hybrid Mashrabiya, supported the importance of CIM and CNC Mashrabiya model of Samuels’s thesis (Figures 4.21- 4.23) and his final result:
“Even if the final result was not aesthetically significant, the process and the product created utilized modern CIM and CNC technology that was not available to local craftsmen.”
Figure 4.21: Test patterns by William Samuels (Samuels, 2011)
(a) Basic Mashrabiya component.
(b) Component tiling arrangement.
(c) 3D Structural bracing layer.
(d) Joint connection detail.
(e) Misting Spray Points.
Figure 4.22: Development of Samuels’ CIM and CNC Mashrabiya Component (Samuels, 2011)
Figure 4.23: Component Tessellations of development of Samuels’ CIM and CNC (Samuels, 2011)
Almerbati et al. (2016) followed Samuels’ experience to explore new hybrid parametrics of Mashrabiya, and they pointed out that as traditional craftsmen persevered in understanding the kinds of wood and tools to be used, digital craftsmen seek to master the art of how to convert the functional limitations of different types of technology and new machines, into the contemporary digital construction that controls their careers. When digital craftsmen study the history of Mashrabiya, they can inform the traditional mathematical and geometrical patterns with functional design parameters which can be controlled by graphic algorithmic modelers. The geometric dimensions are improved through the use of T- Splines (Figures 4.24- 4.25).
Figure 4.24: 3D printing enables the production of parts that cannot be made in any other fashion, 10 cm by 10 cm test prints of Mashrabiya screen modular units using Form 1 printer (Almerbati et al., 2016)
Figure 4.25: Images of 3D-printed Laser Sintered Plastic for Focus Group Consideration in Bahrain (Almerbati et al., 2016)
“3D printing is selected as the ideal manufacturing process, as, at times, these constructions achieve a complexity that extends beyond multi-axis CNC milling…. since these parameters have been programmed dynamically, the culture is able to evolve through the dynamic modification of the parameter model. Furthermore, as more cultural or functional variables (architectural programming, for example) emerge and are programmed into future instantiations of the Parameter Mashrabiya, the resultant forms will continue to evolve alongside the culture. In addition, the advantage of the units’ shape is linked to the fact that they can be digitally crafted to fit various patterns from both 2D surfaces and complex 3D interlaced geometries, some of which are too highly complex to be created using other mould-based manufacturing techniques.”
