Mashrabiya is the prominent window that overlooks the street or the courtyard of traditional Arab houses.

The word Mashrabiya came from an Arab root meaning that is a place where the jars of drinking water were being put to cool.

The history of Mashrabiya is dating back to the period when Arabs entered to Egypt, but when it first became used in particular, it is difficult to pinpoint because of the ever- evolving nature of architecture.

Mashrabiyas were introduced in public places such as mosques and tombs, semi-public places such as agencies and caravansaries, and private places such as houses and palaces.

In the early 20 century, Mashrabiyas started to decline in use due to many factors. Therefore the reasons behind the decline in the use of the Mashrabiya are twofold: due to both cultural and practical influences.

Mashrabiya models have been developed to describe ways of coping with the different conditions affecting one or more of these functions. The main functions are Light Control, Airflow Regulation, Humidity Control, Temperature Regulation, Visual Privacy, Aesthetic and Social Role, Spatiality.

The patterns of Mashrabiya were composed of simple geometric shapes, and often ewer or calligraphy designs from the Quran.

Samuels (2011) offered a number of rules and mathematical formulae for the optimal design of the Mashrabiya lattice, by analyzing traditional construction methods. These rules can be used to design the perfect lattice of Mashrabiya to ensure the optimum internal conditions, regardless of the geographic location or programmatic requirements.

Wood is the main traditional material used for the construction of Mashrabiya, due to its advantages in the adjustment of internal shadows, reduction of glare, toleration of high temperatures and finally, its effect on humidity buffering and cooling the airflow. Mashrabiya can be made of different materials: Marble, Natural stone, Plaster and Brick.

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.

AM is the procedure of solidifying powder or liquid by using a melting laser or a binding agent. It saves time and transportation costs related to importing fundamental materials. It provides the ability to produce three-dimensional elements or objects from models, or from computer controlled additive processes. It provides mass customization, flexible shapes and affordability.

This is a system which is formed by three identical opaque backscattering shields, filled with a pattern inspired by the Mashrabiya. It effectively blocks direct light, along with converting a part of it into diffuse reflected light, so as to enhance the comfortable daylight in the room space. It diminishes the overheating problem. It provides good visual comfort.

In recent decades, a lot of architects found alternative solutions to keep pace with modernity and yet benefit from the cultural heritage. Thus Mashrabiya became one of the leading environmental traditional and architectural elements that have been re-used in the field of architecture, which is widespread, but especially found in Arab Gulf countries which have a hot, harsh climate.

Often the modern Mashrabiya has been re-used in accordance with three notable forms, including the primitive form, the sustainable form, and the form provided with advanced technology.