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Journal 2021

A mashrabiya in soft cloth, not lattice wood

Mashrabiya, 2015. The veiled surface of the Islamic home, reinterpreted as modular, adjustable textile units whose malleable nature speaks of openness, autonomy and transparency in a world where walls begin to lack me...

A mashrabiya in soft cloth, not lattice wood

Mashrabiyas are the architectural expressions of the cultural attitude of Islamic people. They function as an ornate veiled surface in Islamic homes, proudly facing the outside world whilst intentionally protecting those behind it from the wandering curious eyes of the public.

Privacy is an essential aspect of Arabic culture hence the existence of this object. Bokja, originators of surface fabrication, have reinterpreted the concept of a Mashrabiya as a reaction to shifting cultural attitudes in the region. The Bokja Mashrabiya is a soft textile surface contrasting the strict attitude of lattice wood, the material form used in original examples.

Mashrabiya, 2015, detail 1

In a world of online communication, physical walls and barriers begin to lack a sense of meaning and function. Composed of modular adjustable units, its malleable nature references a sense of openness, autonomy and transparency, adapting to any context or void it may occupy.