Urban Sustainability in Traditional Societies: The Case of Muslims

Hisham Mortada, Ph.D.Dept. of ArchitectureKing Abdul Aziz UniversityJeddah, Saudi Arabiahmortada@kau.edu.sa

Sustainable Living: Means/Objectives

Satisfying the needs of today, without diminishing the prospects of future generations to do the same.

Balance in the consumption of resources so others can benefit from them in the future.

Reduction in the impact of transportation and industry on humans and environment.

Sustainable Living: Means/Objectives

Using materials in continuous cycles and constantly reliable sources of energy.

Simplicity in life and consideration of others’ needs.

Urban Sustainability in Traditional Societies: The Case of Muslims

Natural Environment scale

Urban Environment scale

Natural Environment: The Role of Man

Man as God's inheritor or vicegerent on earth.

Man is only a manager of the earth and not a proprietor, a beneficiary and not an ordainer.

Natural Environment: The Role of Man

a) contemplation and worship

Sources of life and resources of nature have been created so that man may realize the following objectives:

b) inhabitation and construction

Natural Environment: The Role of Man

c) utilization d) enjoyment and appreciation of beauty

Natural Environment: PRINCIPLES

Utilization of Natural Resources

Preservation of Natural Balance

Natural Environment: PRINCIPLES

Utilization of Natural Resources– The relationship between

man and nature is a relationship of utilization and development.

Sego, Mali: Use of indigenous materials for sustainable living,

Natural Environment: PRINCIPLES

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Recycled utilization of coral reefs, traditional construction materials,

Natural Environment: PRINCIPLES

–Disapproval of any selfishness associated with this utilization.

Isfahan, Iran: Buildings of similar heights provide equal benefits from sun and air

Natural Environment: PRINCIPLES

Preservation of Natural Balance– Relationship between man

and nature: utilization and development

Dariah, Saudi Arabia: Palm tree farms integrated with the built up area

Natural Environment: PRINCIPLES

– Obligation of protecting nature

Damascus, Syria: Barada River surrounds residential quarters

Natural Environment

– Prevention of the destruction or abuse of any natural element that provides benefit (i. e. food, shade, etc.) to society

– Preservation of the harmony of natural environment

Natural Environment: PRINCIPLES

Tunis, 1899: Shaded Souq

Natural EnvironmentNatural Environment: PRINCIPLES

Fez, Morocco: Shaded Souq

Natural EnvironmentNatural Environment: PRINCIPLES

Tunis, Tunisia: Shaded Souq Harar, Ethiopia: Shaded alley

Urban Environment: PRINCIPLES

The Restraint of the Self– Wealth Consumption – Rights to Natural Resources (e.g., light and

air)

Urban Environment: PRINCIPLES

Wealth Consumption– Justice and Moderation:

Balance in all affairs

Equally accessed land uses: Old Isfahan. Integration and penetration of commercial activities into residential quarters

Urban Environment: PRINCIPLES

– Self-restraint in and minimum level of consumption/spending (for the benefit of other members of society)

Dariah, Saudi Arabia. Simplicity and functionality of facades

Asir, Saudi Arabia. Functional decoration

Urban Environment: PRINCIPLES

RIGHT TO NATURAL LIGHT AND AIR– Everyone has the right to natural elements.– Polluting natural air (e.g. by smoke, smell, etc.)

is prohibited.– Sources of dirt, noise, smoke, odor or extreme

heat must be prevented or kept away from people/residential area.

Urban Environment: PRINCIPLES

Aghadier, Morocco. Commercial and industrial activities associated with noise, odor, or pollution are located outside the city wall

Summary & Conclusions

Built environment of traditional societies embodies urban and architectural concepts and techniques that are sufficient to create a sustainable modern urban environment. These concepts and techniques vary from land use distribution and urban morphology to street network, building heights, construction materials and façade treatments.

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