Abstract
interface between the building and the environment. The effective and smart façades that are designed to adapt the environmental conditions date back when windows and ventilators were designed carefully in response to the site conditions. In the last few decades, the emphasis on energy consumption and reduction has increased drastically, as technology has evolved and more new materials are used in the buildings than ever. Due to the numerous significant roles that a facade plays that are the thermal comfort, aesthetics, acoustics, lighting; high-performance building facades have become one of the main focuses for researchers and designers. This study is based on intersection of 2 main subjects of interest; (i) focusing on the importance of the jali/screens, as decorative architectural elements along with their functional significance, (ii) integration of this knowledge with parametric design methods to achieve new design solutions in façade design. As a result, to demonstrate the basic understanding of the concept of a kinetic façade through a jali, two design exercises that have been carried out and explored their kinetic systems, with the potential of a simple geometric design used as a module to generate the skin and its kinetic response. The investigations from this research opens a gateway for further explorations in the field of jali design, using parametric tools for the development of kinetic responsive skins. 
Highlights
Jali (Urdu word) is an architectural element found in the Indian subcontinent and Islamic architecture
One of the major architectural elements commonly found in the region, jali designs were usually geometric patterns carved out on red sandstone or marble
In Al-Bahar Towers, we find the concept of the mashrabiyas with geometric patterns fused with the kinetic mechanism inspired by nature, the opening and closing of flowers in response to the sun
Summary
Jali (Urdu word) is an architectural element found in the Indian subcontinent and Islamic architecture. A jali is an ornamental perforated screen that has been a significant architectural feature in Mughal architecture for decades. One of the major architectural elements commonly found in the region, jali designs were usually geometric patterns carved out on red sandstone or marble. Geometrical shapes have been used for ornamentation purposes in Islamic art and architecture and as a unifying concept. It unifies the composition regardless of the diversity of materials and forms. These complex patterns are based on several features and principles, the foremost being symmetry, harmony and balance of proportions. The second major principle is the repetition of the unit, forming the basis of the geometric patterns. The illusion of continuity and framing of the patterns on pre-calculated surfaces are significant aspects of these geometric patterns in Islamic art and architecture
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