The Mashrabiya

Located in Long Beach, California, this conceptual five-story office building explores contemporary construction methods and climate responsive design. The building's copper-inspired geometric skin serves as both a visual identity and a defining architectural feature. Drawing inspiration from geometric patterns and passive shading strategies found throughout Moroccan and Middle Eastern architecture, the repeating façade elements reinterpret traditional solar-screening principles through a contemporary material language. The system adds depth, rhythm, and changing patterns of light and shadow while helping reduce direct solar exposure along the glazed façade. Designed with LEED principles in mind, the project incorporates sustainable strategies including energy efficiency, water conservation, resource management, and site-responsive planning to create a high-performance workplace environment.