Abstract—This paper includes a study of modern sustainable architectural techniques and elements that are originally found in vernacular and traditional architecture, particularly in the Arab region. Courtyards, Wind Catchers, and Mashrabiya, for example, are elements that have been developed in contemporary architecture using modern technology to create sustainable architecture designs. An analytical study of the topic will deal with some examples of the Islamic House in Fatimid Cairo city in Egypt, analyzing its elements and their relationship to the environment, in addition to the examples in southern Egypt (Nubba) of sustainable architecture systems, and traditional houses in Sana'a city, Yemen, using earth resources of mud bricks and other construction materials. In conclusion, a comparative study between traditional and contemporary techniques will be conducted to confirm that it is possible to achieve sustainable architecture through the use of low-technology in buildings in Arab regions. Keywords—Islamic context, cultural environment, natural environment, Islamic House, low-technology, mud brick, vernacular and traditional architecture. I. INTRODUCTION N the early 20 th century, the impact of the industrial revolution led to the vision of different architectural philosophies of schools in both Europe and the United States; Functionalism, Organic Architecture, and International Style. The origin of green architecture is dated back to 1960, when Frank Lloyd Wright raised eco-awareness through his works with nature. In 1969, McHarg Literally wrote a book on green architecture called "Design with Nature" [1]. There was a very early attempt to apply sustainable designs by the Egyptian Architect Hassan Fathy in his project of Gourna village in Nubba region through the use of low technology and the traditional Egyptian Architecture elements; later on Fathy is considered one of the pioneers of sustainable architecture. In 1988, the sustainable architecture codes began to be introduced at the Building Research Establishment in the United Kingdom (BREEAM). In 2014, the British government signed the codes for sustainable homes. These codes, they have become part of BREEAM family. [1]. In 1993, the Ahmed S. Attia (Professor) is with the College of Architecture, and Design, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan and Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt (phone: +962-796894341; e-mail: asattia@ just.edu.jo). United States Green Building Council (USGBC) founded, and controlled the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Standards (LEED) to encourage sustainable practices in design [2]. II. ARCHITECTURE WITHIN THE ISLAMIC CONTEXT The term context in scientific context is more universal and comprehensive than the function, technology and economic aspects in order to reach the best use of the space. The architecture theories are closer to the mechanical context, while the term "context" includes social, economic and human needs. As an Islamic architecture which is paired to Islamic values, and the formal values that are associated with local and cultural values of the region. III. TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE IN EGYPT A. Islamic House and the Influence of Cultural and Natural Environments Islamic architecture was formed by ecological civilization which is consists of both cultural and natural environments. The cultural environment consists of the local environment and traditions derived from the Islamic Sharia and Sunnah, and social and economic aspects, while the natural environment includes climate, topography, and available building materials. As an example, the traditional Islamic house in the Fatimid Cairo in Egypt, we can find several examples of which its designs have been influenced by cultural and natural environments. The court is considered the main element surrounded by the house elements; the main entrance is inclined in order to provide privacy. The Qa'a at the second floor is separated from the other house elements, Mashrabiya, for climate and privacy purposes, wind catchers and Shukhshikhah (Skylight), have been provided for climate purposes and to provide the house with cross ventilation [3]. B. Fatimid Cairo City (Medieval Cairo) Islamic Cairo City (Medieval Cairo) was founded in 969 A.D. as the Royal city for Fatimid Caliphs. The city was surrounded by walls and characterized by its compacted urban form and its unique architectural style including residential and religious buildings; mosques, mausoleums, fountain Traditional Sustainable Architecture Techniques and Its Applications in Contemporary Architecture: Case Studies of the Islamic House in Fatimid Cairo and Sana'a, Cities in Egypt and Yemen Ahmed S. Attia I World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Vol:13, No:5, 2019 266 International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 13(5) 2019 ISNI:0000000091950263 Open Science Index, Civil and Environmental Engineering Vol:13, No:5, 2019 publications.waset.org/10010369/pdf