Student Portfolio
A R C H 4 7 3 / 3 5 2 2 - D I G I TA L D E S I G N S T U D I O A N D W O R K S H O P Yara Ibrahim Fall 2019
The American University in Cairo (AUC) School of Sciences and Engineering - Department of Architecture ARCH 473/3522 - Digital Design Studio and Workshop (Spring 2019) Student portfolio documenting samples of work submitted along the course, including research, experimentation, 3D modeling, digital fabrication, parametric design and modeling, physical model realisation and analysis. Student name: Yara Ibrahim Student ID: 900142237
Š The American University in Cairo (AUC), December 2019
Yara Ibrahim Architecture Student
semester and I am very much sure that if someone asks me, I will proably say that the semester I am in is definetly the hardest. So...I just got used to it. After passing throught this course, I can proudly and confidently say that I have learnt so much this semester. Never would I have imagined before registering the course taht I would have been able to learn and apply what we have taken.
I am a 23 years old Architectural Engineering student with so much dreams and hopes for the future. I just aim to just leave an impact in this world even if it is going to that little. Before going into this 5 year journey, I would have never imagied to be were I am today. This majoor was not even in my plans until the very last months of high scholl. Yet I grew to love it and be passionate about it as much as anyone else. As each year passed by, I have learnt so much both educationally and personally. I have known so much people and my overall perspective in life has changed a lot. When coming to think about my 8th semester as an Architecture student, I could say without any doubt that this was one of my hardest semeters in University. I say this every
At first, it feels like drowning and not knowing how will anything get done with all these advanced softwares. As we progressed in the semester, I found out that anything is possible and that with mush persistent, you will reach the finish line.
Sea Shells are dominant on the coastal regions in Egypt. As a group, it was chosen as our natural inspiration to our designed shelters.
01 Mobile Shelter For The Homeless
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Sea creatures as mollusks develop in the sea but they are in need of protection as their bodies are delicate. Their mantle tissue absorbs the salts and chemicals that are found in the sea.
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They secrete calcium carbonate which hardens on the outer part of their bodies.
A Shelter for the Homeless
3 This sketch shows the life cycle of the Sea Shells starting from the mollusk and developing its outer protection layer.
Sea Shells are hard protective outer coverings that are considered to be the exoskeleton to mollusks such as snails,clams and oysters. In the first phase, sea creatures as mollusks develop in the sea but they are in need of protection as their bodies are delicate Their mantle tissue absorbs the salts and chemicals that are found in the sea. Outer edge of the mantle tissue continuously adds new shell to accommodate body growth.
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Phase two involves the secretion of calcium carbonate which hardens on the outer part of their bodies. The outer edge of the mantle tissue continuously adds new shell to accomodate body growth of the creature.
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Growth Layers This pattern of growth results in three distict layers. 1-Outer Proteinaceous Periosteum -Outer surface composed of thin hard layer of dark protein that protects the edge of the shell as it grows. It is the structural foundation. 2-Prismatic Layer Forms the middle layer of the shell. It has a chalk appearance. 3-Inner Pearly Layer of Nacre Known as “Mother of Pearls�, this inner layer has a brick-like arrangement.
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A Shelter for the Homeless
A home that grows with the user.
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A home that moves with the user.
A home that adapts with the user.
A home that could be reused.
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Secondary Functions
nest-building materials
shelter for the algae
armor for hermit crabs
What to Capatilize On -Incremental Growth based on the fact that you could add or subtract different layers. -The juxtaposition between the different layers.
Microscopic Images as Inspiration Portfolio
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Initial sketches in an attempt to formulate an initial concept to my designed homeless shelter.
The Concept Portfolio
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Model experimentation with deployable structures and overall experimentation with structures that allow additions and subtractions of spaces.
Concept Statement -Transitionality: the change from one state to another -Having different phases that would interact differently with both the user and the environment
Functions and User’s Needs
Interaction of the shelter with
Environment Climate In Vs Out
Human Needs
Personalization
-Cater for big and small families -Provide privacy for all -A place for rebuilding self-esteem Spaces Portfolio
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Homeless Shelter-A Case Study Portfolio
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The Reality.... Homeless shelters across the world are designed poorly, emphasizes the fact that they are temporary, thus it does not resolve emotions of anexiety and instability assiciated with homelessness.
An Experimentation....
Before
In an attempt to test whether or not the shelter does affect the homeless peopl e living in it, the interviewed people before changing anything in thier current living situation. Answers showed that they in fact had limited privacy and felt in prison. After some modification where windows were open, curtains added for privacy, the homeless families in the shelter felt like they had a chance in a better life.
After ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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Model showing the use of Rigid Frames which allows for extensions of the different spaces. Fishing nets (a material taken from our site) will aslo be used as they will allow for the redirecting of sunlight and user interaction with the environment.
Structure, Materiality and Site Portfolio
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Suez -It i s a seaport city (population of about 750,000 as of August 2018) in north-eastern Egypt, located on the north coast of the Gulf of Suez (a branch of the Red Sea), near the southern terminus of the Suez Canal, It has three harbours, Adabiya, Ain Sokhna and Port Tawfiq, and extensive port facilities. -25% of the population of suez line in informal settlements. -In comparison to other cities in Egypt, the percentage of the population living in informal settlements in Suez is high. In a city that is home to close to 744,189 people, almost 186,000 people live in slums and squatter settlements. This reflects a need for an alternative means of providing housing..
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Initial Digital Iteration
Digital Iteration TheSecond Design Process Portfolio
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Pre- Final Iteration ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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20 A 3 D shot showing the final shelter with the structure.
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The Final - A Shelter For All ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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Plan of the shelter and Site Context Portfolio
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Section showing the shelter and scale. Cross-section inspired by microscopic images of sea shells
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Structural Frames
Structural Frames -These frames allow for the extension of the differnet additional spaces that can accomodate the needs of the different users; from working spaces that creates opportunities, an additional bedroom allowing for a number of people/family to share the place and finally a study/playroom area.
Extension of Spaces Portfolio
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Scenario 1: Having both the bedroom and study room unextended making the shelter more compact.
Scenario 2: Having the part of the working space unextended with frames acting as shading to outdoor space. ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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3D Shot ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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28 A picture showing our initial idea for the project....the use of recyled plastic tubes in order to form the facade and act as a double skin.
02 The Blank Facade Canvas Portfolio
The Blank Facade Canvas
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30 This sketch shows our initial thinking process and how we started by invisioning simple tubes that allow light through.
The Concept -Create unique light experiences in the building’s internal space by experimenting with the interplay between between light and tubular forms to create an interactive facade out of recycled plastic.
Why Tubes? -Refraction of light -Internal reflection
Why Recycled Plastic -Using recycled single use plastic will give it new life instead of being thrown or burnt,which has negative consequenses on the environment. It will be integrated into our facade though melting it and using it in 3D fabrication.
Normal Window
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Refraction through Tube
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These pictures were our main inspirations when we first started thinking of the tubes and we wanted to experiment with creating something that is as interactive. ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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First Experimentation Portfolio
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Trial 1 In our first trial, we decided to go with a simple tubular form, the straws. The differentiation came from an externl panel that acted as an anchor to the straws. Lasercut panel for the straws
We did not take into consideration that differnet variables are contributing to the amount of light refracting such as the length, diameter, thickness of the panel and the actual amount of light coming through. Also the straws were a bit restricting when it came to shape as it was very narrow while being lengthy at the same time. Moreover, the stacking mechanism of having a panel with several perforations and sizes limited the possiblities of playing with differnet sized material. This was fortunetly compensated for in the second trial.
Individual and grouped straws for different effects ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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Second Experimentation - The Set Up ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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For this experimentation, it was quite clear that the light will be just passing through the penetrations directly and so it depends solely on their size. No light refraction could take place through them thus defying the pupose or goal we were trying to reach.
The Panels Portfolio
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Plastic Bottles ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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In our first experimentation, we wanted to test full-sized 20 cm bottles with its neck facing the light source. This gave us a reading of 34 Lux. When comparing to the control box, we could deduce that it refracts a good amount of light.
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In this trial, the length was decreased to be 11 cm with all other variables constant. We could deduce from the reading that as the light travel distance decreases, the more intense yet refracted it gets as it gave a reading of 43 Lux.
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After inverting the full length bottle, it could be clearly seen that having narrow openings facing the light source minimizes the amount of light refracted taking into consideration that the bottle still has a larger opening on on the other side.
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In this experimentation, decreasing the size also contributed to the amount of light entering this inverted bottle. We could now say that decreasing thth and diamter would eventually give the same reading as full length uninverted bottle.
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One of our variables changed in this experiment where both the length and diameter are changing together with the shape. It was found that the cups are almost similar to the bottles although the variables are not. This shows that the shape does play a role. Portfolio
Moving on to the already short lengthed cups, we can deduce that any difference occuring is due to the inversion which is minimal. We can also deduce that the differnce now between it an dthe half length inverted bottle is not that noticable although it has a smaller neck. The Blank Facade Canvas
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Playing with a very differnt form than the others, we tried the straws that are considered to have the least diameter of all, 6mm. The amount of refracted light was minimal. This shows that small diamteres are needed when minimal light is needed. ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
Playing with a very differnet form than the others, we tried here to cut the straws to half their size which gave slightly better reading than the fulllength straws. Overall, the straws gave the lowest light refraction but a relaxing light patttern to potential users. Yara Ibrahim
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As it could be seen from the table, there is a noticable differnce when changing the length of the different specimns that we have been experimenting with. inverting the specimens also play a role in decreasing the amount of light refracted.
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The Final Experimentation ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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The Division of One Panel into Functions 1- Meeting Room This room requires by codes to have light inside the room with measurement of 300 Lux. According to our previous findings, we decided to use conical shaped tubes with small diameters that are completely transparent. The large opening were facing the source of light to obtain a bigger amount of light in comparison to having smaller diamter outside. 2- Office Space This room requires a light with measurement of 500 Lux which is slightly higher than the meeting rooms. In this space, we decide to also use transparent tubes that have the same diameter from both side (cylinder shaped). Due to the nature of the space, we made sure that only transarent tubes are used to avoid any distraction.
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3- Common Space This space requires by codes to have light inside the room with measurement of 500-1000 Lux. In this space, we started incorporating tubes with various colours but at the same time are still translucent to allow the light through. The tubes also have a conical shape to allow more light through with an interplay of differnt diameters. 4- Atrium This room requires a light with measurement of 2000 Lux making it the most demanding space when it comes to the amount of light entering through. In here, we decided to incorporate both transparent and coloured tubes to create an interesting interplay and experience inside the space and for the users.
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46 The final result for the different functions.
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Meeting Room
Common Space
Office Space
Atrium The Blank Facade Canvas
Diameter
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As the diameter increases, the lux increases. Length
As the length increases, the lux decreases. Conical Shape-Opening
As the opening increases, the lux increase. Colour
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As we use coloured tubes, the lux decrease.
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The Blom Bank Model where we will be designing a second skin that will respond to environmental aspects.
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The Parametric Facelift Portfolio
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3D shot showing the parametric second dkin generated for the Bank with the recycled plastic tubular forms.
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Understanding the Facade Portfolio
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Location
Solar Radiation
Our assigned building, Blom Bank, is located on South Teseen Street. The facade that we will be working on is a southern facade , which means that it is exposed to the sunlight and heat radiation all day long.
As it could be seen from the solar radiation analysis, the facade is totally exposed showing very high solar heat gain. The amount of daylight should be alos accounted for as this give an idea of how the interior conditions are nt favourable for the users. The analysis also shows that due to the curved nature of the facade, the inner part is shaded.
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Wind Rose Analysis As it could be deduced from the wind rose, the wind speeds are recorded to be within a good range. This is a benefit to our building especially that there are now surrounding buildings blocking the wind coming from the prevailing direction.
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Initial Thoughts Treating the facade as several compartments according to the differernt functions
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Experimenting with an “ACTIVE” facade that incorporates “PASSIVE” design tecniques.
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THE PARAMETERS GOVERNING THE DESIGN Dependent Parameters
Independent Parameters
1- The first controllable parameter is the diameter of the tubular recycled plastic forms used. Initialy, the diameter was a factor depending of the sun radiation. Due to the full solar exposure of the facade, the tubes would have had smaller diameter hendering the view.
2- The second controllable parameter is the outer extrusion of the tubular recycled plastic forms used. According to this, we would find that the areas of the facade with the highest solar radiation will be having the bigger length. This will help in decreasing the solar radiation and heat gain on the facade and inside the building as the tubes will be offering self-shading where needed.
3- The third controllable parameter is the inner extrusion of the tubular recycled plastic forms used. To create an interactive facade that is as interesting from the interior as the exterior, I wanted to incorporate the tubes inside the building it self but with caution as to not create an intimidating facade. The user will get to actually see the facade from the inside while still also having a view of the exterior suroundings. ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2019
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4- The forth controllable parameter is the degree of rotation of the tubular recycled plastic forms used. A very big advantage to our buildings location is that it is non-obstructed from the pervailing winds direction thus I could be benefiting from that together with help of the building’s shape. The building offers an open space that will allow wind to pass through. To benefit from that, the tubes in one part of the facade are able to rotate and act as an inlet to the wind.
5- The fifth controllable parameter is the aperature of the tubular recycled plastic forms used. From the start, I wanted to have the tubes covered in order to have extra protection from the sun light by playing with the plastic material thickness to be able to have completly transparent for spaces with high lux requirement, translucent for medium requirement and opaque for minimum light requirement.
6- The sixth controllable parameter is the aperature rotation of the tubular recycled plastic forms used. To be able to benefit from the wind while still prtecting the inner spaces, these shutters had to be rotating in order to allow the desired wind inside. During digital experimentation, these rotating shutters are only found in tubes with bigger diameters as these will be the ones that are effecting the interior spaces dramatically.
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The Thinking Process
I started first by thinking first in terms of one function. In this function there will be a differntiation in the diameters according to of course the sun angle thus creating a dynamic looking facade. Thinking of it this way sort of gave me an idea that these tubular forms will need to be stacked together one way or another. Thi meant there will be an attraction point to gather them togther.
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Moving on to the three dimensional aspect of the facade, I started then thinking of how will they be stacked together and their shape. This meant I had to take a decision of whether they are straight all around or conical shaped. To help with the rotation, it made perfect sense that the tubes had to be conical to aid it with the movement.
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Then came the part where I had to figure out the situation of the aperature. To simplify the facade, I decision was made to have these rotating shutters only on the tubes with the bigger diameter. This is due to the fact that they actualy have a bigger efect on the interior when it comes to allowing the wind in. For their mechanism, they had to rotate in reponse to the wind nand whether it is desired
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For the final yet most important paramets, length and inclination/ degree of rotation, I had to think more of how I needed my face to respond. For the wind, it was quite clear that it neede to rotate towards the northern side with an upwards in clination. For the length of the ttubes or their extrusion, I was thinking more of its response to the sun. As I was thinking, i made sure that I took into consideration the aspect of self shadin gand how it is important so as not to have the previous problems of the existing facde where the solar radiation was realy high.
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As it could be seen in the 3D model, this was an intial thinking that did not really achieve the goal. The tubes had to be tightly packed together mapped to the surface in order to have the right
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Digital Iteration 1
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Understanding the Definition Portfolio
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The next step was to figure out a method to closely pack the tubes together. This was done though the Kangaroo plug in that made that possible through having different forces bringing the circle back together.
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66 The Final Grasshopper Definition
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As it could be seen from the solar radiation, the second skin has improved the analysis with producing a comfortable environment for the users indoors. The solar radiation has decreased significantly.
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Preparation For Fabrication As a final step, a new software was used in order to prepare the model for fabrication. This is done through given the model a thickness and creating supports.
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ŠAll rights reserved, American University in Cairo (AUC) May 2019