Academic Portfolio
ARCH 473/3522 DIGITAL DESIGN STUDIO AND WORKSHOP Aisha Asfour Spring 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: Aisha Asfour Student ID: 900 14 1043
Š The American University in Cairo (AUC), May 2019
Aisha Hesham Asfour Architecture Student
I am an undergraduate student as The American University in Cairo. Through my interest and passion I believe that the design of each space improves the quality of the user’s life. I consider each new project to be a personal challenge and I always aim most high-quality space production through dynamic architecture. During my studies I have learned that determination and passion are some of the most important values. Thanks to them everyday I am facing new challenges with passion for creating, creative thought and inspiration derived from nature, everyday I see new solutions for the space that surrounds me. Objective : To work in a dynamic environment where I can utilize my skilss and creativity to effectively create and develop a great piece of design.
Acknowledgements There is no way to express how much it meant to be a member of The American University in Cairo’s Architectural Engineering Department. These brilliant friends and colleagues inspired me over the many years: Amina Fahmy, Donia Doaia, Mariam Amro and all other current and former grad students and visitors that I know. I cannot forget friends who went through hard times togther, cheered me on, and celebrated each accomplishment: Wassila Khattab and Seif Tarek. I deeply thank my parents, Sherine AbdelHafiz and Hesham Asfour for their unconditional trust, timely encouragement, and endless patience. It was their love that raised me up again when I got weary. I owe my life for their constant love, encouragment, moral support and blessings.
Family Comes First.
Addresses the notion of mobility and transformation for the primary objective of developing a shape shifting mechanism for responsive and adaptive building faรงades through exploring a living organism: Crab.
01 Learning from Nature
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Learning From Nature
3 BIO–MIMICRY [From the Greek bios, life, & mimesis, imitation] The emulation or imitation of natural forms, structures and systems [in design and construction] that have proven to be optimized in terms of efficiency as a means to an end.
Biomimicry Levels Three levels of biostudyingmimicry that may be applied to a design problem are typically given as form, process and ecosystem. In an organism, form and process are aspects of an organism that could be mimicked. Organism Level The organism level refers to a specific organism like a plant or animal and may involve mimicking part of or the whole organism. Behaviour Level The second level refers to mimicking behaviour, and may include translating an aspect of how an organism behaves, or relates to a larger context. Ecosystem Level The third level is the mimicking of whole ecosystems and the common principles that allow them to successfully function.
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4 Crab Claws Geometry The claws to the crab are as important as the hands to the humans. A plenty of functions, offensive and defensive can be carried using them. Crab’s claws have only one moving part which is the dactyl. Basically, the crab claw has two fingers, one is moving and one is not. The movable finger rotates about a hinge axis to the next fixed finger. As the muscle contracts, the apodeme pushes the movable finger from the back and at the same time the cuticle muscle expands allowing the movable finger to open. In the reverse process, the cuticle muscle contracts forcing the movable to rotate toward the fixed finger and the apodeme muscle expands allowing the movable finger to close. Joints Crabs do not have ball-and-socket joints but the legs pivot at numerous peg-in-socket joints that are sealed by flexible chitin, and can move in one plane (similar to our knee). Each joint moves in a different plane, and so together they allow the crab to move in all directions like our shoulder and hip joints. CHITIN a fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides, which is the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi. Stiff and opaque, or light and transparent.
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6 Crab ExoSkeleton SEM micrograph of a cross-sectional fracture surface showing three different layers in the exoskeleton: epicuticle, exocuticle, and endocuticle. (b) Hierarchical structure of the exoskeleton of sheep crab,Loxorhynchus grandis. Chitin fibrils (63 nm in diameter) wrapped with proteins form a fiber of660 nm in diameter. Fibers further assemble into bundles, which form horizontal planes (x–yplane) superposed in a helicoid stacking, creating a twistedplywood structure (180°rotation). In thez-direction there are ribbon-like tubules, 1lm wide and 0.2lm thick, running through the pore canals.
In the process of morphogenesis, cells divide, while fighting for their own space, borders are created. The division into these types of regions are called Voronoi Diagram.
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Up: Typical tensile response of sheep crab exoskeleton in the z-direction (dry condition). Down: Typical compressive stress–strain response of sheep crab exoskel-eton in the z-direction (dry and wet conditions).
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9 When printing patterns onto a stretched piece of elastic fabric, three dimensional forms emerge, due to the occurring tension between rigid lines and the flexible areas. Self-transforming structures that reconfigure into pre-programmed shapes.
Programmable Textiles The translucent, lightweight, and malleable properties of textiles have been utilized for centuries in architecture, furniture, and apparel design. Typically, stretching fabric onto rigid structural frames requires complex molding and mechanical methods. Self-Assembly Lab’s, MIT research demonstrates a new method for utilizing textiles that can take advantage of its unique properties while reducing the complexity of forming processes. By printing material in varied layer thicknesses onto stretched textiles we are able to create self-transforming structures that reconfigure into pre-programmed shapes. Programmable textiles open up new possibilities for furniture, product manufacturing, and shipping as well as new methods for self-assembly and user interaction.
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10 When printing patterns onto a stretched piece of elastic fabric, three dimensional forms emerge, due to the occurring tension between rigid lines and the flexible areas. Self-transforming structures that reconfigure into pre-programmed shapes.
High temperature generated naturally by solar heat can be used to put so-called active materials into motion and control their movement. This invention can become significant in environmental protection, through the development of new materials which can be programmed. By changing the external conditions, it may be possible to change the structure, properties and function of a material. The model in which heat patterns control the movement of the programmible material. The heat makes the malleable members attached to the tensile membrane expand spontaneously forming the material into something that can be compared to a pump. In previous research, this type of “pump� has been produced artificially. What’s new about this study is that it uses solar tempartures to make active particles construct their own pump to move themselves around. By the varying temaprtures at different hours during the day and different seasons during the year, it is possible to steer the particles in a different direction.
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Programmable Textiles Bauhaus Experiment During the winter semester, students of the Faculty of Art and Design explored the potentials of 4d printing using a commercial 3d printer and synthetic fabrics. When printing patterns onto a stretched piece of elastic fabric, three dimensional forms emerge, due to the occurring tension between rigid lines and the flexible areas. Fabric: 90% Elastan Filmant: Nylon Thickness: 0.8 millimeters Height: 0.2 milliteters
Fabric: 90% Elastan Filmant: Nylon Thickness: 0.8 millimeters Height: 0.2 - 1.2 milliteters
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13 From first experiments, they had gained several possible material characteristics that could be achieved with the programmable textile technology: bistability, self-assembly, surface enhancement and ruffling. These properties could then serve a purpose within an application scenario such as moving, enclosing or gripping something, creating distance or providing stability. Based on the findings, they started designing structures based on rather simple geometrical shapes, to see how they would behave when organized in larger patterns. In addition to multiple different forms and arrangements, we also experimented with line width and thickness, as well as combining different filaments and fabric materials.
Fabric: 90% Elastan, 10% Polyamid Filmant: Nylon Thickness: 0.8 millimeters Height: 0.2 - 1.0 milliteters ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Fabric: 90% Elastan, 10% Polyamid Filmant: Nylon Thickness: 0.8 millimeters Height: 0.2 - 0.8 milliteters
The technology provides functional and aesthetic qualities. The experiments and concepts derived, open a new perspective on textiles in product design. Aisha Asfour
Site Selection and Analysis: Planning for Effective Implementation Solutions This stage entailed choosing one of the courtyard enclosed within SSE to sitate our project in. The main objective of this project is to design an extension for the department, focusing on the design of an innovative shape-shifting faรงade using techniques of parametric design and digital fabrication.
02 Capturing Mobility: Conceptualizing, Modeling & Prototyping
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Shade and Shadow Analysis
Shade and Shadow analysis was conducted on the court to analyze the effect of direct sunlight and self shading present in the courtyard during different times of the year inorder to help guide my design. Portfolio
Solid and Void analysis showed that the site is very claustraphobic and there the courtyard is the main void in building. Learning From Nature
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18 Interior-Exterior Spill Over Experince Represented in - Advanced Architecture Laboratory, Singapore University of Technology & Design.
Inspirations Azerbaijan Pavilion for Expo Milan Horizontal and flexible timber bands form the structure’s envelope, bringing natural light inside the pavilion and reducing required energy consumption. Guests enter through a large atrium that doubles an event space, before escalators lead to separate levels – each representing a different biosphere.
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Proposed Design Concept:
Proposed designs aims at providing a clever nonmechanical solution for Cairo’s fluctuating weather through a shape shifting facade that reacts to weather temperature to either allow or block sunlight. The design ‘s essence is based on the exterior versus interior ovespill spaces inorder to acts as shelter ‘void’ rather than a solid mass.
Design Key Words:
Facade Shape Shifting, Organic, Interior-Exterior Relationship
GrassHopper 3D Script:
At this point the grasshopper script had only one input which are the organic curves that makeup the form, along with a set of variableslinking shapeshifting module’s height and opening together according to ‘Attractor Points’ placed by designer.
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Proposed designs should clearly identify a stand on mobility, specifically in relation to a faรงadeshape shifting mechanism, as inspired by Stage 1, how it is manifested and understood within its context, and how it is expressed in terms of advanced digital design methods and tools.
03 Patterns of Mobility: Developing Parametric Modeling Tools
Lower Temperatures 24 No Direct Solar Radiation Members Expand Results in More Sun Penetration
Fully Deployed Module
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Hig Due to Dir
Results in Le
IntermeduaModule
Flatten
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ned Module
SHAPE SHIFTING
gher Temperatures rect Solar Radiation Members Contract ess Sun Penetration
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Shape Shifting Module Blowup Composition:
Translucent Tensile Membrane. Rigid Pipe: The metal-ceramic composite material is composed of calcium, ruthenium and oxygen atoms. When heated, it shrinks 6.7 percent. It’s a new record for negative thermal expansion, or NTE.
Mechanism:
Reaction Start: High Temperature from Direct Solar Radiation. Shape Shifting: High temperature heats us pipes causing them to contract thus flatten module causing less penetration. Result: Enclosure Creates shaded zone for inhabitants whilst allowing for ventilation through slits.
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Grasshopper Definition
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29 Inputs: Curves for Loft. Number of Divisions for Curve (U and V).
Grasshopper Definition Blowup Input curves and based on preset parameters the script rebuilts, lofts and divides the emerged solid curvilinear form.
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Grasshopper Definition Blowup This part of the script is responsible for actually building the inner and outder edges that are components of the module.
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33 Inputs: Module Shape Parameters. Opening Range. Height Range. Pipe Radius.
Grasshopper Definition Blowup In this sector of the script the starting and ending values for the parameters that determine the shape of the shapeshifting module. They allow for endless posibilities.
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35 Inputs: Specific Time and Date.
Grasshopper Definition Blowup The environmental LADYBUG plug in that helps in design optimization. A specific date and time are entered and the module opening and height are automatically calculated for best scenario which is then tested through the shade analysis which tests the shadow created under the shelter envelope. ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
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Proposed designs acts as a shelter for the community from the exterior weather fluctuating high temperatures. The form of the building emerges from the circulation patterns present in the site aiming at presenting nodes along this path to allow for a more interesting and stimulating experience.While doing so it also aims to respect two main concepts: The concept of outdoor-indoor spill over places and that the design is an enclosure rather than a building. The concept that the building smothly emerges from the ground and transitions smothly to attach to the building.
04 Architectural Drawings: Rendering and Visulation Presentation
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39 The form of the building emerges from the circulation patterns present in the site aiming at presenting nodes along this path to allow for a more interesting and stimulating experience., While doing so it also aims to respect two main concepts: The concept of outdoor-indoor spill over places and that the design is an enclosure rather than a building. The concept that the building smothly emerges from the ground and transitions smothly to attach to the building.
Circulation Path Analysis: This analysis represents the main circulation paths through site which occur at the site’s access points and connect to the verticle circulation elements within the buildings.
Site Plan ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
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41 Boundries between Indoor and Outdoor Spaces are blurred. Interactive spaces are spread out along site in a semi enclosed manner to allow for different activeities to occur at the same time in different zones whilst maintaining privacy.
Outdoor Spaces for interaction placed on South-Eastern edge of courtyard, since this zone is already SELF SHADED
Ground Floor Plan The Ground Floor of the building contains alot of enclosed and exposed spaces for interaction that can be customized by the user. The open plan allows for flexibility for space function for the user which has changing needs. Space Program: Main Entrance Foyer Verticle Circulation Storage Units Active Work Zone Quite Cave Corner Outdoor Stepped Seating Outdoor Shaded Bench Seating
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First Floor Plan The First Floor plan contains one primary zone which is the student lounge which is the most important zone in the space program. For this reason this space has a more relaxed and calm atmoshphere since student will be spending most of their time here. Also this zone has direct visual connectivity to the department, acting as a spillover.
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45 The organic form of the shelter contrasts with the surrounding rectilinear essence of the university campus. This is aimed to follow the same rythm of motion along with pedestratian experience for an individual passing through the site.
South Elevation The elevation is mainly composed of the shape shifting element. It ‘s organic module combines with the geometry surrounding it rising from the ground untill it connects to the core of the building.
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INTERIOR 3D SHOT
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The space under the shelter provides cuisine to the users by providing propriate lighting and ventilation coming from the spaces between the pavilion’s spaces.
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EXTERIOR 3D SHOT
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The pavilion provides sufficient outdoor and indoor spaces created by the flow of the shelter creating artistic shade and shadow for the users.
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Personal Reflection I have been a student at the American University in Cairo for almost four years now, and I have learned a lot about myself through coursework, classmates, and various types of learning. This urban design course has been very challenging, rigorous, and demanding, but also the most rewarding in the end. Within this class are Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), these are to guide you and help you analyze your work by using some simple objectives. Between my projects, I can definitely say, I managed to achieve most of these SLOs. Overall, as hard and as hectic the course was, and as tough the semester was, it has been the semester where I have learned the most. It was so rich and full of experiences that it feels like it took more than a year and I can’t believe it is coming to an end. I will always remember this semester to be one where I had to fight my own thoughts and emotions and focus on doing the best that I can do. We did not only learn academically, but also learned to be mentally stronger, and emotionally more stable, and physically enduring. And we learned that we can go through anything, with teamwork and hard work. We went in thinking it is too much, but then looking back, I feel like it was a big challenge, and a challenge that I was able to go through. These challenges only make us stronger and make us grow. So I look back proudly, feeling that I accomplished a lot in very little time, seeing the fruit of our hard work in visuals, feeling that I can face tough challenges with an open heart and a strong mind, knowing that I will get through and I will learn and grow. And as I mentioned before, growth is the only certain and growth is what I strive for.
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Biblography
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https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/bitstream/handle/10012/2876/ntpanchu2006.pdf;sequence=1 http://www.ijirset.com/upload/2015/september/2_Parametric_foriegn.pdf http://crablifeadoption.weebly.com/#/ http://jeb.biologists.org/content/204/17/3097 http://crablifeadoption.weebly.com/#/ https://www.dezeen.com/2017/02/27/mit-researchers-auxetic-material-tightens-cold-weather-keep-warmth-design-technology/#/ https://www.sculpteo.com/blog/2017/12/06/potential-3d-printing-materials-inspired-by-nature-chitin-graphene-glass-and-cellulose/ https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/profile/experimentbauhaus/projekt/textile-oberflaechen-programmierbare-textilien/?tx_buwshowcase_project%5Byear%5D=&tx_buwshowcase_project%5Baction%5D=show https://www.explainthatstuff.com/electrochromic-windows.html http://news.mit.edu/2016/nylon-muscle-fibers-1123 https://www.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2018/10/knitted-concrete.html https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/detail/fighting-a-megacitys-pollution-with-mega-panels_o http://polymerdatabase.com/Fibers/Nylon.html
ŠAll rights reserved, American University in Cairo (AUC) May 2019