Student Portfolio
ARCH 473/3522 - DIGITAL DESIGN STUDIO AND WORKSHOP Sara Al Kabarity Fall 2021
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: Sara Al Kabarity Student ID: 900162417
© The American University in Cairo (AUC), December 2021
Sara Al Kabarity Architecture Student
ups and downs and many new experiences but you’ll get to that in a minute. Here is to my sanity, the Professors that pushed us to get to where we are and to the TAs that were there through it all. I hope you enjoy the process and maybe get something out of it as i did.
I am Sara Al Kabarity, aspiring architect. When i first came to university, i wasnt sure what major i wanted to pursue,maybe psychology, but i always had architecture at the back of my mind. I came into this major knowing all its stressors, challenges and hardships as it runs in the family but i still wanted to keep going after it after getting a taste of it in my first year. Welcome to my 473 Digital Design Studio & Workshop storybook. Here you will see what we learned and developed throughout the semester. It was filled with
Table of Contents 1. Course Outline 2. Project 1: (The Blank Façade Canvas) [Individual]
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3. Project 2: Learning from Nature
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Outdoor Pavilion: SSE Gateway
- Part 1: Concept, Storyboard, Abstraction [Group]
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- Part 2: Generative strategy, Architectural translation [Individual]
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4. Project 3: The Parametric Facelift - Parametric Design Strategy [Individual]
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Course Outline
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO
Department of Architecture
Department of Architecture
ARCH 473/3522: Digital Design Studio and Workshop
ARCH 473/3522: Digital Design Studio and Workshop Page 1/6
ARCH 473/3522: Digital Design Studio and Workshop (3 cr.)
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PREREQUISITES ARCH 3554
FALL 2021
COURSE INTRODUCTION In-depth investigations focused on the capabilities of computation in architectural design. The course provides an overview of digital tools and methods of design, involving topics such as computational design methodologies, parametric, generative and algorithmic design, visualization and digital fabrication. Hands-on implementation of computational tools will be exercised during lab sessions by means of modeling, parametric design and layout software. Students, working in groups, will incrementally develop a specific project that demonstrates the use of parametric design in its design development phases, and is physically manifested via digital fabrication.
COURSE QUESTIONS • How can state-of-the-art form generation tools be implemented using the set of tools we architects have, in such a way that exhibits design freedom rather than a constrained process? • Is it possible to use the intelligence embedded in computers to produce creative solutions for architects,
Coordinator:
Teaching Assistants:
Dr. Sherif M. Abdelmohsen, Associate Professor
instead of using them simplistically as drawing machines?
sherifmorad@aucegypt.edu
Dr. Passaint M. Massoud, Associate Professor
drpassaint@aucegypt.edu
Ahmed Hassab Aly Magdy Youstina Eskandar Hunia Tomoum
ahmedhassab@aucegypt.edu aly_magdy@aucegypt.edu youstinaeskandar@aucegypt.edu huniatomoum@gmail.com
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
The course involves in-depth investigations focused on the capabilities of computation in architectural design. It
• How can interaction with the computer be more of an enjoyable game, rather than a frustrating struggle? • Can completely new designs for architectural elements that are both aesthetical and functional be produced? • What are the properties of profound aesthetical structures, and how can they be developed? • What are the new digital fabrication techniques, and how can they be used to realize free-form designs? • How can representations of architecture, like images and models, be produced in order to communicate design ideas effectively and allow for a convincing argument to different audiences?
COURSE OBJECTIVES •
provides an overview of computational tools and methodologies of design, involving topics such as parametric and
Providing an overview in state-of-the-art design software and their effective implementation to offer solutions for architects.
generative modelling, algorithmic thinking, visualization and digital fabrication. Hands-on implementation of
•
computational tools is exercised during lab sessions by means of parametric modelling and digital fabrication
Instructing software skills for 3D modeling, generative and parametric design, and visualization.
•
Illustrating the use of the computers as additional powerful tool, together with traditional tools, to
software. Students work back and forth between physical material experimentation and digital translation of parameters, rules, constraints and relationships to develop their solutions in applied design projects. In the process, students learn how to automatically extract data from parametric models for multiple purposes, including but not limited to digital fabrication, environmental analysis, and documentation and detailing. Three-hour studio period and three-hour lab period. (3 cr.)
enhance freedom in design. •
Demonstrating the possibilities and application domains of digital fabrication.
•
Encouraging participants in producing designs derived from scientific research.
•
Developing and enhancing computational skills at the individual and group work level.
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO
Department of Architecture
ARCH 473/3522: Digital Design Studio and Workshop
Department of Architecture
ARCH 473/3522: Digital Design Studio and Workshop
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COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
COURSE TIMELINE Date SUN SEP 5 WED SEP 8
Studio/Lecture L1: Overview of Design Computing P1 Intro: Learning from Materiality
Lab Recap: Curve & Surface Creation in Rhino
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SUN SEP 12 WED SEP 15
L2: Basics of Parametric Modeling Reading 1 Quiz/discussion (1%) P1.1: Material Exploration I (5%)
Advanced Surface Creation and Editing in Rhino, T-splines Lab assignment 1 (2.5%)
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SUN SEP 19 WED SEP 22
L3: Parametric Modeling Strategies Reading 2 Quiz/discussion (1%) P1.2: Material Exploration II (5%)
Introduction to Grasshopper interface, value creation
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SUN SEP 26 WED SEP 29
P1 Submission (5%) P2 Intro: Learning from Nature
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SUN OCT 3 WED OCT 6
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SUN OCT 10 WED OCT 13
Parametric Form & Transformation: Exploring lists and influencing parameters through proximity values Pattern Generation and Morphing Lab assignment 2 (2.5%)
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SUN OCT 17 WED OCT 20
L4: Generative Systems Reading 3 Quiz/discussion (1%) P2.1: Storyboard, Abstraction process (5%) Reading 4 Quiz/discussion (1%) P2.2: Development of generative system, Architectural translation (5%) P2 Submission (5%) P3 Intro: Parametric Facelift
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SUN OCT 24 WED OCT 27
L5: Building Technology Reading 5 Quiz/discussion (1%) P3.1: Parametric Modeling I (5%) Preview of storybook draft
Algorithms and Mathematical Forms Lab assignment 3 (2.5%)
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SUN OCT 31 WED NOV 3
L6: Digital Fabrication/Prototyping P3.2: Parametric Modeling II (5%)
Prototyping and data extraction for fabrication
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SUN NOV 7 WED NOV 10
P3.3: Parametric Modeling III (5%)
Advanced Visualization
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SUN NOV 14 WED NOV 17 SUN NOV 21 WED NOV 24
P3.4: Model preparation for fabrication (5%) P3.5: Model visualization (5%)
Advanced parametric operations (I) Lab assignment 4 (2.5%) Advanced parametric operations (II)
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SUN NOV 28 WED DEC 1
P3.6: Analysis and documentation (5%)
Grasshopper Quiz (10%)
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SUN DEC 5 WED DEC 8
P3.7: Project 3 prefinal submission (5%)
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SUN DEC 12 TBD
Final Jury (10%) Presentation/submission of storybooks, fabricated models, visualization, e-portfolios
WED DEC 29
Grading Deadline
After completing the course, students should be able to: CLO 1: Model complex and innovative geometries in a 3D modeling software environment.
W1
CLO 2: Implement algorithmic thinking in the process of structuring architectural problems and solutions and translating sources of inspiration informed by nature and materiality. CLO 3: Utilize parametric modeling concepts and techniques for the continuous generation, analysis and evaluation of architectural alternatives in an iterative design process. CLO 4: Use digital fabrication methods and techniques for prototyping and testing architectural concepts. CLO 5: Apply visualization techniques to communicate designs to the highest quality. CLO 6: Illustrate the digital design process using curated and elaborate graphical documentation.
SUGGESTED READINGS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Aranda, B. and Lasch, C. (2006). Tooling, Princeton Architectural Press, New York, USA. Balmond, C. (2007). Informal, Prestel. Dunn, N. (2012). Digital Fabrication in Architecture, Laurence King Publishing. Frederick, M. (2007). 101 Things I learned in architecture school, MIT Press. Freyer, C., Noel, S., Rucki, E. & Antonelli, P. (2011). Digital by Design: Crafting Technology for Products and Environments, Thames and Hudson. Hensel, M., Menges, A. & Weinstock, M. (2010). Emergent Technologies and Design: Towards a Biological Paradigm for Architecture, Routledge. Iwamoto, L. (2009). Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques, Princeton Architectural Press. Jabi, W. (2013). Parametric Design for Architecture, Laurence King Publishing. Kolarevic, B. (2005). Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing, Taylor and Francis. Segaran, T. & Hammerbacher, J. (2009). Beautiful Data: The Stories Behind Elegant Data Solutions, O’Reilly Media. Spiller, N. (2009). Digital Architecture Now: A Global Survey of Emerging Talent, Thames and Hudson. Tedeschi, A. (2014). AAD – Algorithms-Aided Design, Le Penseur Publisher. Terzidis, K. (2006). Algorithmic Architecture, Routledge. Vysivoti, S. (2012). Folding Architecture: Spatial, Structural and Organizational Diagrams, Bis Publishers
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Storybook Layout Design
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO
Department of Architecture
Department of Architecture
ARCH 473/3522: Digital Design Studio and Workshop
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Grade
Assignment/project
Grade 1
Project 1: Learning from Materiality Physically experimenting with materials and fabricating projects using additive or subtractive manufacturing techniques. Project 2: Learning from Nature Developing abstraction and translation logic based on a natural inspiration, conceptualization of design ideas, development of digital models and alternatives using Rhino and Grasshopper.
Percentage 15%
15%
Students at all courses at the Department of Architecture are required to abide by the University approved Attendance Policy. The following specifics pertain to the course: • Students shall attend and participate in all classes except for pre-authorized excuses from the instructor. • Students who have a pre-authorized excuse from the instructor shall coordinate with the instructor the time and place of submitting any missing assignment or taking an in-class missed quiz, test and/or exam. It is the sole responsibility of the student to follow-up with the instructor in this regard. • Students who miss more than the maximum three-week equivalent of absences without an authorized approval of the instructor or not in compliance with the University Attendance Policy shall receive an ‘F’ in the course.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ISSUES
Project 3: The Parametric Facelift Developing design explorations generating project variations and patterns using parametric modeling tools and performing appropriate analysis and evaluation of developed model.
35%
Grade 4
Process Documentation and Storybook Curated storybook submission, rendering, graphical layout, color scheme, fonts.
10%
Grade 5
Class Participation and Assignments In-class lab assignments and home development exercises (10%). Reading assignments, class discussions and presentations (5%). In-class quizzes and exams (10%). Weight of exercises is determined by level of complexity of task and duration.
Grade 3
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
GRADING
Grade 2
ARCH 473/3522: Digital Design Studio and Workshop
For full definition of standards of academic integrity please refer to the University’s Code of Academic Ethics: http://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/academic-integrity. It should be noted that given the creative nature of this studio particular attention should be given to plagiarism in any form- i.e. presenting others work (professional or non-professional), whether in whole or in part, as your own, even with alterations. Failure to adhere to the university’s Code of Academic ethics in any form will result in severe penalties.
LINKS TO RESOURCES
Please refer to the following resources regarding portfolio logistics and other policies and guidelines:
25%
1- ARCH 3522 lectures, tutorials, and resources: (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1k1bk0-92dQTCscF-9MLrwTA8VkN4eK7v?usp=sharing) 2- General portfolio policy and UIA academic portfolio guidelines: (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FUyo0kSUPCfmqgOhZG8q5rV-wdeZVG2v?usp=sharing)
GRADING POLICY
3- E-portfolio templates: (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bucGqK4AxVyXtgDZ8Hn35yVo7qXm-x8V?usp=sharing)
As per the Department of Architecture Grading and Assessment Policy (effective Spring 2018), grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:
4- ARCH Site Visit Policy: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F8m5DE86htp-FmQPD6xEZe2qHWeQ1l_m/view?usp=sharing)
•
Grade F: student failed to complete the work for the course and/or failed to meet the minimum required competency in all the required course outcomes.
•
Grade D: student completed the work for the course at a passing level of competency in all required course outcomes.
LINKS TO STUDENT MATERIAL UPLOAD
•
Grade C: student completed the work for the course and illustrated basic acceptable competencies in all required course outcomes.
1- Submission of all student work including projects, lab assignments, research, reading presentations: (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1spfdaXwMvXT1g3AK_DqHVeZFRzGbY1Bt?usp=sharing)
•
Grade B: student completed the work for the course at a high quality and mastered new skills. Many literal issues from discussions, readings and lectures were applied and student has demonstrated a high level of experimentation, exploration and achievement.
2- Upload of final e-portfolio/storybook (under a folder with your name in your relevant cohort): (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IZh4u6pCv6wJQfptNIcK4mIQVgo8tg_n?usp=sharing)
•
Grade A: student exceeded expectations of the course and applied many of the design issues from their discussions, readings and lectures to their course work, as well as knowledge not presented directly in the course. Exceptional experimentation, exploration and achievement is clearly demonstrated.
5- ARCH 3522 Storybook Template: (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jPEdO2AkKZEu4HKlxw9xJbkd7SXtOsVL?usp=sharing)
Project 1: The Blank Façade Canvas [Individual]
Grade:
Experimenting in physical material exploration through fabrication techniques to devise a unit prototype for a building façade.
01 The Blank Façade Canvas
2
What Is Casting? Casting is a manufacturing process in which a liquid material is usually poured into a mold, which contains a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and then allowed to solidify Precedents Mass IIII by Janwillem Van Maele
FattyShell (v.01) by Kyle Sturgeon
Stitching Concrete by Florian Schmid
Portfolio
The Blank Façade Canvas
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Types of Casting Sand Casting:
Die Casting:
A casting method for producing castings in a sand mold. Steel iron and alloy cast-
Highpressure liquid is pressed into a precision metal mold cavity at high speed, metal
nings can be obtained by sand casting
Vacuum die Casting:
Molten metal filling at high speed and intensified pressure, the pressure of cavity rises too. ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2021
is cooled and solidified under pressure. Lost Foam Casting:
Is a type of evaporative-pattern casting process that is similar to investment casting except foam is used for the pattern Sara Al Kabarity
4 Trial #1
Portfolio
The Blank Façade Canvas
5 Trial #2
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6 Trial #3
Portfolio
The Blank Façade Canvas
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Final inal Approach pproach Learned Outcomes
Overall there were a few common outcomes throughout the three experiments that should carry over to future projects. Structure is one crucial thing that held the concept together as well as knowing what are the required parameters to be able to begin and alter the design. These paired with trials and errors and using correct ratios are what lead to successful designs Reflections
Going through these experiments were tiresome and messy but ultimately they showed us a new way of thinking other than going straightaway to digital. Here we got to get our hand on it and see how the material behaves and how we can alter it to prepare for out final products ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2021
Sara Al Kabarity
Project 2: Learning from Nature Outdoor Pavilion: SSE Gateway [Group] [Individual]
Grade:
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ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2021
Sara Al Kabarity
Designing a pavilion that captures state-of-the-art innovation in parametric design, and represents a feature on campus that allows for social interaction among students.
02 Learning from Nature
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Beauty Out of Chaos ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2021
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◊ Dormant Volcano
◊ Active Volcano
◊ Volcanic Eruption
◊ Volcanic Plume
◊ Charged Particles
◊ Volcanic Lightning
No activity occured in volcano for a long time.
Hot volcanic ash and gas emitted into the atmosphere during an explosive volcanic eruption
Portfolio
Volcano shows signs of activity and eruption
Densely packed particles are violently ejected and rubbed in volcanic plume.
Lava dome buildups and collapses several times that eventually lead to violent eruptions
Lightning tears through volcanic plume to connect positively and negatively charged particles Learning From Nature
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Elements of Abstraction
Breaking down elements of the natural phenomenon and looking into how to apply it architecturally
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Concept The build-up of energy from the base of the volcano all the way to the top where the tension is so high lightning forms.
Portfolio
Learning From Nature
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Process
Process Concept The build-up of energy from the base of the volcano all the way to the top where the tension is so high lightning forms.
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16 Learned Outcomes Volume and scale should be taken into considerationand moving forward. This attempt Interconnectivity created apaths goodofstart intersecting the for evolving the concept lightning and elements but maybe plaing with the voids along with that make up will the achieve volcano the concept and target the solids create chaotic but still better. aesthetically pleasing forms and patterns
Interconnectivity and intersecting paths of the lightning and elements that make up the volcano create chaotic but still
Portfolio
Learning From Nature
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Concept
FFinal inal A App
The build-up of energy from the base of the volcano all the way to the top where the tension is so high lightning forms.
Portfolio
Learning From Nature
pproach pproach
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Learning From Nature
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Looking at elements from the scree thinking how it translates in real li the challenge here. Focusing on keeping track on the concept an controlling parameters were key.
Portfolio
Learning From Nature
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en and ife was n scale, nd still
This was our first trial using grasshopper and trying to convert thoughts to code that turn into parametric forms was challenging. But by the end of the project it became clearer how to look for what is needed to achieve the design while still reflecting the original concept ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2021
Sara Al Kabarity
Exploring and parametrically generate a prototype for a building façade skin that takes into consideration issues of environmental comfort, spatial relations and human aspects using a passive approach.
03 The Parametric Facelift
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FINAL APPROACH
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The Parametric Facelift
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Parameters These parameters and control points are what shaped the facade The bottom 3 points were done to create control points and to be able to design openings with functions There were also points in the facade where it was subtracted to create interesting forms and possibility for spaces The openings along the wall were controled by the sunpath and radiation. Portfolio
The Parametric Facelift
INSPIRATION
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FORMATION
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GRASSHOPP
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Triangulate
Openings Portfolio
The Parametric Facelift
PER
SCRIPT
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Pull Points
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FUNCTIONALITY &SCHEMATICS Plans
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Zoning
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SECTIONS South
South West
Connection
Steel Framing Portfolio
Precast Concrete Panels
Steel G The Parametric Facelift
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West South South West West 3d Section
Girders ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2021
Building Sara Al Kabarity
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SHADE
AND
SHADOW
Self Shading Units
Before
Here we can observe and see how the sunlight enteres the building without it having any treatments added. There is too much light entering at all times of the day that would create disturbance, heat gain in the summers and will also cause a lot of glare inside. Here we can see that treatments are needed and where.
Portfolio
The Parametric Facelift
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After
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WIND ANALYSIS Before
The wind comes from the N/NW direction and passes through the main opening in the side of the building. It passes through and just moves infront of the building without interacting with it. The facade addition will change that and will aid in reducing heat and increasing ventillation to the building.
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After The facade acts as an attractor and catches wind in pockets created by the bending in both the X and Y directions
The facade is designed so that air flows in two directions; The wind moves symettrically through the top and bottom halves and is caught in several air pockets
This increases ventillation and helps with reducing solar heat gain ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2021
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RADIATION ANALYSIS Before
After The building before the treatment had a high solar radiation absorption amount making the interior contain heat and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. After the facade was designed, it can be seen that a significant decrease occured which will benefit in the summer and reducing energy consumption Portfolio
The Parametric Facelift
SUN ANALYSIS
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Before
Direct Normal Illuminance (lux)- Hourly Cairo-Eg 1 JAN 1:00 - 31 DEC 24:00
After
The Illuminance and sun analysis shows how the sun would enter the building and effect the floors. It used to be direct and had a high effect on the floors but after the treatment, the glare and directness has been reduced creating a more comfortable atmosphere.
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FABRICATION Trial 1 Ultimaker Cura
Trial 2 Mesh Mixer Supports
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Ultimaker Cura
The Parametric Facelift
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Final Fabrication Mesh Mixer Supports
Ultimaker Cura
The fabrication process took many steps as the initial product was 5 days long then with adjustments of supports, it was still over 2 days. Creating tree supports on mesh mixer and adjusting the fill settings, it was able to go down to 23hrs. ARCH 473/3522 - Fall 2021
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Portfolio
FINAL
The Parametric Facelift
SHOTS
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Sara Al Kabarity