Nour Anis- AUC - ARCH 473/3522

Student Portfolio

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: Nour Anis Student ID: 900193037

© The American University in Cairo (AUC), May 2019

Nour Anis Architecture Student

After 4 years into Architecture studies, I’m 100% sure that it has always been what I was meant to study. My first encounter with Architecture was in year 10 when I had to pick a topic to explore and conduct a project with a personnal interest. To my surprise I knew exactly what I wanted to do; a photo album on European Architecture in Downtown Cairo. Eversince, Architecture has been in the background of my mind until I finally joined AUC in 2019. Like everyone, it’s scary, it’s a challenging major that comes with a baggage of emotional and mental strength to withstand its’ twisting obstacles. But, who doesn’t love a challenge.

Here I am 4 years later, drowning in work and submissions but still as passionate as ever about the possibil-

ities of what I can learn and explore in a much rich and inspiring field.

As a person, computers aren’t really my friends, I’m a very manual and crafty person that loves to work with her hands. So, enrolling into the digital course was very frightening at first. Moving forward in the semester, it has become one of the most rewrading courses I have ever taken during my academic years. First, I find myself completing tasks and assignments that seemed impossible ast first sight but turn out to be very logical and doable. I became more knowledgeable, accustomed and comfortable with different computation programs like grasshopper that I once thought was impossible to understand. Moreover, working simultaneously on our own projects from pannels and facade design on an actual building was very exciting and intriguing.

That’s why, before diving into my journey in this course, I would like to thank all Dr. Sherif, Dr. Passant and our helpful TAs Eng. Aly, Mohamed, and Mayar that helped me alot in into breaking down the challenges I faced during the semester into doable and achievable people.

Experimenting with different mediums and understanding parameters definition

Description of photo in a couple of lines, including explanation and/or references

Phase I: Research & Material Exploration

During the first phase of our project, we were meant to experiment with physical material. That was in order to understand the dynamics under which different materials behave and learn how to retrieve from experimentation different parameters. Those parameters were at first, defined as inputs and outputs simplify the idea of code definition later on for the computation phase.

This phase allowed several trials and errors since it did not contain any restrictions in form or materiality. We were left to our own interpretation and experiences to explore the behaviors and different materials physically so that our later transition digitally would make sense in terms of sequence and line of thought.

TRIAL 1

Plaster to Water Ratio: 2:0.8

Objective: Cast in a closed fabric to achieve a distorted cone deisgn by gravity.

Result: The water to plaster ratio needed to be enhanced as the plaster dried out fast and was harder than expected and the fabric got stuck and I couldn’t seperate them.

TRIAL 2

Plaster to Water Ratio: 2:1

Objective: Experiment with foil and create elongate design with a pattern and test the reaction of the foil to the weight of the paste..

Result: The results were better than the first trial in terms of water to plaster ratio. However, the model broke. The pattern I had created was not very apparent though, as the plaster weight has distorted the shallwo pattenr.

TRIAL 3

Plaster to Water Ratio: 2:0.7

Objective: Experiment with hard material such as plastic cup and observe the possibility of creating a “drip effect” (close to the idea of cantilever) by cutting an interior circle in the cup.

Result: The results were even better than the previous trials however not totally satisfactory. The model broke in half when I was separating it from the cup.

TRIAL 4

Plaster to Water Ratio: 2:0.9

Objective: Experiment with repetitive rhythm or pattern + test the efficiency of rib like form with plaster material.

Result: The results were quite satisfactory the pattern came out quite obvious but broke down because the batch wasn’t mixed well.

Description of photo in a couple of lines, including explanation and/or references

Phase II: Research & Material Development

During this phase, material exploration is more or less settled and now we dig deeper with a more systematic action plan. The objective is to reach a list of inputs and outputs that allow us to define parameters that will aid in computing the pannels translated from the material experimentation.

This phase was crucial in order to technically modelize, physically, more or less, the process that is going to be appllied using softwares. It is important to define constant, dependant, and independant variables.

STEP 1

Create different variables of formwork using different materials in order to test their effect and efficiency on the end product and shapes. this first step was a step towards defining inputs and outputs logic that would later on define the different parameters I am goignt o control.

Analysis of different formworks created using a variety of materials and techniques such as: wooden sticks, wire, and paper.

STEP 2

Define different auxiliary planes that are going to majorly define and affect how the end product is going to look like.Different iterations were made upon the previously shaped form work. Variations in : height, size, and texture were defined in order to examine their effect on the gypsum material.

Analysis of different intermediate planes to help identify the inputs in our experimentation. Use of different materials and variables such as : foil, fabric, openings on planes.

STEP 3

This step is supposedly the most guaranteed as it should have been practiced with phase 1. I used a 2:1 ratio of gypsum to water. Many factors were taken into account when creating the mix and then pouring it including the shape and size of themixing recipient.

Demonstration of 4 gypsum pouring over the 4 creaqted formworks with intermediate planes.

STEP 4

After leaving the mix to dry out for 12 hours, noticed results are examined with a close eye. Different textures and creases were examined over the mixture with different intensities according to the variables defined from before. The examined results are considered as outputs that we are bound to define in order to reach a framework that we are going to procede with.

Analysis of different obtained results from 4 different gypsum pourings. A variation of thicknesses/ width and depth/ and textures were remarked.

WORKFLOW DIAGRAM

After retreiving all the data from the results of the experiment, the defined variables were used in order to set a logical sequence that will help me reach my pannel design inspired by the 4th iteration.

Besides defining the variables and actions I want to create step by step, the right hand side of the diagram shows how the action can be achieved parametrically using Grasshopper commands.

Translating the physical experience into computational design

Pannel & Cluster design

Description of photo in a couple of lines, including explanation and/or references

Phase I: Initial

material exploration into panel definition

During this phase, the retrieved data from physical experimentation is being translated onto a defined sequence digitally. It’s an experimentation phase with parameters that help define how the workflow will be carried on.

Since it’s the first trial digitally, trial and error are mostly liekly to occur during this phase. Although I believed I have restrained computation skills, the logical workflow sequence was a mental exercice that I seemed to grasp and therefor assured me, diving into this phase.

Phase II: Single Panel Iterations

During this phase, I decided to experiment first different iterations for the single pannel. To see how far does my variables allow me to obtain varied outcomes and shapes that don’t look similar or repeated.

Since I didn’t know exactly how I would like my later on cluster design to look like by defining. I thought that local variables on the level of the single pannel would show how far the code can produce interesting shapes and therefor leave room to introduce global parameters for the cluster design.

Description of photo in a couple of lines, including

PANEL DIVISION

SURFACE FORMATION

DIFFERENT PANEL DIVISION THICKNESS

SCALE DOWN

Iteration 1: -Random circle extraction

- Graph mapper pannel shape

Iteration 2:

- Smaller circle radius

- Shuffle in red - Graph mapper shift for pannel curvature

Description of photo in a couple of lines, including explanation and/or references

Phase III: Cluster formation

During this phase, global parameters become key players defining how my cluster design will turn out to be. Variables on the local and global level start to overlap in order to wokr together into creating variations and a dynamic on the overall cluster.

I picked the first iteration to move forward with and develop for the cluster .

DIFFERENT THICKNESSES CONTROL SCALE & ARRAY CLUSTERING AND SURFACE MORPH

Phase III: Cluster formation

GLOBAL:

- Increase domain of random rotation panels AND angle

- New morph surface with high W Domain

- Double skin panels wit inner and outer faces

LOCAL:

- Inclination of panel (more steep)

- Wider circle radius

- Pull point relocation

Iteration

1: Choosen cluster

Iteration 2: GLOBAL:

- Decrease of rotation domain

- Proximity of clustered panels

- Graph mapper / flatter surface (also local)

LOCAL: - Pull point domain increase on panel.

Experimental Iterations

Iteration 3: GLOBAL:

- Increase domain of random rotation panels

- New morph surface with lower WDomian

LOCAL:

- Inclination of panel (more teep)

- Wider circle radius

REFLECTION

This project has been very eye-opening over my use with parametric design. It gave me a great boost of confidence to actually explore and experiment with different tools and options . Looking back at how I kickstarted to sequence, Iactually learned alot regarding parametric design in a way that made me believe it could be actually friendly and of extreme use to someone as crafty as I am. I was quite satisfied with the fact that my final cluster design more or less resembeled what i initially had in mind and what my physical experimentation was leaning towards. I was able to obtain a very close iteration to some of my early sketches. which was satisfactory in a way but that maybe retained me from exploring mroe options.

Translating the physical experience into computational design

Description of photo in a couple of lines, including explanation and/or references

Phase I: DSF EXPLORATION & CONCEPT FORMATION

As a starting phase for the parametric facade, we first had to understand what a double skin facade is in order to pick the way we are going to tackle our design. Our concept formation was derived from the approach we picked to treat the given building facade.

DOUBLE SKIN FACADE RESEARCH

“Double Skin Facade is essentially a pair of glass -skins- separated by an air corridor [1]. The main layer of glass acts as insulation against temperature extremes, winds, and sound. Sun- shading devices are often located between the two skins. All elements can be arranged differently into numbers of permutations and combinations of both solid and diaphanous membranes” [2]

DOUBLE SKIN FACADE PRECEDENTS

The exterior screen component is a fixed load bearing reinforced concrete wall with a pattern of perforations that range in size, lighten the self-weight of the wall and facilitate reduced solar radiation. The concrete exoskeleton acts as a second skin where the mass and limited openings allow the interior skin to be fully glazed from floor to ceiling. This provides occupants with the impression of an all glass building without the excessive heat gain of an all glass façade. The interior curtain wall has fixed glazing and excludes natural ventilation.

The offset of the floors to achieve the backward lean creates two distinct types of spaces and exposures which have resulted in the use of two types of double façade systems. The lower office floors are protected by a large metal mesh canopy called “the splash” which starts at the entry level as a sun shade over the car drop-off area and climbs the façade, terminating at the projecting pool level provided at the 19th floor. The mesh is supported on an Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel Frame and is 90% open. The mesh allows for air circulation while blocking approximately 30% of the solar radiation from striking the curtain wall of the office spaces.

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

SUN PATH

- Dec- March: Sun needed at all times.

- April - June: warm but sun is needed during early morning hours

- June - September: Warm

- Sept- Dec: Sun needed before noon

WIND ROSE

- Prevailing wind : North/ North East/ North West

- Coldest: North West

PSYCHOMETRIC

- Natural Ventilation

- Internal Heat Gain

-Sun sHading of Windows

CONCEPT FORMATION

ZONING LOGIC

Phase II:PRELIMINARY FACADE TREATMENT

During this phase we start to experiment on Grasshopper with the given facade the options of applying our previous cluster over it. This requires changes in the code sequence in order to apply it on the building all while being able to control variables.

OBSTACLE TRANSITIONNING FROM PROJECT 01 TO 02

During this design phase I met several obstacles.

I realised that the sequence I used fir my project 1was not done on a surface but rather left hanging with its’ parameters and that’s why I couldn’t obtain the desired shape that already appeared on my cluster design. Another issue ws regarding the fact that the command “ Surface Morph “ does not allow control over parameters of the cluster shape but rather generate a stagnant shape that did not match my concept or desire.

I then decided to attach my code to the facade surface which ended up giving the following results. Later on, I was able to control parameters on the local level of the panels that were reflected on the overall of the facade but not in a satisfactory way.

Attempt at surface morph skin facade

No edits in structural slabs

Description of photo in a couple of lines, including explanation and/or references

Phase

III:

VR ASSESSMENT

In this phase we underwent the experience of visualizing our buildings with facades over VR simulations. This helped us grasp the real life proportions of the materials as well as the facade itself in order to be able to tweek and point out our flaws and weaknesses that need improvement.

VR ASSESSMENT

I first started with Cave which did not work for some reason and made my file appear as empty; a simply wireframe of the existing building.

When I entered the VR some issues stood out more than others and that was exactly why the experience was fruitful

No structural connection or system / Too bulky and exaggerated

Very small lighting zones because slabs are very uniform.

Non realistic exaggerated facade/ a bit random

Human eye view of the building

Phase IV: PARAMETRIC FACADE

After undergoing the VR simulations, final changes were made over the design in order to improve its’ quality based on our previous observations. Similar changes had to also be done to the building slabs in order to enhance the concept application on the building.

GRASSHOPPER SEQUENCE/ CODE

SURFACE DIVISION

SUBDIVISION OF PANELS AND ORIENTATION

CREATION OF ATTRACTION FORCES

PRIOR TO THE VR IMPROVEMENT, I DECIDED TO REDO SOME PARTS IN MY CODE THAT WOULD ALLOW ME TO: 1. HAVE A STRUCTURAL SYSTEM THAT WOULD MAINTAIN THE FACADE.

2. CONTROL LOCAL AND GLOBAL PARAMETERS ON THE WHOLE FACADE

3. COME CLOSER TO MY INITIAL CONCEPT AND IDEA.

SLAB CONFIGURATION

Based on the radiation analysis, I was able to develop a configuration for the slabs that translates the circular openings on the DSF into double heights that serve in the logic of spaces where places exposed to the outside on the facade with least shading are the most open with double heights encouraging social gatherings and circumference of activities throughout the building.

Double heights and open spaces creating visual connectivity between users over different levels as well as letting in desired sunlight without its’ negative effects.

1st FLOOR

2nd FLOOR

3rd FLOOR

4th FLOOR

translation of of circular openings on facade into pockets in slab

5th FLOOR 6th FLOOR

PARAMETRIC FACADE

Non realistic exaggerated cade/ a bit

Interior shots with & without double heights.

Logic in facade structure

exaggerated fa bit random

Description of photo in a couple of lines, including explanation and/or references

Phase V: FABRICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

During the phase, the facade undergoes one more time, a series of assessments in order to make sure it is environmentally responsive and adequate for real life application using 3D printing.

FABRICATION

My fabrication file was already relatively small since I first got an estimated completion time of 10 hours and 54 minutes. However I still tried to optimize the time and size by pivoting the facade on the printer. This led to a significant decrease ending at an estimated completion time of 7 hours and 31 minutes.

BEFORE

AFTER

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS & OPTIMMIZATION

Through environmental analysis, I was able to guide my thoughts into the slab configuration according to the radiation and sun exposure.

SUN PATH WINDROSE

SUN RADIATION ANALYSIS

WINTER SUMMER

BEFORE AFTER

The main issue that was highlighted from my solar radiation analysis was how overly shadowed my facade was. I deduced that this might have been due to several factors inluding the angle of inclination for my panels. However, in the first place that was intended but might have been exagerrated.

On a positive note, during summer, where the sun is extremely intense, the building is perfectly covered but with a downside of being rather dull.

In winter, it was desired to increase the yellow greenish shade which indicated an adeuqate radiation count.

I figured the slab configuration might help in optimizing the situation by creating openings and pockets. The edits in slabs led to an enhanced radiation during winter and a less noticed one during summer.

I figured a further measure that would improve the results would be edits on the facade itself

REFLECTION

During this project, I struggled more than project 01. It was very challenging because I had to deal with restrains that I made up unintentionnally for myself while creating the first project. However, thankfully, at the end, I was able to manage and overcome them.

It is also important to mention that my inital concept has been derived completly, to the best.

At first, I had a certain hierarchy to follow in terms of space configuration for the project that was very stagnant and not dynamic for the building. I ended up distributing the high socialization areas in the building between all floors instead of grouping them at the lower floors. This has also added to my architectural value in terms of facade design.

Secondly, I initially had the idea of a DSF that would act as a load bearing element and carry structure in order to give more flexibility inside of the building which I ended up abondoning for the sake of more flexibility in the design process.

COURSE REFLECTION

As I mentionned at the very beginning digital work has always been a challenge for me but thankfully this course made me believe that I could actually use it in my own benefit in very possibly good ways. I was certainly slow at different points, trying to grasp the info and mechanism with which computation and the parameters idea works but later on things became way more easy. I’m actually glad and proud that I got to learn such things I thought would be hard for me to eprform, noting my lack of skills in this field.

©All rights reserved, American University in Cairo (AUC) May 2019