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 Sara Abdelbadie Saber 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: Sara Abdelbadie Saber Student ID: 900140162
Š The American University in Cairo (AUC), May 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber Architecture Student
architecture and economics.
In order to take my first steps in the field I am going to seek a job at a leading corporation to receive as much experiences and knowledge as possible and to benefit from the existing leaders in order to launch my own company in the future.
I am a current university student at the American University in Cairo. Upon graduation I aim to become one of the leading names in the field of architecture and entrepreneurship, by converting my ideas into real life buildings, or rather pieces of artwork. In my opinion architecture is not just about buildings, it’s about giving that building a spirit and making it part of people’s life because architecture is about shaping others’ world and developing countries’ economic conditions. I aim to shape the world from my own perspective and be part of the vast technological developments occurring in the field of
Analysing Cactus Adaptations
Cactus presents a series of tubercles distributed along the entire body in a spiralling Fibonacci sequence. These tubercles contain water within them and help to cool down the overall surface of the plant as they casts shadow over their neighbouring tubercles, which are partially shaded themselves due to their morphology.
Each tubercles has a set of spines (Areoles) that contribute with shading as well as moisture-capturing from the air. The morphology of the cactus, with its tubercles also provides aerodynamic performance, in which the air flow generates a “Cushion of Air� around the plant helping with wind deflection, stability and moisture loss due to extreme heating.
01 Learning from Nature
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Portfolio
Learning from Nature
3 Analysing Cactus Adaptations
Cactus surface regulates the overall surface temperature, and its aerodynamic properties which allows stability against wind gusts and differentiation given by the water pressure. Aim: To design a surface that takes into account all these performance properties. Mimicking the cactus tubercles a fabric and metal component was designed with an adjustable system that stretches the fabric allowing different depths and giving structural stability, just as water pressure does to cacti systems. The morphology of the component also resembles the cactus tubercles allowing a high degree of shading to the surface itself, regulating the local and overall temperature both of the component, and subsequently the surface. Overall stability is given by the interaction of each component as a whole system, forming a skin or surface that has structural stability and temperature regulation, as part the surface remains shaded whilst other areas receive a direct impact from the sun.
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
4 The Spines act as a protective barrier from animal consumption and from glowing sand. Folded surface and Spines create a sheltered area that in turn creates a micro climate. Making it cool during day and warm at night. Spines help in catching water from rain and morning dew. Spines reduce air movement accommodate the water volume within it. Feathery to obscure the stem and shade the plant from severe sunlight. Spines crisscross forcing a complete barrier. Cactus spines are nonvascularized, modified leaves that develop from the tissue of the areole. Spines are formed as clusters in the stem, spines vary in number, physical arrangement, size, shape, and cross section. Cactus spines have many different functions this include offering protection, shade, and slowing down air currents around the stem to decrease water loss in dry climates.
Portfolio
Learning from Nature
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ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
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Learning from Nature
7 Analysing Cactus Spines & Stem
The stem is covered by a thick, Waxy surface to reduce evaporation & flexible enough to expand, contract and bend but strong enough to protect from blowing sand. Can increase volume by expanding surface to store water. As it dries of, volume is decreased by contracting surface. (oval) surface reduces the surface area and minimizing water loss through transpiration. Barrel like shape maximizes volume for water storage. Barrel shape decrease the surface area and prevent it receiving direct solar radiation. Referred to as a Compass Cacti bend toward (Sun) south because the northern facing side grows faster since it is in the shade. Top of cactus is centered with light reflective fuzz reducing sun exposure. Pleated surface allows contraction and expansion. On extreme heat, contraction of surface can restrict sun exposure to 30%. On cooler days, expansion of surface allows up to 50% sun exposure.
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
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Learning from Nature
9 Thermo Bimetallic Sheets
Thermo-bimetal is a lamination of two alloys of metals with different coefficients of expansion. When heated the material curls The metal can be cut into small pieces and assembled in a matrix of individual pieces that can operate like an organic shutter system and sandwiched between two panes of glass as part of a double-glazed window panel system. Responsive sun shading and ventilation devices. Constricting amount of sun passing through. Allowing trapped hot air to escape in other areas.
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
3D Modeling and Experimentation
The entire structure greatly resembles a technologically-savvy cactus plant, and it’s being built as an extension for the Architecture Department at AUC. The Structure is borrowing an idea from the cactus stomata, the “pores” that the plants breath through: To cope with dry , hot environment, cacti usually open these only at night when it’s cooler. Hence the building in will have a sequence of smart panels over its entire bulbous exterior, and these will open and close automatically to keep the interior of the building within comfortable temperature levels.
02 Capturing Mobility
Portfolio
Capturing Mobility
13 3D Model Views
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Portfolio
Capturing Mobility
3D Digital Fabrication
The file was testedfor fabrication by using different application and software programs including slicer, cura for 3D printing application and Meshmixer. After different experiments , the most suitable way of fabrication was 3D Printing to show the structure the form and the pattern accurately.
Portfolio
Patterns of Mobility
The Geometric Pattern
The geometric pattern enveloping the building offer a powerful visual impact while intelligently protecting the interiors from excessive heat gain. A solar-responsive dynamic shading screen further decreases solar gain and acts as a secondary skin that mediates daylight and reduces glare. Each triangle is coated with fiberglass and programmed to respond to the movement of the sun as a way to reduce solar gain and glare. In the evening, all the screens will close. It is estimated that the panels will reducing solar gain by more than 50 percent, and reduce the building’s need for energy.
03 Patterns of Mobility
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Patterns of Mobility
19 The Geometric Pattern & Grasshopper Development
The movable shading, which wraps most of the envelope and modifies its shape, appearance and performance . The shading becomes the real envelope and defines the building, with form and function working in close harmony.
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Portfolio
Patterns of Mobility
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ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Portfolio
Patterns of Mobility
23 The Geometric Pattern & Grasshopper Development
The pattern moves with the sun to ensure the best performance and comfort for the users.
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Portfolio
Patterns of Mobility
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ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Portfolio
Patterns of Mobility
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ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Portfolio
Patterns of Mobility
The Geometric Pattern & Body Solar Analysis
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The Grasshopper file shows the solar analysis taken for the 3D model.
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
The Site - SSE Court
Portfolio
Patterns of Mobility
31 Site Analysis
Opportunities & Challenging 1- A region of a relatively low activity with various different users. 2- It’s a junction, buffer one or circulation point. 3- The bridge overlooking this court is a main access (Transition) point for the students. 4- Good natural ventilation and illumination. 5- The density of the people in this court is a bit low so it’s always quiet except when there during a project or class gathering. Junction Court Connecting two main parts in the SSE. 1- Light inlet and small trees. 2- A circulation Point. 3- Slow pace activity. 4- Few marble seatings. 5- Good Sun exposure. Two Main Access Point 1- Bus Gate 2- SSE Ground Floor
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Ground Floor Plan
Main Entrance
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Portfolio
The Plan shows the main Access point, Vertical Circulation, Activity Zones and Working Spaces.
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Patterns of Mobility
33 Section A-A Showing form and Activities
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Portfolio
Patterns of Mobility
35 3D Rendered Shots
ARCH 473/3522 - Spring 2019
Sara Abdelbadie Saber
Bibliography
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“Learning from a Barrel Cactus.” Bouncing Ideas, 14 Dec. 2011, bouncingideas.wordpress. com/2011/12/14/learning-from-a-barrel-cactus/. “Human Skin Inspires Doris Kim Sung’s Thermo-Bimetals.” Specifier, 23 June 2016, specifier.com.au/human-skin-inspires-doris-kim-sungs-thermo-bimetals/. Design Fabrication Techniques “Responsive Architecture - Six Amazing Projects.” DesignCurial, www.designcurial.com/news/amazing-examples-of-responsive-architecture. http://philipbeesleyarchitect.com/publications/stp4/Responsive_Architecture_Performing_Instr.pdf “Designing for Change: The Poetic Potential of Responsive Architecture.” Frontiers of Architectural Research, Elsevier, 1 May 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263515000151.