Nada Youssef- 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: Nada Youssef

Student ID: 900181687

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

Nada Youssef Architecture Student

My name is Nada Youssef and I am a Senior Architecture Student. Studying architecture has been a long dream of mine and pursuing it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

This story book documents my journey with digital design. Starting off with the first stage which is the gypsum model experimentation phase, where we would allow ourselves to experiemnt through physical material using many variables that are found in our daily life. Through this phase, I was able to understand how the models I have created need to be supported in order to move on to the digital phase where I can create an architectural structure that is functional and can help enhance the user experience. The shift from physical to digital was confusing because having to create parametric definitions was somewhat challenging, but through constant trials, I was able to get the hang of it and explore limitless possibilities. Overall, this experience was very educating and has allowed me to better myself and expand my creativity in order to design effectivite and function buildings.

Creating parametric designs was challenging to me at first, especially because it was the first time using tools like grasshopper. After many trials and understanding how to code, it appeared to me that it is a very flexiable tool and it aids in unleashing my creativity and creating interesting designs that I have always wanted to do. Grasshopper is now a tool that I use in all my design classes and it elevated my buildings and structures which was a skill I lacked at first, but thankfully gained after taking the Digital Design course.

Gypsum Experimentation

D S F R E S E A R C H

B Y N A D A Y O U S S E F

My concept revolves around the flower self shading technique which involves the opening and closing of the flower petals depending on the sun intensity in order for the flower to protect its interior. This natural technique can be applied on our facades as well in order to control the amount of sunlight that enters the building depending on the season and time of day. Creating a kinetic facade that mimics the opening and closing of the flower petals is a very environmental and sustainable idea in order to create ultimate comfort inside the building.

The VR Experience was very interesting when it comes to evaluating the facade. This is because it allows us to have a real life experience inside the building itself, while it also allows us to analyze the pros and cons of the facade. The pros of my facade that I have analyzed while being inside the building is that it is very well shaded, and the kinetic facade allowed me to control the amount of sunlight entering the building. The cons of my facade that I have analyzed while being inside the building is that the openings need to be bigger in certain areas to allow for more sunlight inside the building. Overall, I have concluded that the voids need to be bigger in certain areas and closed in other areas.

Grasshopper Definition

Sunlight Hours Analysis

Overall, Using the sunlight analysis I discovered that the building is very well shaded. The Roof and the sides of the building need to be more shaded like the interior of the building.

Radiation Analysis

Overall, Using the radiation analysis I discovered that the building is protected against radiation. Some parts of the building are yellow which means I need to enhance the void near this area in order to protect it against radiation like the rest of the building.

The fabrication process takes around 12hrs and 40 mins, but that is a reasonable amount of time because the facade is heavy and contains many details.

Bibliography

- Different Types of Shading Devices. | Download Scientific Diagram. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/ Different-types-of-shading-devices_fig1_337904958.

- “Kinetic Architecture and Kinetic Facades.” Alubuild, 18 May 2022, https://alubuild.com/en/architecture-kinetic-facades/#:~:text=The%20kinetic%20fa%C3%A7ade%20is%20an,thus%20changing%20the%20 indoor%20environment.

- Ghatge, Prajakta ranjeet. “20 Creative Kinetic Facades around the World - Rethinking the Future.” RTF | Rethinking The Future, 14 Jan. 2022, https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architects-lounge/a429-20-creative-kinetic-facades-around-the-world/.

- Cao, Lilly. “What Are Kinetic Facades in Architecture?” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 14 Aug. 2019, https://www. archdaily.com/922930/what-are-kinetic-facades-in-architecture.

- Souza, Eduardo. “How Do Double-Skin Façades Work?” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 20 Aug. 2019, https://www. archdaily.com/922897/how-do-double-skin-facades-work. - Author links open overlay panelSeyed MortezaHosseiniaPersonEnvelopeMasiMohammadiaAlexanderRosemannbTorstenSchrödercJosLichtenbergc, et al. “A Morphological Approach for Kinetic Façade Design Process to Improve Visual and Thermal Comfort: Review.” Building and Environment, Pergamon, 2 Mar. 2019, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132319301416.