Hassan Elghayesh 2017/18 by Hassan Elghayesh

HASSAN ELGHAYESH PROFESSIONAL WORK 2017/18

This document is a compilation of my professional work subsequent to my Master studies at the University of Liechtenstein. In March 2017, I joined a young architectural office in Cairo ‘KarmBuild’. The office operates under the bigger umbrella of ‘KarmSolar’, a solar technology and integration company based in Cairo, Egypt. The office focuses on energy efficient and environmentally sustainable building designs. Our projects are ideally suited for off-grid communities. Our flexible design approach allows us to deliver functional buildings as workers villages but also high-end Eco-communities and resorts. One major service our office offers is integrating solar energy technology into architectural designs. My role as project architect was to manage a design team of 2 architects and an intern. The team, once assigned a project, would be responsible for all aspects of design, construction documentation & site work. Generating drawings, models and images to communicate ideas with the client as relevant to the key phases of the job. My time in KarmBuild has been one of reflection on the trade of architecture. My involvement in all aspects of design gave me the ability to pinpoint our relevance as

architects in the development of the built environment. I find interest in operating in challenging situations where clients wants fall far from my own design philosophy. My approach is to always have a solid knowledge of building techniques & construction and to use them as a basis for an innovative aesthetical and spatial experiences. The philosophy and conceptual approach in the work is always solid and logical. Another area of my expertise, is in the production of images. I immerse myself fully in the visual culture of the context, as well as, the clients own visual preferences. The digital images produced then operate as meaningful and desirable objects in their own right (Art Objects), besides their primary function as vessels of information and concepts. I am able to do so due to a strong knowledge of digital and manual image making tools and an open experimental mind that always strives to produce. In the following projects, I will showcase my process and end products, giving you a glimpse of what concepts govern my understanding of the building process and to what is relevant today to the practice of Architecture. Hassan Elghayesh, 12.03.2018

LIST OF CONTENTS

SOLAR INTEGRATION, CAIRO. p.35

CANAL SUGAR, MINYA. p.31

START-UP HUB, SAHL HASHISH. p.11

XGYM, ELGOUNA. p.21

WADI SABBARA, MARSA ALAM. p.01

WADI SABBARA MARSA ALAM, EGYPT

Wadi Sabbara is a touristic development on the eastern coast of Egypt. It overlooks the Red Sea and is located 20 km north of the town of Marsa Alam. We were assigned with the Master Planning of the plot as well as the design of one of the boutique hotels on site. The client had very specific needs when it came to the Master Plan, He did not want it to be set in stone. Flexibility was a major factor, he wanted to make his options open to changes. I tried to address such wants as they are perfectly aligned with the way I see Master Planning. Master Planning should not be a hindrance to innovation and flexibility. How to create a Master Plan that incites options rather than suppress them? The site is beautiful in every way. An untouched plot of land by the sea, with a small valley running through the middle of the site. The valley was shaped by rain water coming down the nearby mountains. Right now these flash floods stopped and we are left with a valley and an amazing seaside location. The site already has two small hotels and living quarters for the workers. The client is interested in making small size boutique hotels instead of a larger complex hotel, he also wants to specify some plots for his friends and family, each will build his own beach house. Being a collector of artifacts of the local Bedouin population, he also wants to include a small gallery/exhibition space to showcase his collection.

00KM 00KM

Assiut

100KM

200KM

300KM

Site Images

100KM

200KM

300KM

400KM

500KM

Hurghada 200km

m 0k 20

235

Sohag

Safaga

Qena 41

Quseir

100km

Luxor

50km

Port Ghalib Site

50km

100km

200km

220km

Marsa Alam

195km

Edfu

120km

50km m

Abu Alhassan Elshazly Aswan

100km

Berenice Troglodytica

Regional Map

CENTRALITY

PROGRAM PUBLIC SPACE

CENTRALITY

low density residen�al medium density residen�al retail food+beverage MARINE LANDMARK healthcare center

PUBLIC SPACE

ecolodge CRESCENDO boat building ﬁshing

MARINE LANDMARK

seilPUBLIC PLAZA library

CRESCENDO

high density residen�al PLATFORMS high density staﬀ_senior

PUBLIC PLAZA

retail food+beverages_road service transporta�on hub ART INSTALLATION high density staﬀ_labor

PLATFORMS

workspace karmsolar campus community center LOCAL CULTURE museum+gallery LANDMARK theatre+mul�purpose

ART INSTALLATION

upcycling center handcra�s INFRASTRUCTAL permaculture_herding LANDMARK

LOCAL CULTURE LANDMARK

pv solar service sewage treatment PEBBLE GARDEN sports facili�es permaculture services

INFRASTRUCTAL LANDMARK

garden

BALANITES FIELD oasis diving

al en�al

al ior

_road service

balanites aegyp�aca garden temporary events

PEBBLE GARDEN BALANITES FIELD

area of inﬂuence

In line with offering flexibility, we stayed away from suggesting a definitive Master Plan. We instead went on to identify certain locations on the plot that we wanted to emphasize. There was not much man made interventions on the site. The simple act of making a stone vertical or laying a few pebbles on top of each other gave us some affinity to certain areas on the plot. We also identified where the rock formations that form the valley are, They were interestingly shaped and again we saw potential in those edges. These areas of interest for us we would create structures in, from these structures the development will start and grow. We call these interventions Scenarios. A word not much used in Architecture yet it was essential for us to frame what exactly We were doing; Scenarios that act as triggers for growth, Our Scenarios are open ended.

temperature in 째C

month

E 65째

NE - prevailing winter winds

N 0째

N - prevailing summer winds

115째

88째

41째

245째

W 295째

www.suncalc.net www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/azel www.windfinder.com/windstatistics/marsa_alam

publi

gateway

viewing platforms

scenario_08

Before hiring us, The client started off with building around the boundaries in order to claim territorial presence. The southern border was developed into a diving center and hotel ‘OASIS’. The process of building was very vernacular and did not include any architects just stonemasons and the client instructing them on where to build. The Northen border was developed into living quarters for the workers in ‘OASIS’. The buildings with bigger footprints are a hotel ‘SEIL’ designed by Architect Jenane Azmi and built by our Construction team. Two extensions to the east and west were later designed by us. Yet, before I joined the office. In the Northwest corner, The building ‘PORTAL’ acts as the gateway to the development from the Highway.

scenario_07

The areas of intervention that I was actively involved in were as follows, A_ Balanites Field. B_Scenario 01 (Entrance to the Beach) C_Crescendo D_Scenario 04 (Residential Phase_01) E_Scenario 11 (Seil Hotel Gallery)

herder’s entrance

E scenario_11

scenario_09

scenario_06

ic plaza

balanites field

scenario_04

crescendo

cenario_10

scenario_03

scenario_02

D art installation public space scenario_05

infrastructural landmark

scenario_01

pebble garden

10 0

50 20

100m

BALANITES FIELD & CIRCULATION LAYOUT – CONCEPT OUTLINE

Balanites Field,

The valley area is to be planted with a tree native to the area (Balanites Aegyptica). The tree was a favorite of the client. To us, we found it interesting that the tree produces a date like fruit. The fruit can be used for extracting oil as well as being edible. It could also be fermented to create spirits.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING – TYPE 01:

A less defined crossing point solution with the The field will be overlaid with walkways. As well asstep blocks are placed along carefully constructed slope with the stone gathering points, These points will bestepused wallsgathering gradually declining to the lowest level. at times of harvest to store fruit. Strongthe recommendation for some sort of gradual speed bump that will enforce slowing the vehicle traffic gradually. For the hardscape, Mica stone is to be used to define It is to be of a natural use of materials whether stone or material use, but would as a defining plots of plantation as another well as circulation forwork vehicles pedestrian pathway, therefore should be of a relatively flat surface with minimal bump incline. and pedestrians. Vehicular traffic will be minimum and seasonal during the time of harvest.

PLAN VIEW

BALANITES FIELD & CIRCULATION LAYOUT – CONCEPT OUTLINE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING – TYPE 02:

A strongly defined crossing point solution with the step blocks clearly defined by the stone wall that has a 90 degree turn to wrap the steps. The mica stone wall will also gradually step upwards to the top end of the steps to have a distinctive visual point of reference for pedestrians. Strong recommendation for some sort of gradual speed bump that will enforce slowing the vehicle traffic gradually. It is to be of a natural use of materials whether stone or another material use, but would work as a defining pedestrian pathway, therefore should be of a relatively flat surface with minimal bump incline.

PLAN VIEW

SECTION/ELEVATION VIEW

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SKETCH DETAILS – TYPE 01

02_01

SECTION/ELEVATION VIEW

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SKETCH DETAILS – TYPE 02

02_02

Balanites Field, The valley area is to be planted with a tree native to the area (Balanites Aegyptica). The tree was a favorite of the client. To us, we found it interesting that the tree produces a date like fruit. The fruit can be used for extracting oil as well as being edible. It could also be fermented to create spirits. The field will be overlaid with walkways. As well as gathering points, These gathering points will be used at times of harvest to store the fruit.

Scenario 01; Beach Entrance It is your first day in Egypt. You wake up early. You grab your things and go to the beach. The light is making itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first breaks against the darkness, but you are guided by the sound of the waves. You reach till the edge and realize the beach lies a good two meters below where you stand. A couple of years ago you could have jumped but not now. You walk up and down the edge of the cliff to look for a way down. Your feet feel the sand beneath it, but then you step into a different texture; one that is easy to walk on. You look beneath you and find wide stairs that lead to the beach. Within the frame of created by the walls and cantilever of the stair, the first beach goer is standing by the sea, a fellow early bird.

Crescendo, The entrance to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;SEILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was a bit of a problem. Again a large difference in levels makes it hard to access the valley and beach area. We drew up plans to suggest a number of terraces that lead your way down from the high cliff area to the valley. We wanted to create an experience of lingering down slowly with a chance to use the terraces for experiencing your come down slowly. This experience could not be achieved with direct stairs that lead down. Hence, the need for the terraces. Terraces are changing in sizes and orientations adding a sense of playfulness to the experience.

RESIDENTIAL PHASE 01 As part of offering an interesting mix in the development. We wanted to add a new form of stakeholder into the development. Apart from the Tourist/Hotel management polarity, there was no stakeholder in the development who will be interested in maintaining its quality. The introduction of residential units would ensure that we will have key stakeholders in the development who will act to ensure the quality of services and infrastructure and help maintain it. The units suggested are one bedroom vacation houses on one of the edges of the valley overlooking hotel â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;SEILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This edge is one of the more interesting edges in the development. They have a commanding view to the sea and are in close proximity to the beach. They are on a very desirable plot on the land. The choice to start building on this plot was needed in order to create a dialogue between it and the hotel. The client asked for units that are cheap and fast to construct. We identified building with Coral Stone from the area to be the cheapest as it was free of charge and also the fastest as the masons on site were very familiar with the stone. The design is simple yet bold, a very simple box like unit that can come together in many different ways to create clusters. The orientation of each unit is dictated by three factors, Views, Protection from direct sunlight and Contours.

P01

W02

W05

W02

W01

Living/Dining

Double Height

Terrace

D02

Entrance Lobby

B W08

+0.20m

02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

+0.20m

01 D01

P02

+0.20m

P03

W07

+0.00m

Ground Floor 1

P04

P02

W05

W01

W07

W02

Bedroom

Bathroom

D03

02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

W09

+3.20m

C P01

W03

W02

W05

W06

W03

W05

W06

First Floor 1

D03

D02

Section C-C

Section A-A

C 1

Elevation 1

Section B-B

FLEXIBILITY The flexibility of plan was another important factor for the client. Though not very big in size. We had to demonstrate how many different furniture arrangements the home can support. A series of options were developed for each floor, combining them together would have resulted in 144 different options.

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

The simple unit offers a lot of flexibility, We looked through different options for the glazed facade. The glazed facade will be the main connection to the outside. The problem was the ceiling was high and the client did not want to invest in costly glazed surfaces. We were able to land a cheaper sub-contractor who gave us limits to the sizes we could work. We started from there to experiment within his given paramters. In order, to reach a facaded that serves both function and aesthetics. A

A A

A A A

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

B B

C C

A A A

CLUSTERING THE UNITS Early trial for master planning the edge. At this point, I was not yet onsite and was dealing only with a contours map by the client.

Sun path diagram to determine possible orientation of units,to protect the glassed surfaces from direct sunlight.

C01U03

C01U02 C02U02 C02U04 C02U06 C01U01 C02U07

C03U03

C03U06

C02U01 C02U05 C02U03

C03U02 C03U05 C03U01 C03U04

C04U03 C04U02 C04U01

C04U06 C04U05

C04U04

SHADOW ANALYSIS

SUMMER

SOUTH WEST ISOMETRIC

7:30 AM

12:30 PM

4:30 PM

SHADOW ANALYSIS

SUMMER

NORTH WEST ISOMETRIC

7:30 AM

12:30 PM

4:30 PM

SHADOW ANALYSIS

WINTER

SOUTH WEST ISOMETRIC

7:30 AM

12:30 PM

4:30 PM

SHADOW ANALYSIS

WINTER

NORTH WEST ISOMETRIC

7:30 AM

12:30 PM

4:30 PM

View from Beach to Units

View from Seil Pool to Units

View from Units towards Beach

Seil Gallery As the project for Seil Hotel was nearing completion we were invited to do the interior designs for one of the basement halls. The owner was a collector of artifacts from the region of Marsa Alam. He wanted to showcase his collection to the visitors of the hotel. The collection comprises of geological rocks, items being used by the local population, as well as, antique books with mention of the red sea and its indigenous population.

UNITS title and introduction to local tribes.

sculpture/artifact on pedestal base

drawer for small items.

headphones for audio experiences.

white-painted plywood unit 225*45 cm

UNIT_01 FRONT

glass display cabinet for prized items.

sculpture/artifact on pedestal base A clear inventory needs to be done of the objects to decide on what is to be showcased. Since, this was not possible at the moment we chose to focus on a flexible unit that can be used for showcasing a variety of items. UNIT_01 has many options for different objects, small, large from clothing to jewelery to weapons. All can be showcased within the same unit. The unit can be replicated as much as needed. the unit can be configured to be a 2 sided display (as shown) or a 1 sideddisplay when placed against a well. Its

modular arrangements allows for diferrent layouts depending on curated items.

drawer for small items.

white-painted plywood unit 225*45 cm

UNIT_01 BACK

steel rod 5*5 cm with bolt

surface for showcasing posters or tapestry.

UNIT_02 FRONT

text printed on laser-cut black sticker

acrylic glass on wood base_ size 200*100 cm.

UNIT_03 FRONT

UNIT_02 and UNIT_03 are meant to act as both dividers of space and exhibition surfaces. UNIT_03 is made out of transparent Acrylic giving the chance to have a large monolithic object without obstructing view of the

space.

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT For the design of the exhibition space we chose to focus on the flexibility of the units used for showcasing the artifacts. The bare space contrasts against the details of the exhibits. The space acts as a neutral container for the artifacts, the artifacts become the focus. The Geological collection of rocks will be showcased on display units outside. In the area between the cliff and the building that is now closed off. We created continuous one way circulation loop that takes the visitor through the different rooms. Walls were opened up when necessary to create a smooth

DIFFERENT POSSIBILITIES FOR UNIT ARRANGEMENT

artwork and wall mounted artifacts geological collection zone

artwork and wall mounted artifacts

unit_02 display locations

unit_03 introduction to exhibition

unit_01 in 2-sided position

unit_01 in 1-sided position

FINAL ARRANGEMENT

Visualization

Seil Library Interior Shots, Design by KarmBuild Principal Architect, Karim Kafrawi Renders by, Hassan Elghayesh

Shot 01_ Clark Gable

Shot 02_Sigmund Freud

Shot 03_RenĂŠ Magritte

X_GYM is a concept for a mobile work out space. The idea is to make exercise easy and accessible for everyone, anytime and anywhere. We find the cargo architecture is surely fitting for the concept we are trying to achieve. First and foremost, the appropriation of containers into useful spaces works towards upcycling waste, it is more economical and more fun to work with and a huge gain is the fact that these containers were made to be mobile and thus check all the criteria for ease of mobility, assembly and disassembly. Our concept revolves around two main issues, first being how to customize the containers to fit their purpose while retaining the feel of fun in working out. The second is a fascination with the concept of a mobile gym and a goal of making it autonomous and sufficient when it comes to its energy consumption. We chose to work first on the containers, focusing on what they aspire to be, we focused on how the container can open up to the outside, we came up with 6 different ways we can do so. Playfulness is retained, different ways of opening the container are associated to different workouts. We then focused on how the four containers comes together, we identify 3 different scenarios that are most relevant and we base our recommendations on them. Our 3 scenarios are a compact design, obstacle circuit and independent arrangement. Our second concept stems from the fascination the idea of generating energy from the workouts done by the users of the gym. We want to incorporate stationary bicycles and pressure pads to generate some of the electricity that will be used. Solar panels installed on the fixed roofs will make sure that all the energy needs are accounted for.

X G

(a) A 40 feet container to be divided into 4 mini containers, each 3*2.5 m in size. (b) The mini containers are reinforced with steel beams to make each structurally stable. (c) The mini containers are fitted with different options for opening along with a specific set of equipment and storage space. The mini containers can come together in

many different ways. (d) There is still room for the client to experiment with his favorite setting. (e) the containers will fit on a trailer cand can be hauled anywhere. (f) The mobile Gym can travel anywhere in Egypt according to where it is needed the most.

In the project of Canal Sugar, we were asked to design a number of Units for a Agriculture and Manufacturing facility in Menya. The product was sugar, and the company intended to cultivate beetroot on a very large scale. The plot of land was in the desert, around 25*50 km. A large expanse of land leased from the government for a period of 50 years. We were approached by the client to design the housing units for the development. The houses would range in size, Some are to house the workers, Others for the engineers and others still for senior management. Apart from this housing, Satellite Villages would be spread out to cover the large piece of land. These satellite villages would always have the same requirements, Sleeping Quarters for 41 workers as well as a common space area that will include a small mosque, a Dinning Hall and a Kitchen. We produced two designs for this project. There was a miscommunication with the client regarding a certain style that the client wanted to have. The New Mexico Style was an inspiration for our early designs as One of the clients suggested. In our first meeting, We discovered that this was a personal preference of one of the board members and we were asked to redesign in two days, as the CEO was non-egyptian. This is when we went on to produce the next set of designs.

Canal Sugar Minya, EGYPT

Engineer Unit Design Alternative One, Plans N

ground floor

Southern Elevation

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

2.0

3.0

first floor

Northern Elevation

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

Engineer Unit Design Alternative Two , Plans

ground floor 0.0

Southern Elevation

1.0

2.0

3.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

first floor

Northern Elevation

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

Engineer Unit Design Urban Elevation

Senior Management Unit Design Alternative Two , Plans

+0.45

AnteChamber

-0.45

Living Room Courtyard

Bathroom

-0.30

Bedroom

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5 m

Southern Elevation

Northern Elevation

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

Satellite Village

PARKING

COMMON AREA MOSQUE DINNING HALL OFFICE STORAGE

SLEEPING QUARTERS 21 ROOMS_41 RESIDENTS

0 1

10m

0 1

10m

0 1

10m

0 1

10m

0 1

10m

Sahl Hasheesh Start Up Hub

Interior Shots, Design by KarmBuild Principal Architect, Karim Kafrawi Renders by, Hassan Elghayesh

We started of with deciding our parameters when it comes to density and size of footprint. We experimented with a number of distribution approaches using the suggested land in Sahl Hasheesh. The experiment tests how open space will relate to built space and what options offer the best outdoor space. Although all options cover the same area of 4900 m2, some options give a feeling of openness more than others. This was taken into consideration while moving to the next step on deciding which way to go with the Master Plan.

.00

The next step was deciding on which way to go with the footprint of the building. We overlaid a unit of 25*25 m. This unit will be elaborated on in the following pages. The arrangement here is purely spatial and for the first step disregards site contours. We were told that the site might not be this one and thus we opted for just using it for experimentation. We actually think adding the layer of contours into our consideration will offer a much more interesting design. As th different heights will give liveliness to each unit.

32.0

00 58.00

52.0 0

.00

50.0

54.00

60.00

64.00

52.00

58.00

62.00

0 60.0

54.00

60.00

58.00

.00

0 62.0

64.00

.00

58.00

48.00

50.00

46.00 44.00

.00

36.00

40 . 38 00 .0 0

.00 0

.00

0 .0 .00 40 38

34.00

48.00

54.0

48 46.00.00

.00

46.00

.00

.0 38

38.00

48.00

.00

48.0

52.00

0 0 40.0.00 42 .00 44

36.0

40.0

0 50.0

0 44.0 0 42.0

34.00

0 30.0

.00

44.0

32.00 0

30.0

0 .0 34

38.0

.0 0

0 40.0

34.00

.00

28.0

34.00

36.00

0 .0 36

36.00

30.00

38.00

30.00

.00

.0 0

.00

36.0

. 32

. 24

26.0

0 30.0

34.0

.0 48

.00

40.00

.00 46

.00

32.0 0

32.00

42.0

.00

44.00

.00

42.0

32.0

38.00

50.0 0

42.00

32.00

34 .0 0

.0 0

.00

54.0

50.0

.00

52.0

50.0

.00

50.0

.00

52.00

40.00

52.00

50.00

.00

54.0

54.00

52.00

44.000 46.0

56.00

48.00

52.0

56.0

0 .0 0 52 00 . 5000 . 48

48.00

38.00

For our first trial, we designed a courtyard unit in which the program is mixed in each unit. Each unit is sustainable and self sufficient. By doing so we achieve a set of goals that are essential for the development. First, we save on the embodied energy of the building by making sure it is used all day long. Secondly, We ensure a compact development that is clustered rather than one that is stretched over a larger area. A cluster of functions will ensure maximum interaction. While most project aim for density we aim at density of interaction. Lastly, we can now phase the construction process better, rather than starting off at different locations we can build each self sufficient unit and ensure it can sustain itself till later phases are added. Housing 76,500

Our first unit proved to be too large to work with on the site of Sahl Hashish. Still, we choose not to discard as it might prove helpful on other plots. The flexibility of the unit is its strongest point. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to adopt to different sites is its strongest point.

Housing 76,500

Hub 23,600

On the following pages we laid out the program in relation to time. The graphs are speculative but aim to show how the spaces are activated day round with the different functions. The graphs show our speculations for two situations, on weekdays and on weekends.

Lounge 2,200

Meeting/Event Hall 1,000

Lounge

Library 800 Lounge

Meeting/Event Hall

coworking 1,600

Hub 30,000

Meeting/Event Hall

MPU 500 Labs 300

Hub 30,000

Library

coworking

MPU Labs

Cinemas

Commercial 4,500

Cinemas

Service apartments

Commercial 6,000

Cinemas 1,500

Commercial 6,000

Commercial 4,500

146,250

Service apartments

Indoor Halls Indoor Halls

MP courtyard Event Hall Workshops

MP courtyard Event Hall Workshops Hospitality 3,800 Library

Hospitality 3,800

Library Workshops

Workshops

Theatre-openable Theatre-openable

Hospitality 6,000

Service apartments 2,200

Outdoors 7,750

Club House 9,400

Galleries

Outdoors 7,750

Club House 9,400

Indoor Halls 650

Community Center 650

Community Center 1,700

Community Center 650

MP courtyard 200 Event Hall 200 Workshops 650

nursery 3,500

Community Center 1,700 Nursery 3,500

Mosque and church 1,000

Mosque and Church 1,000

Medical Center 1,300

nursery 3,500 Mosque and church 1,000 Medical Center 1,300

Library 1,000

Leisure

Mosque and Church 1,000

Medical Center 1,300

School 4,450

School 6,100

Nursery 3,500

School 6,100

Workshops 650

Supporting Convention Center 3,100

Convention Center 3,100

Dwelling

Convention Center 4,750

Dissolved Uses

Main Entity

Theatre-openable 650 Galleries 1,000

Program Entities

Dissolvable/Communal Spaces

Work

Convention Center 4,750

Uses Combined Dissolvable/Communal Spaces

Combined Dissolvable/Communal Spaces

15,100

We firmly believe this project should function primary on a programmatic level. Within the software with which this project functions the success lies and not within the hardware (architecture). The hardware is only as important as it allows for change and flexibility with the software within it. We went for analyzing the program in order to find interesting connections. We divided the program into 4 main categories Work, Living, Leisure and Services. We then proceeded to categorize each of the functions within these categories and instantly relations started to be clear.

3500 SQM

weekdays

DWELLING SUPPORTING ‫ﺧﺪﻣﺔ‬ ‫ﺗﺮﻓﻴﻪ‬

‫ﺷﻐﻞ ﺷﻐﻞ ﺷﻐﻞ‬ 0

weekends

DWELLING SUPPORTING ‫ﺧﺪﻣﺔ‬ ‫ﺗﺮﻓﻴﻪ ﺗﺮﻓﻴﻪ ﺗﺮﻓﻴﻪ‬

WORKING

‫ﺷﻐﻞ‬

The programmatic concept of mixed use was then applied to the spatial arrangement. It was taken into consideration which functions overlook the spine. Also, the 2nd floor was shifted from the two lower floors in order to create a difference in heights. The 2nd floor also includes bridges that create an imaginary boundaries for the coutryards while leaving the ground floor true to the concept of the spine.

A closer study was made of the arrangements of the 25*25 m unit. The way they come together, how each unit will be flexible enough was evident from the start, the unit can house different functions will mainting structural integrity and most importantle a total coherence with the bigger whole. These sketches offered the basis on which the whole of the development will grow. On the zoomed in scale we started to decide on interior courtyard locations, circulation paths and individual spaces for offices as well as residential units. The unit proved flexible and resourceful on how it deals with different functions.

In this master Plan, smaller units of offices, residential and multi-purpose halls were arranged within the preassigned units. A new structural grid of 5*5 m is now the scale on which we operate. Operating within a set scale gives flexibility in the sense of future growth. All the spaces left open are also following the 5*5 grid and thus they can be overtaken by the building at any time and still we would be operating within the grid. A number of courtyards now exist, There is a hierarchy in these courtyards those by the main spine are the most public. The inner courtyards are of a semi-private nature and will be used by th inhabitants of the bloc. A much smaller scale of the courtyards exits within the residential units and will be used for small playgrounds, open air gyms and hydroponic farming. Each of the bigger courtyards will house an activity relating to leisure. We aim to blur the line of work and leisure as discussed before.

Ground Floor with Program

Isometric, Volumetric study of 3 floors together showing courtyards, plazas and overhanging structures.

Work-Break

Desk/Relaxed

M-U

Informal

Collective Collective

SocializCafeteria ing

Games Room

SPA

Lively

Collective

Informal

Break

Relaxed

M-U

Open Plan

Lively

Casual Meet-Up

GYM

Lively

Informal

Work

Desk

M-U

Individual SlowDown

Relaxed

MPU Library Classroom

Meeting Rooms PhoneBooths

Designated

Individual

Formal

Break

Designated

Recording Studio

Quiet

Desk

Quiet

Admin. Offices

Formal

Work

Break-Work Formal

MakerSpace

Regular Individual Offices Cubicles

Designated

Isolated Cowork.

Quiet

Individual

Desk/Relaxed

Flexible Component

Solar Integration was is a big part of our operation as a firm. Though, I have not been directly involved in any projects. I was given the task of creating a flexible architectural component that works with Solar Panels. Not many Architects are keen on including Solar in their projects. The grid, color and shape of the panel seem limiting to a great extent. Functional criteria is prioritized against the aesthetical criteria. The main aim was to standardize Solar Panels as an architectural component that can be used on both new and existing buildings.

1.62 The first of the flexible components was the 1.6 Panel. Th solar panel exported by our company was a 1.6 *1 m panel. As we tried playing around with the ratio we discovered that there was not much we could do. We started experimenting with adding an extra part to reach a square ratio that would be more interesting to work with. The design itself is merely a frame. One side will have the solar panels and the other which is 0.6*1.6 can be a different material. This can be decided later on site or per project. We can use Aluminum, Wood or any other material that would fir the context of the project. The design offers great flexibility and functionality while maintaining a strong aesthetic quality.

Isometric, 1.6

169.0

Solar Panel

2.5 4.0

94.5

4.0

94.5

169.0

64.0

4.0

64.0

4.0

2.5

Frame

Wood Cladding

Decorated Wooden Panel

LED Light

Frosted Glass

Secion A-A, 1.6 169.0 4.0

161.0

4.0

169.0 4.0

4.0

161.0

4.0

A 4.0

94.5

94.5 165.0 2.5 165.0 2.5 60.0

60.0 4.0

4.0

A Plan, 1.6

Flexibility of Arrangement

Facade

Roof

Envelope

Different Mounting Possibilities

DIY The DO IT YOURSELF panel is easy to install and maintatin, An Ikea style assembly manual and adjustable columns and beams will allow the user to even change inclination according to sun orientation. The Panel can be easily installed on roofs. Roofs in cairo are one of the most under utilized elements of the building. The component will also double as a shading element that will protect the facade from unwanted direct sunlight.

1 9

2 3 2

6 8

Do It Yourself Kit

adjustable beam

5 heavy hex

fastner nut

9 tension cable

8 movable arm

structural column

6 set screw

parapet

column clamp

socket screws

eye bolt plate

Assembly Catalogue

Canopy 165.0

165.0 165.0

165.0

165.0 165.0

A 105.0

105.0 105.0

220.0 220.0

8.0

105.0

8.0 30.0

105.0

8.0 30.0

8.0

8.0 40.0 40.0

5.0

390.0

5.0

390.0 400.0

400.0

5.0

400.0

Plan, Canopy

390.0

220.0

390.0

220.0

30.0

10.0

30.0 150.0

30.0

150.0 30.0

150.0

30.0

30.0 30.0

110.0

110.0 110.0

110.0

20.0

110.0

25.0

25.0 25.0

20.0

30.0

30.0 30.0

97.5 97.5

5.0 5.0 5.0

97.5 97.5

97.5

97.5 5.0

5.0

Section A-A, Canopy

Elevation, Canopy

Woven Sky by Azza Fahmy Azza Fahmy is a well-renowned Jewelery designer who collaborated with our office on her line of integrated solar panels. While Mrs. Fahmy came up with the sketches, I was assigned the task of producing the Isometrics and Technical drawings for the designs. The result was Woven Sky. An intricate metal mesh that carries on it Glass on Glass solar Panels. The design integrates into the building becoming a feature in its own right and not merely panels you want to hide on the roof.

47.2

50.0 47.2

49.3 47.2

47.2

49.3 47.2

163.4

49.3

47.2

50.0 47.2

49.3

49.3 47.2

49.3

493.0

49.3

593.0

49.3

493.0

49.3

47.2 49.3

49.3

47.2

50.0

49.3

47.2

49.3

47.2

47.2 49.3

47.2

50.0

47.2

Plan, Woven Sky

47.2

163.4

50.0

10.0

163.4

25.0 5.0

50.0

Section , Woven Sky

10.0

25.0 5.0

593.0