Abolilah_fall 2022 portfolio

Portfolio

Abolilah

Winter 2022 Portfolio Architecture / Urbanism / Photography

Mohammed

EDUCATION

October 2018 to July 2021

Politecnico di Milano, Lecco, Italy

School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering

Laurea Magistrale (Equivalent To Master Of Science) Building and Architectural Engineering

Graduation thesis title: Re_Sponge DDAKAR, RE-Génération Verte: An integrated development plan based on IMM methodology, and the use of local and low-tech resources for urban upgrading of selected slums and informal areas in Dakar. The project is a collaboration between Politecnico di Milano, Comune di Milano, and Dakar municipality.

Supervisors: Profs. G. Masera, M.Tadi

September 2009 to June 2014

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE PROFICIENCY AND SKILLS INTERNSHIPS AND COURSES

August 2022 to December 2022

Menofia University, Shpien Al-Kom, Egypt

Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architectural engineering

Bachelors of Architectural Engineering.

Boom Builds, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Role: Intern architectural engineer

March 2022 to July 2022

June 2015 to August 2018

August 2014 to June 2015

Easy Housing, Wageningen, Netherlands

Role: Intern architectural engineer

MEC Consulting Engineering Doha, Qatar

Role: Junior Architect

Fame For Contracting And General Trading Cairo, Egypt

Role: Technical office architect

Since November 2015

Egypt Scholars Inc., California, USA

Role: Team leader, graphics and visuals team (Remote)

Internship and workshops.

- Arak Real Estate Investment Alexandria, 2012 Training on-site.

- Arab Contractors Tanta, 2012

Training on concrete work.

- Restoration of historic buildings, Bayet Al-Sennari, Cairo, 2013

Course in Restoration of historic buildings, Dr.Alaa Alhabashi.

- El Mahmoudia Company, Cairo, 2013

Training on site.

- Responsive Urban Environment workshop, Milan, 2019

A Two weeks workshop, as a collaboration between Politecnico di Milano and Drexel university in the US.

- Erasmus+ Amsterdam, 2022

Erasmus grants for traineeship

Online Courses.

- A Global History of Architecture a course of study offered by MITx, an online learning initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology through edX.

- Buildings as Sustainable Energy Systems Institutions - Professional Certificate Progress. a course of study offered by DelftX, an online learning initiative of Delft University of Technology through edX.

Finished three out of four courses:

- Energy Supply Systems for Buildings

- Energy Demand in Buildings

- Comfort and Health in Buildings

- Efficient HVAC Systems

Emergency operation center

Humanitarian architecture project

The idea of the project was to create a space based on geometric shapes that hold the potential of expansion and flexibility. This offers more possibilities to set up and arrange the operation centre in various contexts, adapting it to the requirements on site. Thinking about how the operational centers work, having to adapt quickly to any given situation, we came up with the idea that this geometry has the potential to meet the needs of its operators as it provides the option for expansion and therefore armament to create the spaces that are needed.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Reed thatch wall insulation with cut bamboo mesh

Window frame with limitted opening for natural ventilation

Pillar connections Earth and mud filled tire for bamboo pillars foundation

Re-TERRA

A rehumanized co-living territory

The site is located in China, in the urban city of Hong Kong Island, just a few blocks off the coast. The location finds itself bookended by the Peak mountains in the south and the Victoria Harbor in the North. The two heavy traffic (car traffic) streets connected to the site location are Gage Street, which runs along the southwest edge of the site and Wellington Street which cuts through the northeast end of the site, splitting it into two pieces. Additionally, this site is positioned within one block of the major street, Queen’s Road Central, to the northeast. It is surrounded by smaller streets with higher foot traffic than car traffic. There are many neighbouring urban/city functional buildings like offices, hotels, and apartments. Most towers will include shops and restaurants on the floors closest to the ground level for more public use.

The inspiration for the design was motivated by returning the natural, earthy elements back to the now bleak and cramped Hong Kong central urban environment. It is a project to address Hong Kong housing problem and bring nature in the heart of the city.

Architectural design and sustainable building technologies studio

The site is located in China, in the urban city of Hong Kong Island, just a few blocks off the coast. The location finds itself bookended by the Peak mountains in the south and the Victoria Harbor in the North. The two heavy traffic (car traffic) streets connected to the site location are Gage Street, which runs along the southwest edge of the site and Wellington Street which cuts through the northeast end of the site, splitting it into two pieces. Additionally, this site is positioned within one block of the major street, Queen’s Road Central, to the northeast. It is surrounded by smaller streets with higher foot traffic than car traffic. There are many neighbouring urban/city functional buildings like offices, hotels, and apartments. Most towers will include shops and restaurants on the floors closest to the ground level for more public use

Site analysis

Concept and mass optimization

As illustrated in the architectural concept, the idea was to provide a courtyard building as an attempt to rehumanize the built environmet for the public. In order to develope on that idea, conceptual energy analysis was one on coseptual masses that satisfy the program of total GFA of 20,000 m2. Different options were tested in order to evaluate the optimum placement of the residential masses.

Based on the Option 3 proposal, concentration of residential mass shall be developed on the shorter edge of the courtyard. The next step in this optimization process is to run a parametric analysis using Rhino Grasshopper in Generative Design process. The input parameters are the constraints of the two residential masss lenght and width. The results are then presented using Design Explorer webapp, the intention of the analysis is to predect the optimum generated design for reducing the total sun hour in summer and maximizing total sun hours in winter; keeping the space to volume ratio to minimum.

Masses hight optimization with generative tool

Complex master plan

A detailed section through the complex shows the relationship between the two residential towers and the courtyard.

Schemes showing the components of the residential towers.

Render showing sky village shared space

Diagram showing component of towers podium

Isometric view for the double unit

Isometric view for the double unit

Sky village residentialfloor plan, 3d model showing different typologies of residential units.

Winter 2022 Portfolio

Window / Wall ratio optimization

A rehumanized co-living territory

Glazing ratio of the residential facade is being optimized via both energy and daylighting simulation of different glazing ratio options, and being supported by the visiual comfort of the residential spaces considering optimum direct sunlight.

A sample residential single unit of Building A of mid hight floors was simulated to select the proper glazing ratio to be used in the residential units.

Single unit lighting analysis

Energy Usage Reduction

Cooling load segment contributes greatly on the annual energy consumption of the building as they represent 35% of the total use.

Fine-tuning envelope components and their properties result in changing the overall contribution of energy use. Parametric simulations with both effect of Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and Cooling equipment design capacity, in order to evaluate the change in the cooling segment of the energy breakdown of the base case and to highlight the response to figure out the feasibility of each modification.

Modifications have been conducted and analyzed with simulations and different iterations using Sefaira web based analysis, in order to get rough values with most efficient influence on the energy breakdown at this early stage of the design.

The Emplemented modifications contripute to reduce the base case cooling loads by 57% and reduce the total Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 25%.

rehumanized co-living territory

Base case and Modified case Zoning definition and Occupancy Schedules

Zoning definition is essential in order to understand how the spaces are going to be operated and to predict the behavior of the users of each space. ASHRAE Standard 55 and Standard 62.1 were used to define the baseline case occupancy schedules, design temperatures, ventilation requirements, etc.

For simplification during early design stages, One Zone Per Floor method was used to estimate the energy perfrmance.

Modified case is defined to simulate the real division of the spaces within the different floors separating the common and the private residential units.

A rehumanized co-living territory

HVAC system optimization

A rehumanized co-living territory

Residential northern tower double facade

Double facade technology detail showing exterior shading system for the northern tower

A rehumanized co-living territory

Double facade details and floor layers

CIMA paper factory renovation

Adaptive reuse project

Advances in technology, a changing economy and other reasons lead to the obsolescence of some buildings, which has produced a glut of disused factories that offer unique opportunities for adaptive reuse. By utilizing existing structures, communities can preserve historic buildings and reduce the carbon cost of new construction.

By repurposing the factory as a communi- ty/culture center to be the starting point of hiking trails to the impressive nature the region offers. The new complex fits multiple func- tions: gallery/exhibition, event space, small hostel, and restaurant.

Newly upgraded building backside. The new stairs and exhibition ramp is shown.

Circulation scheme

New building envelope

New

Wooden wall cladding

Building entrance elevation

Exploded axonometric for the exhibition hall.

RE-SPONGE Dakar

Urban generation and slums upgrading

Despite Dakar being the wealthiest city in Senegal, a third of the capital’s population lives in unplanned settlements and slums, a large portion of which live in chronic poverty. In Dakar, the demand for land has become unsustainable which has led to self-construction and the development of irregular housing, often on plots subject to unfortunate risks. This thesis investigates and explores the possibility of upgrading informal settlements using the Integrated Modification Methodology [IMM].

As a consequence of this multi-scaled investigation that started at the city level, an intervention area with significant potential for improvement was chosen. The proposed actions for the intervention area are based on IMM investigation, which addresses not only problems facing slums but also other urban issues that the city of Dakar is currently encountering. RE_Sponge layers utilize the IMM methodology in order to tailor and drive urban scale strategies. Using those sets of actions, the thesis proposal upgrades the current situation in the Hann Pecheur Village and improves people’s quality of life as well as the urban realm. Furthermore, traditional architecture and the use of local techniques and materials have been considered and adopted, with the aim of offsetting the enormous consumption of unsustainable materials and promoting local craft.

Interface is a product of the Void and Link layer from the previous Horizontal investigation. It is an important tool in evaluating the quality of the movement provided by the street network in the study area, hence helping us to appropriately access the level of integration of the study area as a whole system. It provides a better understanding of the urban flow.

Re-connect map, mobility

Interface

Urban generation and slums upgrading

This key category is a tool to investigate transportation and volume layers, it is about the effectiveness of public transportation networks. It demonstrates how public transportation responds to the generated demand by the built environment in the study area. Simultaneously, it is an indicator of potential areas (less or unbuilt up volumes) that are covered within the transportation catchment areas.

Re-generate map

Proposed architecture master plan of the intervention block

Block mass optioneering

One of the main problems of Hann Pecheur village is the lack of open spaces due to high population density. Therefore, the research team decided to increase the ratio of open spaces by breaking the pattern of existing morphology. To achieve that we decided to increase the number of floors to 3 considering not to increase more than 3 floors as it is not suitable for residence to use the building without any vertical connection (e.g., elevator). To achieve the required percentages for the last floor, each type of unit could be massed in different ways as shown in the figure below. The next step is massoptineering of the whole block to consider and benefit of the shading and juxtaposed units. In order to implement this for our intervention block, a generative design approach has been adapted to optimize the final massing of the block respecting fitness objectives shown below.

Generative design is an iterative design process that involves a program that will generate a certain number of outputs that meet certain constraints, and a designer that will fine tune the feasible region by selecting specific output or changing input values, ranges, and distribution. In order to optimize the design problem, Octopus plugin integrated into grasshopper will be used.

Generative design approach

01

Fix the building coverage ratio (BCR) to 60% built and 40% for open spaces

Diversify the block by mixing and placing the two units typologies next to each other

Arrange the two units to form clusters and open passages between them for permeability

Activate the hierarchy of open spaces from public to shared and private courtyards 02

Increase desnity vertically to accommodate future expansion and activate open terraces

Axonometric architectural blow-up of the cluster and units.

Winter 2022 Portfolio

Staircase wall: CEB with clay binder finish

Self-shaded facade: two sizes of CEB

Perforated wall using CEB

RC concrete slab

Pavement: Cobblestone

Vertical shading: Tropical pine timber frame

Overhangs: Tropical pine timber frame

Top railing: Pre-cast concrete

Wall paint

Roof finish: Cement tiles

Roof structure: Tropical pine timber

Corrugated metal sheet (light color)

Corrugated metal sheet (dark color) Single glazing with aluminum frame

Free-running Buildings Baseline case assumption

The climate analysis has shown the suitability of the possibility of adopting a free-running building model. Free-running Buildings aim to provide building occupants with comfortable indoor environments using minimal energy consumption using passive strategies only. This choice is suitable as it utilizes the local climate conditions and fits slums and informal settlement contexts.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) includes the conditions inside a building like air quality, lighting, thermal conditions, ergonomics and their effects on occupants. The effect of passive strategies on thermal and visual comfort is investigated in this part.

Thermal comfort

Thermal comfort is defined by the ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 and the EN ISO 7730 as “That condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and it is assessed by subjective evaluation. Thermal comfort results from a combination of environmental factors and personal factors [1].

For free-running (non-conditioned) buildings as the case here, the adaptive method has been adapted for the evaluation of thermal comfort. The adaptive method explained, If a change occurs such as producing discomfort, people react in ways that tend to restore their comfort. Design values for the Indoor operative temperature for free-running buildings are a function of the exponentially-weighted running mean of the outdoor temperature, and the running mean outdoor temperature is calculated as a weighted average of the previous week’s temperature. The reference standard EN 15251 defines three categories, respectively with a level of satisfaction of the user of 90%, 80%, and 65%.

Taking into consideration the climate zone 1 of Dakar, ASHRAE standard 90.1 has indicated a baseline for the building envelope of different types of buildings. As an attempt to comply with standards, our baseline case is based on that standard and has been extracted from the HoneyBee library.

Windows to wall ratio

For the preliminary analysis of the baseline case, a window to wall ratio of 40% has been assumed for the facades facing north and east, and 20% for the ones facing south and east. And no shading element is considered.

Schedule and Loads

As the building is a non-conditioned building, the only load present is the one of the users themselves. As specified by ASHRAE 90.1 the building is considered a midrise apartment, the typical values are considered to construct the program:

- People: 0.028 people/m2

- Lighting: 11.5 W/m2

- Electrical equipment: 6.7 W/m2

- Hot water: 0.149 L/h m2

Wall

Floor

Glazing U-factor 5.70 [Wm2K]

SHGF 0.23 (reflective)

Infiltration rate 3.68 [m3/m2h]

Typical ventilation 0.35 ACH

Earth compacted blocks

Reed insulation panels for walls or roofs

Energy simulation is a computer-based analytical process that helps evaluate the energy performance of a building by making necessary modifications in the design before the building is constructed. In order to better understand all the parameters that play a role in the comfort of the building, it was decided to check the indoor temperatures of each room after splitting the building into several thermal zones. To assess the thermal comfort, an energy model has been constructed using the Honeybee Grasshopper plugin; which runs energy simulations using OpenStudio inside the EnergyPlus engine.

Simulation setup and model running

Annual thermal comfort hours by category comparing initial case and improved one GH definition for building energy simulation and optioneering

Results processing

Building simulation workflow

The transparent envelope of the building was designed based on the architectural layout of the building, the orientation of each façades, and most importantly the thermal comfort of the indoor environment. The size of the window was fixed based on the window to wall ratio(WWR) suggested by the Sustainable building study (UN-Habitat, 2017). This study advised for major openings to be located on the north and south-facing façades away from direct sunlight with the medium openings of WWR of 20-40% for maximum daylight and minimum heat gain in a hot and arid climate. The above-mentioned strategy also points out the benefits of having small openings in perimeter walls in improving cross-ventilation with air movement, especially in walls bordering small courtyards.

Transparent optioneering

Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) Glare analysis

SDA analysis

Annual PV panels energy production for SMALL unit (right)

Annual energy consumption of SMALL unit vs PV panels production (left)

Urban generation and slums upgrading

PV panels sizing and placement

In the last step of optioneering, we decided to simulate the possible implementation of PV panels. The aim is to calculate the amount of energy we can produce considering to size, shape, location, and inclination of the panels. The panels will be placed directly on the inclined roof from the first step in order to guarantee the best solar exposure possible during the day. A PV panel of dimensions of x 1.7 m2 has been adopted, with an efficiency of 0.15. In order to simulate and calculate the cumulative production along the year, the ClimateStudio plug-in and grasshopper have been used to have the total production for each month. The next graphs illustrate the consumption for the small and big units, as well as a comparison with the actual consumption.

Impact insulation layer: recycled textile fiber carpet coupled with a film waterproof anti-clogging: thickness 4mm

Internal finish layer: inner coating in recycled wood parquet -thickness 14 mm - pasted with mortar - thickness 3mm

Levelling layer with installation grid system: thickness 5cm

Waterproof barrier membrane

Interlock concrete paving layer: thickness 60 mm

Bedding sand layer: thickness 80 mm

layer in plain concrete with slope of 2%

Schematic drawing for building technologies

La Futura Scintilla

Urban regeneration project

Taking the main concept of reviving, La Futura Scintilla, La Futura, meaning the future and Scintilla, meaning Spark, we applied it to revive the spirit of an open space, which is integrated with other spaces, through new branding: An urban park that lives from various activities and creations of citizens. By respecting the past while looking at the future, this area creates a space experience with landscape, circulation, and orientation. This project is expected to trigger positive developments around the Grecco Pirelli area.

Master plan of the proposed urban intervention for Scalo-Breda area in Milan

Porosity

Volumes x Functions

Diversity

Voids x Functions

Exploded axonometric scheme showing different parts of the building.

Top-Up study

The Hague, Netherlands

Top-up programs are becoming increasingly popular among real estate developers and construction professionals as a way to explore new and innovative approaches to building design and development. One area of focus is the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, particularly in urban areas like The Hague where there is a shortage of housing. BoomBuilds, a leader in the field of bio-based architecture, is studying the potential for adding new floors to existing buildings using their innovative products. This approach not only helps to address the housing shortage in the city, but it also promotes sustainability by reducing waste and preserving the city’s architectural heritage. In addition, the use of green roofs and other sustainable features on the empty roofs of these buildings can help to improve the urban block and enhance the overall livability of the city. The results of this top-up study will be valuable for professionals in the field of construction and architecture as they seek to find creative solutions to the challenges of building in urban environments.

Het Flex Block

De Geelvinck

Heemskerk, Netherlands

The use of Boombuilds’ sustainable building products was a key factor in the success of the De Geelvinck project, which utilized Het Flex Block concept designed by MVRDV to create a customized solution for a new plot. This project demonstrates the potential for these innovative products to be used in the creation of cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solutions for a variety of contexts. The use of bio-based materials and timber construction in particular can contribute to the sustainability and long-term viability of a development. In the case of the De Geelvinck project, the focus was on the development of social housing, but these products can also be used in the creation of medium-range housing and other types of developments.

MVRDV

Het Flex Block

Het Flex Block

By MVRDV

De Geelvinck

Heemskerk, Netherlands

Biobased Paviljoen

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Municipality of Amsterdam has the ambition to use 50% less primary raw materials by 2030 and to be fully circular by 2050 at the latest. In the built environment, Amsterdam wants to stimulate the use of biobased materials as much as possible. They contribute to CO2 absorption and potentially to biodiversity. Currently, construction is mainly done with materials that emit a lot of CO2 and nitrogen during production.

With the InnovationLab programme, we want to contribute to accelerating biobased construction by offering pilot options. Participants receive a pilot budget and a test location in a new Pavilion to be built on the Marineterrein in Amsterdam. The Bio-based pavilion is a project that seeks to explore new ways of building and living in a sustainable way. It also looks to provide a new perspective on the circular economy and its potential for innovation.

Right:

I have been fascinated with photography and travelling since I was young. When I eventually got the chance, I documented my travels in some of the countries I have visited, through the lens.

This opportunity enhanced my skills, from capturing the beauty and breathtaking views of nature during hikes to the explorative journeys to some exciting cities and places got to experience.

Here share some of the photographs that I took, some of them are edited and others show the original, fascinating colors. Enjoy :)