Nada tarkhan

2015

2014

2013

2012

B.Sc Architectural Engineering 2011

2010 2009

2008

Nada Tarkhan Master of Design Studies- Energy and Environments Candidate 2016 Harvard Graduate School of Design

B.Sc Architectural Engineering American University in Cairo

2007

Table of Contents: Academic Projects 01-Abu Simbel: Visitor Center Location: Aswan, Egypt MDes Energy Simulation in Design Page 01

02-EcoTourism: Desert School Location: Western Desert, Egypt 5th Year Individual Graduation Project Page 07

03-Sustainable Rehabilitation: Hammam Al-Tanbali Location: Bab al Shariya, Old Cairo, Egypt 5th Year Individual Design Studio Page 13

04-Structural Synchrony: Hall of the People Location: New Cairo, Egypt 4th Year Individual Design Studio Page 17

05-Magnetic Order: Business Hotel Location: 6th of october, Sheikh Zayed, Cairo, Egypt 3rd Year Individual Design Studio Page 21

Competition And Workshop Projects 06-Solar Decathlon China 2013: Matchbox House Location: Egypt, China 4th-5th year Group Project 2013- Research Assistant Page 25 Energy Institute Awards, England, November 2013

07-Expo Milano 2015: Cluster Design Location: Milan, Italy September-October 2012 Page 29

08-Travel and Photography: Workshops & Exploration Page 31

01 Location: Aswan, Egypt MDes- Energy Simulation in Design Group Work

Abu Simbel: Visitor Center Energy-based Design

Climate Analysis

Located in the South of Egypt, next to the temple of Abu Simbel, this visitor center capitalizes on the site‘s potentials to achieve a reduced energy load. The temple constructed in 1264 BC is a very significant monument that rests on a large stone mound.

Many challenges are faced in this region, where high summer temperatures result in high cooling loads. Our evidence-based design strategies focused on ways to maximize solar intake in colder months while minimizing overheating in the summer. Energy, Daylighting and Ventilation Simulaations were all part of the design process.

Solar Path Latitude: 24 North

Temple of Ramses II

Temple of Nefertari

Wind Rose

N

24 18 Hrs 12 6 0

Division of Temples

Temperature Range

1

Recessed Inner water channels

Overhang for shading

Recessed doublelayered facade

Overhang for shading

Pool for evaporative cooling

Terracotta shading mashrabiya screen

Pool for evaporative cooling

2

Spine Circulation

Site Strategy

Berming to reduce energy consumption

Ramped Access

Shadow and Access Studies

Ventilation Outlets and Water Bodies

9

Energy Simulation Iterations Using Design Builder an assessment tool, different forms were modeled in order to reach the lowest EUI (Energy Use Intensity). Moreover, the temple mass was modeled to factor in the shadow cast on the building.

The result was a bermed mass, where the surface area exposed to direct sunlight was reduced. This reduced the cooling load significantly. and helped in reducing the overall energy consumption. Other design stratgegies implemented included the use of evaporative cooling, clerestorey windows and local stone walls as thermal mass.

Evaporative Cooling Strategy

9

Lighting Analysis and Water Network

In order to optimize the daylighting strategy, Diva- Rhino simulations were caried out. The pink areas above represent overlit areas, while the blue represent under-lit spaces.

Using clerestory windows resulted in a more even distribution of light within the space while the roof skylights were not as effective.

02 Location: Western Desert, Egypt 5th Year Individual Graduation Project

EcoTourism: Desert School Extrapolated growth of a desert node

In a country utilizing only 5.5% of its land, the move to the desert in Egypt has been long overdue. A successful desert settlement must be established to set an example of what the future of urban planning can become in Fayoum Oasis. This project aims to use an Eco touristic site resource to provide an educational platform that would in turn offset the growth of a community and plant the seed for a much needed sustainable desert development.

The school becomes the embryo of the community, connecting the two attractions, Wady Al Rayan and Lake Qarun. These connections become growth axis, opening up channels for agricultural development and making it the dominant mode of growth whilst forming an attachment to the arable 'desert island'. Within this agricultural expanse, the school acts as a medium for production and a catalyst for future development.

The school aims to combine the three goals of Ecotourism; enhancing social welfare, raising environmental awareness and creating job opportunities. The program includes a range of composting and recycling spaces. Natural heritage and communal learning plazas act as pockets that stimulate social learning.

Environment

Building Fabric

Natural Ventilation Stack Effect Green Roofs Agricultural Land

Cooling pads in walls Solar collectors Grey water system for irrigation/drainage underfloor clooling heating distribution systems

Stone for thermal Mass Interior courts Double paneled glass Wooden sheds Absorber surfaces Skylights Air outlets

Shading Devices North orientation Narrow plan Underground levels

ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN

Shaded Network of sheds

PROBLEM DEFINITION:

Excessive immigration to Cairo

Building Technology

Agriculture Land extension of composting space

Deciduous Trees direct Natural Ventilation Shaded interior spaces

North Orientation maximizes exposure Ceiling Outlets daylight and Ventilation

Roof gardens cool spaces Below

PROPOSED SOLUTION

Consolidate eco-tourism in Western desert,Fayoum, to limit potential immigration

Shale Stone obtained from site

ARCHITECTURAL INTERVENTION

Initiate ecotouristic learning through school

7

Contextual Analysis: Fayoum Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt

Hawarra Pyramid

Qasr Qarun

Historical Learning

Qatrani Mountain

Whale Valley

Al Rayan Valley

Lake Qarun

Agriculture

Environmental Learning

Cultural and Social Learning

Eco-Touristic Development

8

Ecology Strip individual Rooms Natural Heritage Community learning

Level 1: New Community established between two main attractions

URBAN LEVEL

Lecture hall

FLORA-LOW WATER CONSUMPTION

Halfa

MATERIALS

Level 2: Extrapolation of Existing growth axis (roads)

SITE VEGETATION

Zoning

Level 3: Planting planned node of development

tamarix

SHADING

palm weave

Permeability Studies: Axis/ Channels by which the design can be accessed.

wooden screen

MEDICINAL PLANTS

Palm trees

caraway (aromatic) INSULATION

strawboard

AGRICULTURAL/FOOD PLANTS

Aniseed

wall cooling pads

Fig trees

Olive trees

PRIMARY BUILDING MATERIALS

shale stone

rammed earth

9

Lower Ground experience: The design aims to introduce an unobtrusive feel to the surrounding setting by taking the students under ground rather than above.

The lower ground level is supposed to expose the students to the whole project expanse while simultaneously opening them up to the whole surrounding environment. There are five plazas in the project that act as pockets of social interaction. They are connected through a network of circulation, linking all green spaces.

Daylighting is maximized through this arrangement- those pockets dug underground also infiltrate the light into the project spaces. Shading analysis has proven that building height would not over shade and obstruct this lighting.

Daylight infiltration in underground level

Lower court

Social learning Plaza

Under bridge Platforms

10

Lower ground (-3m)

Ground Floor

Main Section A-A

First Floor

11

Sectional Studies summer

South Facade

East Facade Library study rooms

Roof vegetation Wooden Bridge Lower Level Study Zone

12

03 Location: Bab al Shariya, Old Cairo, Egypt 5th Year Individual Design Studio

Sustainable Rehabilitation: Hammam AlTanbali Re-use of a historic Cairo Bathhouse

The rehabilitation concept is one that focuses on understanding and assesing the contextual identity and deriving sustainable soloutions from this analysis. Local trade defines the identity of the area and seems timeless, continiously surviving modernism. Hence the soloution was found in reviving the wood industry trade through a project inspired by the traditional wood works of the area.

Rehabilitation Statement: The addition focuses on compensating for inadequecies in the building design, against its existence in a different time than that it was intended for.

Contextual Analysis

Phase 1: Site visit and interior measurements as well as contextual analysis.

Phase 2: Identifying scope of rehabilitation. Local industries and wood workshops were observed.

Urban Fabric of Bab Al Sha'riya

Phase 3: Formulating project spaces and conceptualizing the complementary addition to the bath house spaces.

Phase 4: Establishing an energy/dynamic cycle to the process of wood making. Introducing an integrated recycling plant in order to reuse the by-products of this craft.

Project spaces adhere with contextual Geometry

Location of Workshops in the area and Proposed Wood Workshops

13

Shaded pathway guides circulation and connects courts Old Section of the Bath house Wooden members product of workshops Vegetation reduces heat gain Seating platforms act as transitional space between old Hammam and new extension Grey water fountain/ irrigation system

Passive Strategies:

INTERNAL COURTS

SEATING PLATFORMS

WINDCATCHER/TRADITIONAL "SHOKHSHEKHA"

SHADED PATHWAYS

Sectional Elevation: through old section of the Hammam and new addition

SKYLIGHTS& AIR OUTLETS

14

Court Dynamics: The two intermediate courts relieve the project spaces and act as service nodes. The shaded spine/pathway spills into these courts in both the wood zone and the commercial and services zone. An upper pathway flags the courts in order to create another layer of exposure. This is represented in the cross-section below:

2

1

1

2

Ground Floor Plan

15

Community lifecycle: Ecological Framework The diagram presents the components of an ecological community as witnessed in the area of Bab- Al Shariya. The application here is focused on the new addition to the Bath house and thus adopts more modern standards and interpretations.

The simple block forms compliment the older bulky methods of construction.

The spine is inspired by the urban fabric of the area and islamic cities- it connects all spaces and spills into intermediate courts.

Water/irrigation network Court Vegetation

external greenery buffer

4

Proportionate occupancy Kitchen services Increase in occupancy

3

Toilets

5 2

Smaller Shops

Gallery extension and shop

1 6

Cycle of Production 1- Processing and storage of wood 2- Division and allocation of wood products 3- Assembling wood components together 4- Finishing; painting and polishing of final product 5-Recycling of excess material

fountain

Gallery and coffee shop

Contextual wood craft: Inspiration for Spine

Spatial Hierarchy Workshop Spaces Main Connector Secondary Spaces Main Halls Original Geometry

Interpreted directionality

Irregular Interpretation

16

04 Location: New Cairo, Egypt 4th Year Individual Design Studio

Structural Synchrony:Hall of the People Transitional Dualities create Human Progress

Based on the text analysis of the Quran, this project merges text and architecture.

Through the several analogies drawn, a statement was developed and manifested in a structural entity that guided the design of the "Hall of the People".

This statement was a result of recognizing the dualities discussed in the Quran and how they shape behavior and alter motives- thus creating human progress.

The idea of the hall of the people focused on themes that are in transition. In order to acquire knowledge on an individual level one must start off with physical individualism. We then progress into mental and social individualism untill we reach ultimate individualism- the spiritual Individual.

The experience in each component was analysed and experiential models were constructed based on the degrees of enclosure and exposure desired in the space. The implications of structural response through a space frame system were tested.

2

Experiential Model

17

The ground floor plan was designed as the base for the complex's experiential path. Inside, the user is exposed to the space frame members in various spatial applications.

Hence the user becomes one with the building and all it has to offer from experiences.

First Floor Plan (Repeated)

Ground Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan

18

Knowledge

Exposed vs. hidden members

Nature

Collective

scale 1:10

The structure modules act as units of progression as the user enters the complex. The four keywords represent four stages of self actualization and represent different dimensions of individualism. Starting with Knowledge, a library becomes the first experience where the user interacts with learning.

The second learning experience is compromised of different social spaces within a Collective setting. Interaction with others brings forth the exchange of ideas and a type of growth on its own.

Individual

The third stage is where the user interacts with Natural elements, in the outdoor garden. This experience is key to spiritual development in the process of self actualization.

Reaching the highest point of the project, spiritual individualism is manifested in the form of Individual yoga and meditation room.

Experiential Models

19

The lowest level is where the auditorium is situated. Reaching the ground level, the library, cafeteria and offices can be found.

The First and second floor represent a mixture of experiences where the individual is placed in a more educational collective environment.

The Ground level is where the gardens and outdoor spaces are housed. This represents the height of social interaction.

The third level represents the height of individualism and is composed of individual meditation rooms.

20

05

Magnetic Order: Business Hotel Magnetism shaping social spaces

Topography Configuration Location:6th of october, Sheikh Zayed, Cairo, Egypt 3rd Year Individual Design Studio

As a business hotel, this project aims to fuse a professional setting with a more open contextual experience. The concept of magnetism is adopted to shape the project elements and view circulation and negative space as a "field of interaction"- defining the scope of social behaviour.

A desert climate also mandates an environmentaly conscious design-optimizing lighting performance, materials selection and internal environment. Surface analysis as well as interior path analysis is conducted to enhance the performance of all open spaces.

Streamlining topography allowed for easier integration with the building forms. The land lines intersect and shape the internal project platforms and levels-forming a seamless merge between site and mass.

21

Magnetism and block interplay

magnetism concept:

Magnetic Zones

Resultant fields of interaction

Platforms connecting sports & Business Center

Vertical Core

Roof Terrace

Ground floor experience

Core-central Platforms

Eastern Elevation

Topography Lines intersect project levels

Main Entrance

22

The orientations of the individual blocks were designed to respond to light and wind as well as optimize the view from the bedrooms.

11

13

12 8 9

First Floor

7

10

4

KEY

5th Floor (typical Top BLock)

5 6

3 1 2

Ground Floor

2nd Floor (typical Middle BLock)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Lobby Seating Area Shops Restaurant Cafeteria Toilets Conference rooms Multi Purpose Hall Toilets Central Court and Platforms Shaded Outdoor Seating Sports Complex Surrounding Garden

(Ground Floor Plan)

23

Environmental optimization

Structural vierendeel truss System Overhang

- 8 Floors - 3 complexes-Hotel, Business Center,Sports center - Location:Cairo - Date: 1 July (hottest day)

Horizontal Shading Louvers

Shading Analysis

Seating Area Enclosure

9 am

12:00

3:00 pm

Roof Terrace

6:00 pm

Surface Analysis Annual Percentage Shading

Result:

Pathway is shaded at all times and does not appear to be problematic.

Outdoor Garden

South Facade Solution:

horizontal louvers on windows

Ramps Connect levels

Inward extrusions to provide self shading

Main Circulation Zone

1.Wall Enclosure

Exposed zone

2. Shed Structure

1.

This zone acts as a main circulation route and therefore needs to be adequately shaded.The above chart shows that annual shading doesnt fall below 40%.To enhance comfort two solutions are analyzed to limit direct sunlight.

2.

According to the above results, the wall enclosure (1) seems to be more successful in limiting direct sun exposure. It also offers a necessary enclosure to the project activities.

24

06 Location: Egypt, China 4th-5th year Group Project 2013- Research Assistant Position: Technical Coordinator and Project Manager

Solar Decathlon China 2013:Matchbox House An application of environmental response through parametric movable screens As an entry to the Solar Decathlon Competition in China, a house was designed by the team at the American University of Cairo.

The competition challenges 22 teams world wide to design and build a solar powered house that can compete in all areas of design on an international level.

This design was formulated under the name SLIDE-S (Sustainable, Livable, Interactive, DESign) and operates under a sliding matchbox configuration.This was done in the aim of optimising the building skin layers.

Role in Project: Phase 1: Co-heading architecture team in formulating project concept and architectural design.

Phase 2: - Leading team in Design and Project Scheduling - Coordinating Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing designs - Conducting market analysis and contacting sponsors for equipment.

- Communicating MEP developments to architectural team.

- In charge of monitoring and and tracking all submissions - Main team Representative in China Workshop and Sponsorhip Presentations

CHINA 2013 WORKSHOP, DATONG

STEEL STRUCTURE FABRICATION,CAIRO

COMPETITION SITE-VILLA SOLAR-DATONG

PRESENTING DESIGN,CHINA

2

25

Structural Voronoi System

Screen-Sliding Mechanism

Screen-Egyptian Inspiration

Matchbox Configuration

26

Interior Shots

Parametric facade formulation

Project Drawings Weather Analysis-Datong, China Modeled to Datong China, August 2013

Average temperature: August temperature ranges from 25-30 degrees

Prevailing wind: North western orientation with an average temperature of 25 degrees

The Design was devised under an open plan configuration. All spaces spill into each other with a kitchen island located in the center. The Egyptian home has both public and private spaces, for this reason the bedroom area was elevated in order to enclose it as a more private space.

The Living room area is adjacent to the screen opening, this gives the added option of creating an outdoor extension to the living room, semi-enclosed within the shed space.

Solar Position Diagram: Aided in optimum solar panels location

27

Energy and Environmental Analysis Lighting Analysis

Average Daylight factor of the house for Datong,China. Under overcast sky conditions; the bedroom, study area and bathroom are not receiving sufficient daylight.

Thermal Analysis

Open screen configuration: Incident Solar Radiation.

Artificial Lighting: Plan view of SLIDE-s artificial lighting illuminance at a reference plan height of 0.85m

Open screen configuration:Representation of 3D daylight luminance.

Artificial lighting should be added and internal partitions should have high reflectivity values.

Luminance distribution: Artificial lighting compensates for areas where natural lighting was not sufficient.

Results:

Software:

The analysis above simulated the day lighting in the case of the open matchbox configuration (open screen) and the closed one.

The Areas most exposed were the living room and the central kitchen area.

The bathroom and bedroom however, were in need of artificial lighting.

The second simulation represents the lighting condition after addition of artificial lighting.

ECOTECT RELUX PRO/RELUX Energy

Closed screen configuration: Incident Solar Radiation. Screen is especially effective during summer (June to August)

Open screen:Percentage shading

Daylight retrace, August 12:20pm

Closed screen:Percentage shading

28

Energy Institute Awards: London, England As an extension to the Solar Decathlon Project, the systems of the house were further analyzed.

Several experimentations were carried out on the sliding screen structure, with regards to pattern, material and environmental quality. The entry was nominated for Environmental Excellence in the Energy Institute Awards in England and was chosen as one of the finalists for the award. Prorotypes of these screens were applied to facades in settlements in Egypt.

Screen Material Experimentation In collaboration with Sepia Textile Institute, Germany

In

Matchbox screen

Weave

In

Winter

Summer

Conical Weave

Tapestry Weave

29

The structural layer is composed of steel frames measuring 10cmx5cm. The frame has been modeled and digitally fabricated to follow the parametric “voronoi� diagram.

Optimization has been carried out to ensure allignment with cells of the voronoi and desired house openings (doors and windows).

The sliding screen covers about 3/4 of the South facade and 1/4 of the north facde (in accordance to sun exposure).

The screen is double layered so as to create two sliding entities- adding more flexibility to light control.

out

The susbstructure is fixed to allow for the insertion of the panels. Two kinds of materials will be used as infill; fiber cement panels and a new tested material that has been developed.

The material is composed of agmen (a natural binding material) mixed with recycled straw bale.

In

out

The outer screen conforms to the same voronoi divisions and expanding circular perforations. The sections (above and below) represent the different scenarios and degrees of sun light achieved by different allignments between the 2

out

In

out

Insulation must be used to shield the solid part of the house from heat gains during summer and heat loss during winter.

VIP (Vacum insulated Panels) are an effective way to cater to the insulation needs of the house.

The open house plan allows for ease of air distribution. Ceiling exhausts will be used and will be housed within the false celing.

Absorption chiler technology will be used to cool the house.

The glass segment of the house will be shielded by the perforated screen layer.

However during winter months, the screen will be opened and the glass will be exposed.

In order to optimize internal temperature, triple glazing will be used.

A grey water system will be used to treat water and reuse it in the toilet and irrigation deck network.

Vegetation wil be installed within the deck landscape modules. The tank will be integrated within the outdoor wooden deck.

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07 Location: Milan, Italy Group Workshop September-October 2012

Expo Milano 2015: Cluster Design Feeding the Planet Energy for Life

Cluster Design: The cluster aims to replicate and recreate a micro-Mediterranean city. Feelings, colors and flavors all merge together to create a unique cultural experience that is imprinted in the visitor’s memory. The design emphasizes on the elements of comfort and being at home where cultural boundaries are erased and reformed in the light of the newly merged cultural fabric.

Materials: During the six month duration of the exhibition, a set of materials with both durable and aesthetic qualities are be selected. Concerning the units, a double skin system will be used. This will consist of an upper section composed of perforated metal panels and a lower section with polycarbonate installations.

The upper perforated part will have the patterns of the units, creating an interesting composition of light within the interior space.

Role in Project: - Designed Pavilion environmental “skin�

- Presented project to expo jury as main team representatve - Collaborated in concept formulation The design was selected to represent the Bio-Mediterranean out of the three designed schemes.

Expo Masterplan

Central court surrounded by pavilions

Cluster Arrangement

31

The skyline of the pavilions was designed to replicate the irregularities seen in mediterranean city skylines. The pavilion is double skinned to allow for the circulation of air between the unit layers. In almost all Mediterranean architecture, pattern becomes behavior, responding to the needs of occupants and controlling light. In this case, the facade permeability creates a unique interplay of light and caters to the ventilation needs of the pavilion.

O

“ ne can offset this excessive compulsion toward the spectacular with a return to simplicity�

-Rem Koolhaas

Customizable Skin Pattern

Longitudinal Section

32

08

Travel and Photography Workshops & Exploration

SAUDI ARABIA DUBAI, UAE LEBANON ITALY FRANCE

Holy Mosque, Medina, Saudi Arabia

SWEDEN AUSTRIA GERMANY USA

Arganzuela Bridge, Madrid, Spain Canal, Venice, Italy

SPAIN GREECE SWITZERLAND TURKEY CHINA MALAYSIA

33 Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey