Architectural Portfolio | 2016

PORTFOLIO Noura Mheid Architect | Designer Selected work samples [ 2011 - 2016 ]

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CONTENTS 3

Curriculum Vitae Graduate Thesis Project | Bartlett School of Architecture

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FleXtiles

2016

Research Description Material Design Robotic Fabrication Architectural Design

Workshop Experiences 22 28

Accelerating Processes - AA Visiting School Dubai 2015 Eroded Morphologies - AA Visiting School Jordan 2014 Undergraduate Thesis Project | Jordan University of Science and Technology

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Najdeh Ecorium Center 2013 Conceptual Approach Architectural Design

Undergraduate Studio Project | Jordan University of Science and Technology 14

Science Research Center 2012 Project Description Architectural Design

Undergraduate Studio Project | Jordan University of Science and Technology 14

Shatana Art Community Center 2011 Project Description Architectural Design

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Architect Noura Mheid Education September 2016

MArch Architectural Design [ Awarded with a High Merit ] Bartlett School of Architecture | University College London

June 2013

Bachelor of Architectural Engineering [ Graduated 1st out of 73 students ] Jordan University of Science and Technology | Jordan

June 2007

General Secondary Certificate [ Cumulative GPA 92.5% ] National Orthodox School | Jordan

Professional Experience August 2015 - September 2015

Intern Architect at [ Paradigm Design House ] Amman

July 2013 - July 2015

Senior Registration Assistant at [ United Nations ] Amman

June 2012 - August 2012

Intern Architect at [ Bilal Hammad Architects ] Amman

Awards and Honors November 2013

First place award in the Jordanian Engineering Association Annual Competition

June 2013

Ranked 1st out of 73 graduating students at Jordan University of Science and Technology

May 2013

Honorary participation in the Arab Regional Graduation Exhibition [ Beirut ]

June 2010 - June 2013

Awarded with the prestigious Dean’s List for 4 consecutive years at Jordan University of Science & Technology

Training & Courses December 2016

Certified Autodesk Revit Training [ Amman, Jordan ]

September 2015 April 2015

Urban Re-development Workshop with Sir Peter Cook [ London, United Kingdom ]

December 2014

EXPOCITY 2020 : Accelerating Processes [ Dubai, UAE ] Hyper Threads | ZHA Code [ Chennai, India ]

June 2014

Eroded Morphologies [ Amman, Jordan ]

June 2012

Columbia Summer Design Workshop - Public Space Workshop [ Istanbul ]

Skills Computer Skills

2D / 3D AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign Maya Modeling, Grasshopper, Rhino Modeling, Revit Microsoft Office Softwares [ incl. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, MS project ]

Other Skills

Robotic Fabrication, Model Making, 3D printing

Languages

Bilingual English and Arabic speaker [ Dual American / Jordanian Citizenship ]

Registrations

Jordan Engineers Association no. [ 208838 ]

Research Topic

Continuous Complexities : An Integrated design system of natural fibrous structures

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Flextiles [ Supervised by: Daniel Widrig 2015-2016 ]

Research Approach

Master’s Research Project In collaboration with Hameda J., Minzi J., Zoukai H. Research Cluster 6 : Crafting Space Supervised by: Daniel Widrig, Soomeen Hahm, Igor Pantic, Stefan Bassing Bartlett School of Architecture University College London

The research project focuses on the combination of traditional,hands-on crafting using advanced computational tools to create new construction methods and processes in the field of architectural design.

Project Description Inspired by the age-old craft of felt-making and differential growth found in nature, this project researches for the development of a new craft and material for the production of innovative architectural structures at various scales. The project focuses on introducing the potential of fibrous wool material as a new building block, for creating organic structures that smoothly transition from soft to hard textures according to varying functions. By going beyond the traditional uses of felt wool and reconsidering its many natural-given properties, architecture can create spaces that combine both the natural and synthetic, a concept that has yet to be fully exploited in the man-made world of architectural design.

The natural abilities and hidden potentials of such a material was explored in a series of material experimentations and translated into architecture using advanced digital design tools. With the rise of technology in the architectural industry, the need to revolutionize materiality in structure is evident and robotic fabrication is an aspect investigated throughout this project in the production of a more tactile architecture with unique spatial and visual experiences.

4 Research project awarded with Distinction

5 Felt fabric spatial divider

Flextiles

Material Design The fabric composite made of felt fibers and expandable foam was molded into self-supporting objects of various scales to evolve a material specific design language and create an innovative material system. The physical properties of the material were also digitally simulated to further expand the design potentials in the physical realm. This constant feedback loop created a unique set of design constraints and rules that were applied in designing product scale and architectural scale objects.

Step One: Hanging simulation [Spring based particle system ] [1]

[2]

[3 ]

Step Two: Optimization of inner structure and surface generation [Structural load analysis ] [1]

[2]

[3]

Step Three: Controlling surface growth according to localized functions

[ Generation 01 ]

[ Generation 02 ]

[ Generation 03 ]

6 [0.00]

[15.00]

Bartlett School of Architecture [ 2015 - 2016 ]

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B-Pro Exhibition at the Bartlett School of Architecture | September 2016

Flextiles

Robotic Fabrication The research explores felt and its potential as a building material. A robotic needle felting process was developed through out the year to create felt pieces which gradually change in thicknesses and fiber layouts. An ABB 120 robot was programmed to needle felt and interlock the wool fibers at different speeds creating an accurate gradient of textures within a single sheet of felt wool fabric.

Using a custom-made end effector, felt sheets were manufactured with inbuilt tubular patterns. Expandable foam was later injected into those channels resulting in a lightweight , low cost and durable textile composite.

Differentiating Gradient patterns

Robotic Needle Felting Tool

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Mechanical Shaft

Soft 24V Powered Gears

Hard

Soft

02

Needle Holder

Soft Medium

Hard

Medium

Soft

Hard

Medium

Soft

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Felting Needles

Soft

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Medium

Bartlett School of Architecture [ 2015 - 2016 ]

9 Robotic Needle Felting End Effector

| Robotic Fabrication Robot : ABB120 Felting Time : 3.5 hours Advantage : Efficient in creating a continuous gradient of various textures among felt fibers.

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Flextiles

Architectural Design The design process begins with the intricate formation of patterns varying in thicknesses and layering, specifically depending on light porosity and structural performance. Exploring these aspects, the material design was embedded into an innovative cladding system with varying surface treatments according to function and spatial experience. By controlling light filtration and sound levels, the leisure center creates a relaxed environment for visitors to enjoy the sunlight and have a sense of scale and tranquility within the hustle and bustle of the London atmosphere.

Site plan in Hyde Park, London

12 Exterior view of the leisure center

Bartlett School of Architecture [ 2015 - 2016 ]

13 B-Pro Exhibition at the Bartlett School of Architecture 2016 | 1:1 Robotically fabricated felt wall piece as a part of an interior space cladding system (2.00*1.50)

Flextiles

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Bartlett School of Architecture [ 2015 - 2016 ]

Information Venue: Bpro Show 2016 | Bartlett School of Architecture Unit size: 1.50x3.90 m Number of 3D components: 2 Number of 2D components: 2 Hanging points: 3 points

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Flextiles

| Architectural scale proposal This outdoor pavilion exhibits a combination of all the experimented design layers.

The structural tubes were filled with expandable foam to create a self-standing structure and the felt surfaces were used to create enclosures varying in atmosphere.

These surfaces also extenuated the gradual differences in transparencies between the hard felt sheets and the porous felt fibers.

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Bartlett School of Architecture [ 2015 - 2016 ]

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Accelerating Processes

Accelerating Processes

[ 2015 ]

AA Visiting School Dubai 2.0 Location: Dubai, UAE Instructors: Riyad Joucka, Suryansh Chandra, Alessio Erioli,Muhammed Shameel Research Unit: Computational Simulation

Workshop Approach The workshop is a ten-day computational design-research architecture workshop as part of the Architectural Association Visiting School programs. The second edition of AAVSDXBLAB, explored the research of a speculative body of work, representing a UAE pavilion for the upcoming Expo 2020, which will take place in Dubai.

Project Description The intent was to design a modular system that would generate a pavilion of various spatial configurations. The design strategy initiated in the understanding of the constraints of design within basic geometries. By maintaining continuity and connectivity, variation within repetition of the same unit was achieved.

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AA Visiting School - Dubai [ 2015 ]

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Accelerating Processes

Digital Design The design was based on a single repeated unit that can be rotated or mirrored yet still connect to its adjacent self. The unit was studied under many different conditions and aggregations to finally ensure the overall stability of the proposed structure.

Surface Design & Analysis

Assembly Studies

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AA Visiting School - Dubai [ 2015 ]

[ Perspective view 01 ]

21 [ Perspective view 02 ]

Accelerating Processes

22 Tamara Hamad Photography

AA Visiting School - Dubai [ 2015 ]

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Eroded Morphologies

Eroded Morphologies

[ 2014 ]

AA Visiting School Jordan Location: Amman, Jordan Instructors: Vincenzo Reale, Marie Boltenstern, Mohamamd Makkouk In collaboration with : Reem Hamdan, Hesham Alshahaly, Ahmed Derhalli Unit: Eroded Symmetries

Workshop Approach The unit investigated the various morphologies of the desert and its underlying principles and processes within a computational context. It also focused on working towards the development of a connecting structure between the desert and city, located in the wadi rum desert, covering an area of approximately half a square kilometer. The aim was to create an algorithmically generated architectural structure of enclosed, semi enclosed and open spaces that can be used by locals as well as tourists to enhance the desert experience.

Project Description In geology, ripple marks are sedimentary structures made of sand particles and indicate agitation by water or wind. When moved by the wind, the grains of sand bounces along the ground through a process called saltation. The distance from one ripple to the next is related to the extent grains are splashed, which in turn is related to grain size and wind speed.

Based on this process of formation, the logic was reflected computationally and various outcomes of spatial definitions were generated under different conditions based on wind intensity and site topography.

By replicating sand ripples and studying the logic of this phenomena, a series of spatial organizations were created. This computationally generated design of open and closed spaces, maximizes the desert experience & creates the opportunity for ed-

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ucational & cultural awareness.

AA Visiting School - Jordan [ 2014 ]

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Eroded Morphologies

Digital Design The chosen site connects the main road with one of Wadi Rum’s many touristic camps. The transitional space between them created the opportunity to re-define a natural gateway into the desert & maximizing the experience within.

Computationally, the mountains on the site were assigned as attractor points in the code that generated the overall form according to the distance between them. Various iterations were studied under different parameters however, based on functionality & aesthetic qualities the final structure was adjusted & chosen for production.

Spatial Definitions Pattern 01 : Central Space Organization

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Pattern 02 : Linear Space Organization

Perspective View

Perspective View

Cross-section

Cross-section

Top View

Top View

AA Visiting School - Jordan [ 2014 ]

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Eroded Morphologies

28 Natural Pattern

Physical Pattern

AA Visiting School - Jordan [ 2014 ]

29 Digital Pattern

Najdeh Ecorium Center

Najdeh Ecorium Center

[ 2013 ]

Project Description

Undergraduate Graduation Project Location: Jerash, Jordan

The intention was to create an Eco-friendly project

Instructors: Sana’a Arqaibat Jordan University of Science and Technology

about the nature of Jordan. The main goal was to

that is environmentally designed to educate people design a series of spaces that explore the connection between architecture and nature; and create a meaningful, engaging experience through nature.

The project is the first project of its kind in Jordan, that is an environmental awareness oriented project with the purpose of playing an important role in the preservation and protection of the ecological biodiversity of Jordan. It is an educational, economical project designed to be a recognized facility specializing in ecological activities and research intended to benefit Jordan and it’s unique wildlife.

The Ecorium center greatly contributes to the ecological tourism in Jordan and the development of the area of Jerash through an overall integrated plan that would improve livability, social cohesion and the preservation of nature.

Design Objectives: 1. Architecture that acts as a form of activism rather than protest.

2. Merging humanity and architecture through nature.

3. Transform the design into a memorable, educational place.

4. Ecological design that promotes appreciation to nature.

30 Project awarded 1st place in the Jordanian Engineering Association Competition for Graduating Architects

Jordan University of Science and Technology[ 2013 ]

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Najdeh Ecorium Center

Conceptual Approach The initiative of the project is to address the different threats to the surrounding environment of Jerash and begin the process of reversing the environmental impact by increasing public support for nature conservation & providing the public with opportunities to view, learn, and live with nature.

Thus the design focused on integrating the natural surroundings within the architecture of the building by creating a system of multi-level intersecting layers of open plan floors all connected by views to the outdoor or direct access into nature. The experience through the Ecorium was also translated into a planned out journey in which visitors pass through a series of spaces that varied in functions depending on their visual or physical connection to nature.

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General Site Map : Jerash Governorate Eco-knowledge | Eco-informatics | Eco-exploration

Jordan University of Science and Technology[ 2013 ]

Site Plan : Parking level Eco-knowledge | Eco-informatics | Eco-exploration

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Najdeh Ecorium Center

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Ground Floor Plan : Eco-knowledge Zone Exhibition spaces | Information Station | Administration

Jordan University of Science and Technology[ 2013 ]

First Floor Plan : Eco-knowledge Zone Film Screening Space | Panoramic viewing deck | Facilities

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Najdeh Ecorium Center

Architectural Design The city of Jerash suffers from a lack of development and the means to preserve its biodiversity. The most effective approach to solving such negligence is to raise public awareness regarding the conservation of biodiversity in the area, and to direct national concern in different sectors about the conservation and management of Jordan’s natural habitat in a sustainable way and help protect it for generations to come.

And so the project focuses on bridging the gap between man and nature by integrating the natural environment as a main focal point for the design of the building. The overall design also included a sequence of themed spaces that seamlessly transition from indoor, semi-outdoor, and outdoor spaces at different levels within the site.

Cross Section : Eco-informatics Zone Photographic Gallery | Public Event Space | Viewing Decks | Research Center

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Jordan University of Science and Technology[ 2013 ]

Exterior view from Eco-knowledge zone Interior view of Eco-informatics zone

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Najdeh Ecorium Center

Architectural Design The overall experience through the Ecorium is divided into three phases each exhibiting different spaces and functions that educate visitors through interactive activities to re-connect and reflect on different techniques to conserve the local environment.

Experiential Section

Section A-A

Section B-B

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Jordan University of Science and Technology[ 2013 ]

Exterior view showing Eco-knowledge zone and Eco-informatics zone Exterior view showing the complete journey through the Ecorium

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Najdeh Ecorium Center

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Jordan University of Science and Technology[ 2013 ]

| Eco-exploration zone The journey through the Ecorium ends in a natural open park featuring user-defined activities for visi41areas tors to freely explore the gardens and open surrounding the building

Building Science Research Center

Science Research Center

[ 2012 ]

Project Description

Undergraduate Studio Project Location: Irbid, Jordan

The project was designed based on an integrated

Instructor: Sana’a Arqaibat Jordan University of Science and Technology

ical, structural systems support and perform as a

design approach wherein, all architectural, mechansingle system.

Inspired by the intelligence of systems found in nature, the design creates a small ecosystem that functions within a larger host that is the university campus. The design is presented as a model for energy efficient solutions in architecture. The functional program includes various research labs, lecture halls and administrative facilities.

Exterior view of main entrance from the university campus

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Jordan University of Science and Technology[ 2012 ]

Sustainable Section: Different sustainable strategies were designed to lower overall energy use of the building 1. Natural Lighting 2. Underground geothermal system 3.Photosyntehtic Roofing 4. Smart system to control and monitor lighting and ventilation

Mechanical Section: A central core acts as a wind catcher for natural ventilation throughout the building 1. Core ventilation system 2. Geothermal system 3.Integrated cooling and heating system with outer facade 4. On-site water recycling

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Shatana Art Community Center

Shatana Art Community Center

[ 2011 ]

Project Description

Undergraduate Studio Project Location: Irbid, Jordan

Located in the north of Jordan, the project is an art

Instructor: Sana’a Arqaibat Jordan University of Science and Technology

in the small village of Shatana. The overall design

community center aimed to revive the artistic spirit approach intended to create a public space that is continuous and open to the village and its residents as well as accommodate local artists and their unique work.

The design plays upon blurring the line between outdoor and indoor spaces by creating a creating a unique spatial experience between the different functions. The architectural language of the building reflects the traditional architecture found in the village of Shatana to maintain the unique artistic spirit of the area.

The general layout of the site was oriented to create two main axis that function as the transitional space between the various zones in the project. Their intersection was translated into a public space for outdoor art exhibitions where the remaining functions were organized around and connected to. The Administrative department was contained within the part of a renovated building already existing on site .

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Jordan University of Science and Technology[ 2011 ]

Exterior view of residential apartments Exterior view of main entrance

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CONTACT NOURA MHEID Phone: (+962)790982001 Email: Noura_Mheid@hotmail.com

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