Ray of Life (Thesis book) by Salam Mahmoud Tamimi

GRADUATION PROJECT I THESIS

RAY OF LIFE

Submitted By:

Salam Mahmoud Tamimi

125144

Supervised by: Dr. Laith Obeidat

Graduation Project I Department of Architecture and Design Jordan University of Science and Technology 2021-2022 First Semester

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I thank Allah for the success in getting me to where I am now. Then a special thanks to my mother, who was always by my side and was my biggest supporter, and to my father, who struggled for years to provide the best education for us. To my brothers and sister who believed in my dream and gave me strength every day. And many thanks to Dr. Laith Obeidat, who made all the difference in the direction of my project.

PROJECT STATEMENT A desert project that uses architectural elements and resilience systems to adapt to the harsh climate. Making desert sustainability a reality by concentrating on four primary factors: selfsufficiency, resource management, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. Synergistic systems may be used to make the desert tolerable and habitable by providing thermal, environmental, visual, and psychological comfort to the user.

Salam Mahmoud Tamimi 125144

RAY OF LIFE GRADUATION PROJECT I THESIS Department of Architecture and Design Jordan University of Science and Technology 2021-2022 First Semester

Supervisor: Dr. Laith Obeidat

Table of Contents

PROJECT STATEMENT ............................................................................................... II ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... III INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 1 1.1

About project .............................................................................................. 1

1.2

Why desert ? ............................................................................................... 1

1.3

Desert region analysis ................................................................................. 3

1.4

Missions and goals ...................................................................................... 7

SITE ANALYSIS .............................................................................................................. 8 2.1

Location ..................................................................................................... 8

2.2

Vegitation .................................................................................................. 10

2.3

Climate ...................................................................................................... 11

2.4

Accessibility .............................................................................................. 12

2.5

Users ......................................................................................................... 13

2.6

SWOT Analysis ........................................................................................ 13

2.7

Topography ............................................................................................... 14

2.8

Selected site .............................................................................................. 15

2.9

Initial program .......................................................................................... 16

2.10

Conclusion of the chapter ......................................................................... 18

DESERT ARCHITECTURE ........................................................................................ 19 3.1

Described desert areas .............................................................................. 19

3.2

What are the common features of all deserts? ......................................... 19

3.3

Factors to consider in planning ................................................................ 21

3.4

What are desert benefits? ......................................................................... 22

3.5

What are houses in desert made of? ......................................................... 23

3.6

What are kinds of desert? ......................................................................... 24

3.7

Vernacular architecture case study in the desert ...................................... 25

3.8

Conclusion of the chapter ......................................................................... 28

CASE STADIES .............................................................................................................. 29 4.1

Sustainable Neighborhood for The Sahara Desert……………………….29

4.2

BIOPHILIA - Duplex Residences……………………………………….35

4.3

White Desert Resort……………………………………………………...40

4.4

Generative Sandscape ............................................................................... 47

4.5

Conclusion of the chapter ......................................................................... 55

BIOMIMICRY ............................................................................................................... 56

5.1

What is biomimicry? ................................................................................ 56

5.2

How can start using biomimicry in architecture? ..................................... 56

5.3

Conclusion of the chapter ......................................................................... 68

THERMAL & ECONOMIC COMFORT .................................................................... 69 6.1

Economy ................................................................................................... 69

6.2

Building form and shading........................................................................ 70

6.3

Building form and airflow ........................................................................ 71

6.4

Urban form massing standards.................................................................. 73

6.5

Sustainable & friendly materials ............................................................... 74

6.6

Conclusion of the chapter ......................................................................... 79

DESIGN APPROACH.................................................................................................... 80 7.1

Main elements of the project..................................................................... 80

7.2

Number of users and tables of areas ......................................................... 81

7.3

Matrix & bublle diagrams ......................................................................... 88

7.4

Concept ..................................................................................................... 91

REFERENCES.............................................................................................................. 104

ABSTRACT

A cohesive and integrated design that tries to promote thermal comfort by focusing on the dual features of the physical and spiritual characteristics of desert architecture. The project is a residential complex in the Jordanian desert that aims to make nature and architecture not only coexist, but also have a reciprocal relationship by mimicking ecosystems to provide a delightful atmosphere. The project seeks to preserve the existing agricultural lands and even revive the desert lands, which reduce carbon dioxide in the environment as well as generate food, which helps the project become self-sufficient.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

The goal of the project is to give users an ambient experience by mimicking the environment and using sustainable and efficient methods.

1.2 1.1

About project:

Why Desert? Because of the population density and crowding

The project involves interconnected residential

in the north and center of the Kingdom, where a

buildings that coexist with the desert environment

scientific study warned of the “fading away” of

while also attempting to provide appropriate

agricultural lands in the cities of Amman by the year

environmental conditions for the comfortability of

2028 and Irbid in the year 2053, if “the rate of

users through biomimicry architecture; analyzing

decreasing of these lands in these two cities continues as

the systems and functions of living organisms,

it is. "The study, which was carried out by professors in

whether plants or animals living in the desert, to

the Department of Land and Environment Management

study how they coexist with the environment and

at the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment at

imitate the building design for it. The project

the Hashemite University, stressed the need to "monitor

focuses on low-income ecosystems and attempts to

the process of declining agricultural lands in Amman

reach closed-loop system.

and Irbid, and to issue and activate laws guaranteeing their protection," according to the study's lead researcher, Dr. Salman Al-Kofhi. Even though the desert covers about 90% of Jordan's land, it is uninhabitable and only a few people live there.

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aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur Jordan University of Science and technology (C) Copyright (Print eos, Date)qui All ratione Rights Reserved magni dolores voluptatem sequi nesciunt, neque porro quisquam est,

- Finding ways to make the desert more attractive and habitable. - To preserve the remaining agricultural lands. - Land reclamation in the desert.

country's most distinctive natural feature the northern segment of the Jordan Valley, known in Arabic as the We notice that the population density is

Ghor, is the nation's most fertile region. It contains the

concentrated in the north and center and gradually

Jordan River and extends from the northern border

decreases towards the southwest, while it suddenly

down to the Dead Sea.

decreases in the southeast direction.

2- THE MOUNTAIN: the highlands of Jordan

LANDFORM OF JORDAN:

separate the Jordan Valley and its margins from the

Jordan can be divided into three main geographic

plains of the eastern desert. This region extends the

and climatic areas: the Jordan valley, the mountain

entire length of the western part of the country, and

heights plateau, and the eastern desert, or badia

hosts most of Jordan's main population centers,

region.

including Amman, Zarqa, Irbid and Karak. We know

1- VALLEY: the Jordan Valley, which extends

that ancient peoples found the area inviting as well,

down the entire western flank of Jordan, is the

since one can visit the ruins of Jerash, Karak, Madaba, Petra and other historical sites which are found in the

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Mountain Heights Plateau. These areas receive Jordan's highest rainfall and are the most richly

vegetation

types

and

sparse

concentrations

population, they vary considerably according to their

vegetated in the country. underlying geology. 3-DESERT: The Eastern Desert or Badia Region

1.3 Desert region analysis

Comprising around 75% of Jordan, this area of desert and desert steppe is part of what is known as the North Arab Desert Climate in the Badia varies widely between day and night, and between summer and winter. Daytime summer temperatures can exceed 40C, while winter nights can be very cold, dry, and windy. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, averaging less than 50 millimeters annually. Although all the regions of the Badia (or desert) are united by their harsh desert climate. Similar

Badia region (Northeastern Desert): It connects with the Arab desert across the borders with three Arab countries: Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia to the north, east and south in succession and is considered part of the Levant Badia. Its altitude ranges between 600-900 meters. It is divided into two large areas:

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The northeastern basaltic Jordan plateau:

It is usually called Harrat Al Shaba (the Black Desert), and it covers an area of 11,000 km of

beyond the eastern border of Jordan. The land of this plateau rises in all directions, reaching a height of between 625 and 800 meters. It forms a flat depression in the shape of a flat plate.

Jordan. In this desert are many isolated hills and long rows of volcanoes that interrupt the monotony

Central desert regions in eastern Jordan: (dry

of the landscape. This area rises between 500 and

plains):

550 meters to reach more than 1,100 meters in its

Annual rainfall varies between 200 mm in the eastern

north-northwest at the northern border of Jordan.

regions and 300 mm in the western regions. More than

50% of the arable land is found in this region. Most of

The

northeastern

limestone

Jordanian

plateau:

the rainfed lands are cultivated with barley. Which is

It is flat and covered with pebbles and stones and

grown in areas that receive 200-300 mm of

extends beyond the Black Desert in the east to cross

precipitation annually, while wheat and fruit trees are grown in lands that receive 300-350 mm annually. This unit is characterized by slopes with slight slopes and often flat, covered in most cases by sharp-edged flint stones, as these stones cover hundreds of square kilometers, so it is called the desert planted with flint, and it is known as the Hammad desert. Southern mountain desert: A tourist area that includes Wadi Rum and Petra, so it is excluded. 4

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Basalt properties: One of them is that limestone is a great conductor for heat. It absorbs external warmth and doesn’t allow it to pass through into your home, which will keep the inside of your house much cooler. - Limestone Is Cost-Effective: Compared to many other stone and stone-like building materials, - Rock Wool Industry: Basalt can be used as an

limestone is very affordable. Part of this is because it’s

input raw material for the manufacture of rock

available in abundance.

wool. used mainly in the building for insulation.

- Limestone Has Dependability: It’s strong and dense

- The uses of basalt as aggregates are still

and contains few pores. Less pores make it harder for

limited: due to the available of alternative and

the stone to break. While limestone may naturally

cheap material such as limestone, although the

corrode over time, it will only do so on a superficial

physical engineering properties of basalt are

level, not affecting the structural strength.

much better than limestone.

- Limestone Is Versatile: like blocks, bricks, slabs, and

- basalt can be used as ornamental stones.

more, plus intricate carvings and molds.

- basalt fiber into the concrete: will enhance the

Limestone

flexural, compressive, split tensile strength and

examples

toughness of the concrete. Also, it will reduce the size of cracks during failure. Limestone properties: - Limestone Helps Control Temperature: Limestone’s density gives it unique properties.

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Flint stone properties:

As we note in the figure that the rainfall in regions A

- Physical properties: hardness and typical chipping

and B is almost equal, while in region C is much less.

that facilitates the manufacture of tools with sharp edges. - Flint is used to make fire. - Flint is the strongest type of stone, but it is difficult to shape, and workers find it difficult to deal with it. - Ceramics: has been using flint since ancient times as a building material for stone walls.

The figure shows the relationship of population density with the rate of rainfall, and as we note that the relationship is direct, the higher the rate of rain, the higher the population density. Conclusion: Based on the foregoing, limestone is the ideal local

Rainfall

material for usage in desert's buildings due to its unique characteristics. Furthermore, in A, B and the northern part of C, the acceptable percentage of rain is available. B and C are in proximity to inhabited areas, so these two areas can be the starting point to live in Jordanian desert. Choosing sites in B and C areas, then comparing them to choose the best one for the project, which makes people willing to visit the project or live there.

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1.4

Missions and goals

o Using the ideal ecosystems to help us to reach a thermal comfort in the desert.

o The project interacts with the desert environment in such a way that it

o Design sustainable built environment but that’s

persuaded people to accept the idea of

not mean only about the design or economics of single buildings. It is also about strategic

living in the desert to reduce urban planning and infrastructure that embraces food, encroachment

towards

agricultural

lands and making urban encroachment

transport, and energy as well as health and well-being.

towards desert lands. o Focus on the o Utilize

the

methods

which

organisms interact with the desert environment and incorporate them into the project.

dualistic

physical and spiritual

aspects of the

characteristics of the

project.

o Creating a new population center and creating a new social pattern in Jordan.

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CHAPTER 2 SITE ANALYSIS 2.1

Location

Site #1

Mafraq Governorate is the second largest governorate in terms of area after Ma'an Governorate. The Northern Badia region constitutes the vast majority of its area. The governorate is located in the north-east of Jordan, bordered by Iraq to the east, Syria to the north, and Saudi Arabia to the south and east. Its area is (26,552) km2, which is equivalent to 29.6% of the area of Jordan. It is from the east with a desert nature rich in groundwater. As for the West, it is of a fertile nature that produces olive oil. This location was chosen because of its proximity to desirable housing neighborhoods, making it easier to access the project and serving as a starting point for living in the desert. Then land next to residential areas was picked, making infrastructural extensions easier but it is not adjacent to the high-way street.

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Site #2 The new administrative capital (New Amman), the Kingdom of Jordan has chosen one of the arid desert lands located between the capital Amman and the Zarqa Governorate. The new Amman capital project will be financed in partnership between the public and private sectors, which will be implemented in several phases. It is worth mentioning that the project to establish the new city of Amman will be located at a distance adjacent to the land port in Madouna in the east, where it is located at thirty kilometers from the city of Amman. It is also thirty kilometers away from the city of Zarqa, and the initial area of the project is estimated at about 39 square kilometers, which constitutes 10% of the total area of the project. This location was chosen because of its proximity to desirable housing neighborhoods, making it easier to access the project and serving as a starting point for living in the desert. Then land next to residential areas was picked, making infrastructural extensions easier and for its economic, tourism and future importance. 9

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In the new capital site, the lands are empty and completely uninhabited, and because of the great similarity in the lands of the two sites, so we will study the lands of Mafraq.

This map shows the location of the two sites. -

2.2

Vegetation

Using the greenhouse as a solution for agriculture.

Groundwater use.

One of the modern methods of cultivation.

Agricultural land reclamation by soil injection.

The main water basins in al-Mafraq are (dulail / al-aoib 1/ sama al-sarhana basin)

Desert lands constitute 85% of Mafraq lands.

Arable lands constitute 15% of Mafraq lands.

Desert plants in two sites: 1- Anabasis plant (Shannan/Ajram)

The lands of both regions are described as desert lands that lack vegetation in most areas and suffer from a lack of water bodies and scarce rainfall. As a result, the use of groundwater was resorted to,

2- Artemisia plant (Al-shih)

as was the attempt to reclaim land for cultivation and benefit.

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3- Lavender plant (Al-khozama)

the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 17°c to 33°c and is rarely below 0°c or above 37°c.

Some types of trees that are planted in AlMafraq’s arable lands: 1- Apricot trees

2- Pomegranate trees

3- Olive trees

4- Grape trees

Average temperatures and precipitation

Maximum temperatures

Wind speed

2.3

Climate

Cloudy, sunny, precipitation days

Precipitation amount

Wind diagram

Site #2 When extrapolating the climate of this region, we find

Site #1

that its climate is considered “semi-desert”, to the east

Mafraq is characterized by its wide area and desert of the Mediterranean climate region, and close to the and dry climate. The annual rainfall rate is less desert of Badia al-Sham and the north of the Arabian than 200 mm, and it has major water basins (AlPeninsula. The area rises from sea level by 750 meters Dulayl / Al-Aqib / Sama Al-Sarhan basin). climate on average, and the height of the western areas is about in Mafraq, the summers is hot, arid, and clear but 900 meters, and the eastern areas are about 600 meters. the winter is cold, windy, and partly cloudy. over As for the total annual rainfall in this region, it

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generally, ranges between 80-120 millimeters, and

that cause atmospheric instability, which vary in

varies greatly from one rainy season to another.

intensity from one season to another.

While the total annual rainfall in Zarqa city is 160 millimeters,

for

example.

This

region

characterized by a large thermal range between the afternoon hours, the “maximum temperature” and

Average temperatures and precipitation

Cloudy, sunny, precipitation days

Maximum temperatures

Precipitation amount

the dawn hours, the “minor heat,” so that it may exceed 15 degrees in most cases. The weather, which usually affects the Badia regions more, and between the Mediterranean depressions coming from the west. This area is frequently exposed to sand and dust storms, both caused by the strong winds accompanying the depressions, especially the deep ones, in addition to the downward winds caused

thunder

clouds

accompanying

Wind speed

Wind diagram

We conclude that the sites have almost the same climate with minor differences.

2.4 Accessibility Site #1

atmospheric instability. As for snow falling there, it falls at a rate once every 2-3 years, and it is light and generally ineffective. When compared to the capital Amman, it is in the latter at a rate of a few times per season in its heights, such as the Sweileh area, for example, and the area to the east of it, is an area for torrential rains caused by heavy rains

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20 km away from Mafraq 46 km away from Zarqa

the project's target users are primarily residents of Irbid and

Amman.

Also,

residents

neighboring

57 km away from Amman 57 km away from Irbid

governorates.

Site #2 2.6

SWOT Analysis

Site #1 Strength: -

It is located at an international crossroads linking the Kingdom with (Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia).

There are many archaeological and tourist sites, most notably Al-Fudain, Rehab, Umm

45 km away from Mafraq

Al-Jamal, Burqa Dam in Al-Ruwaished, and

30 km away from Zarqa

the Java area in Deir Al-Kahf, among others.

30 km away from Amman 80 km away from Irbid

55 km away from Madaba

2.5

The type of land on the site was originally not arable, so we did not damage the agricultural

Users

land.

To prevent the large urban sprawl towards agricultural lands in Amman and Irbid

Weaknesses: -

Undesirable desert climate.

Lack of services.

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Opportunities: -

Weaknesses:

Using artesian wells and dam water and

Undesirable desert climate.

directing agricultural activity to crops suitable

Lack of services.

for the region. -

Investments (restaurants, traditional

Opportunities: in

the

field

hotels, crafts)

tourism

restaurants, to

increase

and

- The government will provide job opportunities for young people.

tourist

attractions.

Using artesian wells and dam water and directing agricultural activity to crops suitable

Threats:

for the region.

Convince people to start living in these areas.

Reaching thermal comfort in the desert.

hotels, restaurants, and traditional crafts) to

Ultimate floods.

increase tourist attractions.

Site #2 Strength: -

This area is located on the international road

Investments in the field of tourism (restaurants,

Threats: -

Convince people to start living in these areas.

Reaching thermal comfort in the desert.

Ultimate floods.

linking with the Saudi-Al-Omari border, near the land port, east of Al-Maduna, in an area

2.7

Topography

linking the Kingdom on the one hand, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq on the other. -

The type of land on the site was originally not arable, so we did not damage the agricultural

land.

The first site and the eastern side of the second site rise

The site's importance is enhanced by it’s a

approximately 600 m above sea level and the land is

new administrative capital.

almost flat, while the western side of the second site rises approximately 900 m above sea level. 14

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2.8

Selected site

Site in new administrative capital (New Amman) was selected for these reasons:

Because the new city is being proposed by the Greater Amman Municipality, it will be International road linking with the Saudi-Al-Omari the focus of attention of people and border and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the investors. Republic of Iraq on the other.

The proposal will compete with several Green road links site directly with Queen Alia projects in the new city, which leading to the International Airport. completion of a distinctive project that So, the location of the site is important for its interacts with the desert to create a connectivity. comfortable environment for users. Black points are heritage castles which gives the site

Because the government will provide job a touristic importance. opportunities for young people in the new city, so this site will be more desirable by users.

Because the site is closer to the center of the Kingdom,

closer

governorates, which leads to a diversity of visitors.

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This specific site was selected for these reasons: -

Not to be a rain-gathering area.

Because there is a hill on the south side, which shades part of the project.

2.9

Initial program

Dwelling types that will be available in the project: -

Single family home (detached home)

Single-family homes tend to offer more privacy and space than other types of homes, and frequently come with private front and back yards. -

Multi-family home (semi-detached home)

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A semi-detached home is part of a pair of dwellings joined by a wall. Aside from the common wall, semi-detached homes share many features with their detached counterparts. There’s

Sand writing (drawing)

Hot air balloons.

Spaces help relaxation by watching the sunset, sunrise, and stars of the desert.

yard space for you to customize, as well as many of the exterior and most interior design features. -

Condominium (apartments)

Condominiums (or condos for short) are single units within a larger building. Condos share a wall or two with other units. Activities that will be available in the project:

Horse riding. -

Farming

Considering the different age groups, so that there are -

Sandboarding. various activities. Communal spaces that will be available in the

Quad biking. project:

Sand slime (Sand dough sculpture)

Courtyards

- Swimming pools

multi-cultural workshops

Fitness center

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2.10 Conclusion of the chapter Based on the desert climate of the site: - Take advantage of the energy of direct sunlight from the south and block it from the interior spaces. - Evergreen trees from the southeast direction to prevent Khamsin wind.

Using modern farming and irrigation methods to provide food for the project's residents. - Using the greenhouse as a solution for agriculture. - Agricultural land reclamation by soil injection.

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CHAPTER 3 DESERT ARCHITEDTURE 3.1

Described desert areas: Desert architecture is an architecture that considers

Desert areas are characterized by relatively harsh environmental conditions:

the characteristics of the desert environment, exploits its advantages, and evades as much as

The temperature difference between day and

possible

night is high, the summer is hot, and the winter is

disadvantages.

cold, there are extreme changes in relative

3.2

humidity, solar radiation is very powerful, the absence of vegetation, the landscape with the

the

undesirable

effects

its

What are the common features of all deserts?

1. Aridity:

monochrome colors all affects the person and his

It is one and common characteristic of all deserts

built environment.

throughout most or all the year.

Common problems for all the desert areas are the

2. Extremes of temperature:

winds, which carry with them dust and sand, the

Fluctuation in day and night temperatures, and

brightness, and the dazzle.

in seasons.

The common factor in the frequency of the 3. Humidity: phenomena is the lack of cover for vegetation in the soil and the paucity of built-up areas.

Low humidity during the day and comparatively high in night.

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4. Precipitation: Precipitation deficiency is the main feature of deserts. The arid zone is characterized not only by meagerness of precipitation but also by uncertainty as to when and in what amounts 9. The number of sunshine hours is very large.

rain

10. Mirage: will fall. The desert rainfall tends to be seasonal, most erratic unreliable and localized i.e., limited both in space and duration.

Mirage is phenomenon of an optical illusion of hot and windless day. Mirages occur when light passes through two layers of air with different temperatures. The desert sun heats the sand,

5. Drought: Drought, in other words the effective aridity, is

which in-turn heats the cool air just above it by

the main concept of desert. It is temporary or

temperature inversion; and passes obliquely

permanent guest of

desert. The duration of

through cool dense air and is bent upwards when

drought is long in the extreme arid-zone and

it strikes hot air. An observer’s eye interprets this

decreases towards the margins

bright wavering image as real. The different air masses act like a mirror.

6. High wind velocity. 7. Solar radiation very intense. Fluctuation in day and night temperatures, and

There are sometimes seen “wet spots” lakes or ponds that appear on highways on sunny days but disappear as one approach: near them.

in seasons. 11. Twenty percent of the world’s land surface is desert. 8. High evaporation. 20

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3.3

Factors to consider in

planning: Location of the plot: The location of the building on the lot is important to solve the range of factors affecting the amount of energy that will be received because of the building. The location of the various functions within the building in relation to the direction of the sun can also provide a solution for energy conservation.

on the inside of the building envelope and not the exterior. Shell color: The exterior color of the building shell is a very important factor in its energy balance, surface temperature. The exterior of the building envelope will rise above the ambient temperature as it absorbs more solar radiation. Size of openings: The size and location of glazed openings is important Crucial in achieving thermal comfort in the building. Air penetration: Another important factor in the building’s energy balance is the air that enters it. A certain amount of fresh air is needed for health reasons, but too much penetration can cause heat loss or

Thermal insulation:

overheating.

The most important factor for planning – is the building envelope. Thermal insulation reduces the inward flow of unwanted heat During the summer, and reduces heat loss during the winter, so, there is very important to place the thermal insulation

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3.4

What are desert benefits?

1. Sunshine’s Unlimited Vitamin D Supply

in desert areas, meaning less traffic and crowding, and more space for you and your loved ones. An added side benefit of a smaller population is

Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin to human health,

improved air quality, which can make a significant

and it’s found most prominently in natural

health difference over long periods.

sunlight. With a role to play in dental, eye,

4. Support for Chronic Conditions

mental, and bone health, Vitamin D is a heavy

Many chronic health conditions are improved

hitter that few other climates provide year-round.

significantly by a warm, dry climate. This is in large

It aids in calcium absorption and can help prevent

part because many chronic health issues are

osteoporosis, as well as reduce symptoms of

worsened by inflammation, which can be triggered

depression and stress.

by excess moisture in the air. Those who live with

2. Healing Heat

arthritis are familiar with the joint pain that comes on with a rainy day. In contrast, an arid climate can

The healing of wounds occurs faster in hot, arid climates. This is especially important for those that live an active lifestyle. Reduced humidity means a lessened risk of infection and bacteria

reduce stiffness and swelling, improving mobility for those living with inflammation. 5. Breathe Easy Whether you live with asthma or are simply sensitive

growth, allowing you to get back on the field faster after grass burns, cuts, or any sort of open wound. 3. Less People, Less Stress Population density tends to be significantly less 22

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to mold, living in the desert can improve your

encourage good habits.

quality of life significantly by simply allowing 8. Important minerals you to breathe more easily on a day-to-day basis. The dry condition of deserts helps promote the And while we’re on the topic of irritants, let’s not formation and concentration of important minerals. forget that in a hot climate, you are going to Gypsum, borates, nitrates, potassium, and other salts sweat. Goodbye toxins, hello extra focus on build up in deserts when water carrying these consistent hydration. minerals evaporates. Minimal vegetation has also 6. Healing for the Soul

made it easier to extract important minerals from

There is plenty to be said for the healing effects of

desert regions.

being surrounded by beauty. With breathtaking

3.5 What are houses in desert made of?

sunrises and sunsets, and clear and dark skies for stargazing, nothing can compare to the beauty of desert living.

7. Access to Active Living It goes without saying that living in the desert means endless access to breathtaking hiking, rock climbing, and other adventures. Getting an

The building material used in hot climates is adobe.

appropriate amount of exercise is one of the most

The thick walls are made of adobe blocks - a mixture

important factors in healthy living and having

of clay, sand, straw, and water - which were originally

access to outdoor opportunities to break a sweat is

dried in the hot summer sun. The thick walls hold the

one of the easiest things you can do for yourself to

heat in and keep winter cold outside.

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In deserts, most of the houses are Kutcha houses and polar. Deserts are divided into these types as Kutcha houses are cooler as compared to according to the causes of their dryness. Pucca Houses. Secondly, deserts have less rainfall so there is less chance of falling of these houses. Thus, due to climate and materials

Subtropical Deserts

The world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara, is a

available there, Kutcha houses are common there. subtropical

desert in

northern Africa. Other

subtropical deserts include the Kalahari Desert in Kutcha houses are made using mud, straw, wood southern Africa and the Tanami Desert in northern stones and dry leaves. These houses are Australia. temporary houses and are not very strong. -

Coastal Deserts

Pucca houses are made using bricks, iron rods, The Atacama Desert, on the Pacific shores of cement etc. These houses are permanent houses Chile, is a coastal desert. Some areas of the and are built very strong. Pucca houses cannot be Atacama are often covered by fog. But the region moved and are fixed. can go decades without rainfall. In fact, the

3.6 What are kinds of desert?

Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth. Some weather stations in the Atacama have never recorded a drop of rain. -

Rain Shadow Deserts

Rain shadow deserts exist near the leeward slopes of some mountain ranges. Leeward slopes face away from prevailing winds. The world’s deserts can be divided into five types: subtropical, coastal, rain shadow, interior,

Death Valley, in the U.S. states of California and

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Nevada is a rain shadow desert. Death Valley, the

3.7 Vernacular architecture case study in the desert

lowest and driest place in North America, is in Study the history of architecture in three desert cities the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains. in Iran (Yadz, Kerman, and Kashan), exploring -

Interior Deserts unique aspects of the built environment that enabled

Interior deserts, which are found in the heart of people to flourish in one of the world’s harshest continents, exist because no moisture-laden climates. winds reach them. By the time air masses from coastal areas reach the interior, they have lost all

Central Iran has limited water supplies, a dry desert

their moisture. Interior deserts are sometimes

climate, and large variations in temperature from day

called inland deserts.

to night. Yet for many centuries, its vernacular architecture has harnessed local resources and

The selected site considered from interior desert.

ingenious technologies to provide functional and comfortable spaces for its people’s everyday activities. For this reason, these ancient architectural techniques are highly relevant in today’s world. Several prominent architectural features make sustainability possible in the desert: 1. Courtyard: •

Offers the most obvious spiritual and physical connection between a house and nature.

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•

Supported family traditions and a cultural belief

2. Wind catcher:

in privacy and provided protection from the Essence “communicates” with the environmental

outside world. •

Provides

inhabitants

with

comfortable

experience of the sky, air, shade, and the cool microenvironments associated with specific

rise and escape the house through its courtyard. Also, directs the motion of the wind to the basement areas of

areas of the home. •

needs of household members by allowing hot air to

house.

Functioned as an effective architectural space for maintaining environmental balance.

•

Allows light to penetrate to the inner rooms, which

physically

and

psychologically

beneficial for the inhabitants.

wind catchers may rise to heights of three stories, which allows them to receive the wind from any direction and transfer the flow of wind from the exterior to the interior and lower reaches of a basement, creating a mini environment within the The courtyard, with its garden and a surrounding set of rooms, and perhaps an interior arched portico, is one example of an architectural feature showing

basement of a house. 3. Passageways: The streetscape was

characterized

narrow

continuity between past and present. 26

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passageways surrounded by high walls, very often covered by roofs and arches, which cast beneficial shade on the surrounding houses and helped control the prevailing winds. 4. The bazaar: Which is the main commercial center, is connected to public and residential buildings via a winding and undulating path. 5. Cities generally included:

7. Hierarchy of spaces: Expressed in the movement from areas of public amenities to spaces of semi-public neighborhoods,

A madrasa (a religious teaching institute), caravanserai (a large urban square), mosques, a mint, shops, cisterns, and baths, all of which

the survival of any culture, and the use of qanats in desert cities was crucial for their and to private spaces.

contributed to the strength of a city as an organic whole. 6. Iwan:

8. The availability of water: It is important for inhabitants. Also, lower channels carried off gray water for use in irrigation.

(An entryway enclosed on three sides), is a rectangular hall or space, usually vaulted, walled on three sides, with one end entirely open. The formal gateway to the iwan is called pishtaq, a Persian term

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3.8 Conclusion of the chapter • Take advantage of the large difference in temperatures between night and day, as the low temperatures at night take advantage of them to protect the interior spaces from the heat. • The color of the building is light so that it reflects the sun's rays and reduces the heat gained. • On the south elevations, make the opening small, but on the other elevations, make it wide. • Architectural features that make sustainability possible in the desert: - Courtyard - Wind catcher - Passageways - bazaar

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CHAPTER 4 CASE STADIES 4.1

Sustainable Neighborhood for The Sahara Desert

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- All commercial buildings are located on the border of the hall neighborhood, which connects the project with its surroundings. - All social buildings are located in one area, which makes all users socialize together. - Every few residential buildings are connected by courtyards that connect them in and out, as well as users.

Sun breakers for cooling and to reduce sun exposures on façades and prevent the direct light.

The design draws its inspiration from the local values and craftsmanship and uses locally available materials such as sandstone and tents textile.

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The houses are designed to be opened onto a mutually used courtyard, separated by retractable textile veils for each household that can be withdrawn to share the outdoor space with neighbors, or drawn to have more privacy.

The courtyards and the strong west east directionality of the plan aims also to reduce the impact of the powerful northern winds which sweep Dakhla, while the intricate medinalike urban design aims to reduce sun exposures on façades.

They used Islamic architecture (colonnades/ mashrabeh) Corridors between buildings are shaded because of the building convergence. 31

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Use different shelters for shading to prevent the hot and dry climate in the desert and to create different experiences for the user. Sustainability

aspects:

local

building

materials, exclusively pedestrian streets, use of wind generators of roof and dew collection, bioclimatic design, recycled wood from the city's dock, respect of local culture and community needs, mixed use buildings and integration of commerce in residential urban fabric, customizable houses, and participatory planning.

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Without wind generator

With wind generator

The hot air inside your building rises to the top of the building (absorbing excess moisture). When the turbines rotate, they suck this warm moist air out through the roof vent, thereby dropping the temperature in the building and allowing the supply of fresh air through vents (and doors and windows when they are open). Because roof turbine ventilators are located at the highest point of the roof this provides fantastic ventilation. A huge advantage of wind turbine ventilation is it is draught free (unlike an open window).

Every residential unit has ground and first floor, also outdoor space can share it with neighbors.

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This is the flexible, retractable textile veil.

Each unit has three entrances, two of them for guests (males and females) and one private for the family. Guests

Family

Increase the height of ground level from the land and add windows on the top of the room. This gives more privacy.

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4.2

BIOPHILIA - Duplex Residences

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The design is a proposal for an international competition for a Residential complex to be designed in Dahran City, Saudi Arabia.

Form Development:

The mass is placed longitudinally in the north-south direction, so as to avoid the harsh south sun. Placing it in the center naturally divides the site into two halves, creating space for parking on one side and public gardens on the other, clearly separating vehicular traffic and pedestrian areas.

The ground floor units are staggered and separated to create pockets in the mass to allow wind flow on street level to naturally ventilate the public gardens. Private gardens are developed around the unit like personal front and back yards. 36

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The circulation core is placed in the center of the complex dividing the structure into wing A and B. The IBHK block is created as a solid mass in the center of the structure.

The remaining 3 and 2 BHK units take its place above the ground units while developing its own personal garden surrounding the units. As the structure is placed centrally in the site, the units avoid overlooking directly onto the street traffic and are provided much quieter views inside the site.

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The units on wing A get private rooftop gardens and the mass on top of wing B houses the gym and multipurpose hall.

Façade composition:

The structure is a composition of staggered masses that peeks out of vegetated facades

and planted

gardens that rise vertically for every unit.

The design of the facade is influenced by the vernacular Architecture found in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle east. The screens used for shading the building is inspired from the screens used in traditional "MASHRABIYAS" The screen is used as a modernistic interpretation to serve the same purpose, shading and diffused light. 38

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The structure is majorly clad in a textured white plaster and avoids dark colors to avoid absorbing unwanted heat. The planters and vegetation on the facade and rooftop help in shading and cooling the structure.

The units are designed to have a traditional housing scheme on the ground where the living mass is surrounded by a garden on 2 or more sides. The screens used to mask the facade helps in ventilating the semi open spaces in the unit through its punctures as well as cut of the direct sun producing a diffused pattern-like light in the interior spaces. The major point of the whole project is that as we go higher floor-wise it does not lose the garden space that it would have when placed on the ground, it incorporates dense vegetative spaces in the interior as well as the exterior balconies. 39

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4.3

White Desert Resort

Student: Ismail Behery

Teacher: Dr. Hala Raslan

Status: Graduation Project

University: Mansoura College Academy

Typology: Wellness, Medical, Tourism

Location: Farafra Oasis, New Valley, Egypt

Site area: 67,357 m²

Built area: 20,207 m²

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Concept Biomimicry Mimicking the desert

•

Aesthetic level

White desert’s white forms & golden sands

•

Function level

Animals live in caves for shelter

•

Function level

Snail shells are made of multi layers that reduce heat inside.

•

Function level

Desert plants are spiky, making them "poor absorbents of heat by day and good emitters of heat at night."

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The project is set to be built on the outskirts of The White Desert National Park, so no harm done to it and designed according to the LEED and WELL standards for buildings to ensure best comfort for the visitors and safe for the environment. The Main goal was to blend the project with its environment (The White Desert) both in forms and color pallet and using Biomimicry to ensure best thermal comfort in the desert.

Structure:

1 Space Truss combined

2. Covered with limestone

with concrete columns.

bricks and cladding.

3 Support columns for the shadings.

4. The shadings are made of mixed steel & Wood skeleton and covered with

PTFE

sheets.

Zoning:

Spirit:

Mind:

Body:

Meditation-Relaxation-Spa

Counseling-Culture-Education

Hospital-Therapy-Sport

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Energy Resources •

Solar Energy

Zero Mass Water's mission is to make drinking water an unlimited resource. Hydro panels that create drinking water by combining "sunlight and air" make water uniquely independent of infrastructure and affordable with no electric input.

•

Energy-from-waste (EfW)

It is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the primary treatment of waste or the processing of waste into a fuel source. WtE is a form of energy recovery that improves the comfort of occupants.

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Thermal comfort •

Multi Roof

The shells can provide shade for each other and the whole building as well, as the spiral shell of the snail acts. •

Small Opening

Using small windows on the southern facade to minimize solar radiation across the building. •

Double Wall

Using small windows on the southern facade to minimize solar radiation across the building. •

Passive Facade

DSF is an envelope construction composed of 2 transparent "skins' that are separated by an air corridor, it uses some mechanical energy in addition to the natural and renewable energy resources. •

Cross Ventilation

-Helping to moderate internal temperatures. -Reducing the accumulation of moisture. odors and other gases that can build up during occupied periods. -Creating air movement which improves the comfort of occupants. •

Geothermal heating & Cooling System

-Geothermal heating are up to six times more efficient in garnering heat energy as compared to electrical energy. -They use up to 1/6th less electricity than conventional systems.

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•

Night purge ventilation

One passive cooling technique commonly used in private, public, And commercial applications are night purging. Night purging is the removal of nighttime

heat from a

building by

bringing in cool

air without the use of active HVAC cooling and

ventilation.

Materials •

Oak Wood used in shading skeleton as it is stiff and eco-friendly material.

•

PTFE Sheets used as covering for shading as it is transparent material and protect from solar radiation and dust.

•

Limestone is a native stone and used in exterior & interior walls of the buildings to reduce heat and eco-friendly.

•

3 Layers Glass is PVC, these are made from vinyl and inexpensive, energy efficient and low maintenance.

Landscape materials •

Native Plants using desert plants like cactus & palm trees to reduce water consumption.

•

Hardscape blending effortlessly with the natural surroundings. By following the natural shapes. textures, and lines of the landscape, hardscapes that focus on balancing their function with the natural beauty.

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Water conservation •

Grey Water

Reducing the need for fresh water. Saving on freshwater use can significantly reduce household water bills. •

Low Water Farming

help protect and preserve our environment (including wildlife) minimize the effects of drought and water shortages. •

Pool Cover

Due to high evaporation rate so the pools are covered when not being used.

View is in the same direction with the wind.

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4.4

Generative Sandscape: Siwa Oasis New Habitat, Egypt by Hossam Badr / DARS Studio

Student: Hossam Badr

Teacher: Sina Mostafavi, Manuel Kretzer

Status: Unbuilt thesis graduation project

University: Dessau International Architecture | Anhalt Hochschule

Typology: Hospitality, Health

Location: Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Site area: 400,000 m²

Built area: 25,000 m²

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Generative design process:

The design approach is to learn from the process through which nature is formed through millions of years by studying the cycle of erosion and sand shifting. The research has gone through many phases of study, simulation, and generative design experiments on many levels, starting from urban through architecture to fabrication and materialization.

Zone one erosion: The

research

discusses

building

new

communities in the desert. Siwa Oasis in Egypt was selected as the project location because of its historical background and how the Siwa inhabitants adapted with the desert using local material to build efficient architecture. Building in the desert has many challenges (environmental, physical, and philosophical). As the main cause for desertification is sand shifting, the research focuses on studying the behavior of sand shifting to use it as the potential for building with sand as a building material. 48

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The urban studies on the selected site addressed the possibilities of new urban growth in Siwa. The study introduced the “Sand Travel Diagram STD” which records the movement of sand particles under the effect of wind and gravity through time intervals. The STD was applied on three topography alternatives and the result was analyzed to get to understand how the sand movement reacts to that difference.

The design proposal involved dividing the proposed site in two zones taking in consideration the results from the ‘STD’, and drainage water simulations. The first zone is composed of sand rock hills and the second one contains the sand dunes. -For sand rock hills (zone 1), the generative design process used ‘STD’ and drainage water simulations to simulate the effect of erosion (happening on the micro level in rocks) which is then applied on the urban fabric of zone 1. -For sand dunes (zone 2), generative design process used ‘STD’ and sand dune field simulator to define the site boundaries and as an input for the structural analysis for the building.

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Sand Travel Simulation Results By analyzing the results of the current situation and the two deformed topographies, it was found out that the sand flow usually goes through same paths with small differences between the buildup and curved topographies options but with high difference of density and speed of the flow.

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Iterative Design process:

Sand Life Cycle From grain of sand-to-sand rocks then again grain of sand this is the natural process that happens in nature due to many factors like erosion and solidification. This cycle in each phase creates many possibilities and functions for humans activates the research focused in studying and simulating this natural process through computational process to generate sustainable design for the desert cities.

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During the research part and while defining the challenges that the Egyptian government faces in building new communities in the desert -as arid areas- the focus was to learn from nature and to generate the solution out of the problem, by studying the cycle of sand solidification and erosion. The procedure involved learning from Siwan people traditional building techniques and material usage to build efficient architecture in the desert.

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Making relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces by making courtyards, amphitheater, and lobby from local material (sand) as all the project’s materials.

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4.5 Conclusion of the chapter • Use sun breakers at openings and windows to protect them from direct sunlight. • The shorter facade from the south, to reduce the amount of heat gained • Colonnade • Use wind generators on the roof to ventilate the space. • Increase the height of ground level from the land and add windows on the top of the room. This gives more privacy. • A screen is used as a modernist interpretation to serve the same purpose as mashrabeyah, shading and diffused light. • Make roofs spikey, making them "poor absorbents of heat by day and good emitters of heat at night." • Using small windows on the southern facade to minimize solar radiation across the building. • Define roads with a high-density flow

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CHAPTER 5 BIOMIMICRY 5.1

What is biomimicry?

additive. They rely on using more materials or energy to accelerate reactions—both costly expenditures. Natural processes rely on unique geometry and material properties.

Throughout history, architects have looked to

5.2

How

nature for inspiration for building forms and

biomimicry in architecture?

approaches to decoration: nature is used mainly as

Biomimicry

an aesthetic sourcebook. Biomimicry is concerned

challenges and biological organisms or systems that

with functional solutions and is not necessarily an

have solved those challenges. Then follows a process

aesthetic position.

by which the potential solutions are translated into

Biomimicry in architecture and manufacturing is

solutions that suit human needs, and that process does

the practice of designing buildings and products

not have to be limited by what exists in biology.

that simulate or co-opt processes that occur in

We can learn from organisms, whether animals or

nature.

plants, by studying their systems to coexist with the

“The way biological systems solve problems is

atmosphere.

starts

can

with

start

identifying

using

functional

pretty different from the way engineered systems solve problems,” says Peter Niewiarowski, biologist at the University of Akron and its Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center. Human-designed solutions, he says, are crude and 56

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Deserts are a challenge for life because they have conditions as far as possible from the conditions that most life existed in (3 billion years). Animals show a remarkable diversity of adaptations to the desert hazards including morphology, behavioral, phenology, physiological. Animals can avoid or tolerate the harsh conditions Plants also show similar approaches to adaptations including morphological, anatomical, phenological and physiological adaptations.

How do termites adapt to the harsh climate in the desert?

Millions of termites live inside this structure, some of which stretch an astonishing 9 meters.

Although these termite skyscrapers may look solid from the outside, they are actually

35-40 Celsius Surface temperature

covered in tiny holes that allow air to pass through freely.

25-30 Celsius Belowground temperature

Like a giant lung, the structure inhales and exhales as temperatures rise and fall throughout the day.

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This termite ventilation inspired Architect Mick Pearce Eastgate Centre, Zimbabwe:

Small windows minimize heat absorption.

Extended overhangs provide extra shade.

The building is made from concrete slabs and brick just like the soil inside a termite mound these materials have a high thermal mass which means they can absorb a lot of heat without really changing temperature the exterior of the building is prickly like a cactus by increasing the amount of surface area. Heat loss is improved at night while heat gain is reduced during the day inside the building low-power fans pull in cool night air from outside and disperse it throughout the seven floors the concrete blocks absorb the cold insulating the building and chilling the circulating air when the morning comes, and temperatures rise warm air is vented up through the ceiling and released by the chimneys.

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Turning dunes into architecture: Why don't we use desert sand to make building materials for the building? Sand solidification (sandstone): In 2009, Magnus Larsson and Professor Jason DeJong conducted research on desert sands and found that adding Bacillus pasteurii (which exist in wetlands) to sand fills the spaces between sand grains and thus produces calcite (a type of natural cement). These images from the American society for microbiology show us the process.

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Plastic Plastics have widespread and important applications across society, yet poor management of these fossil fuel derived resources is causing widespread pollution. The global plastic waste crisis is now recognized as one of the most pressing environmental issues facing our planet, prompting urgent calls for new technologies to enable a circular plastics economy.

Common Escherichia coli bacteria can be used to convert postconsumer plastics into vanillin (Getty Images). Also, it is known as the large intestine, is one of the most important types of bacteria that live in the intestines of healthy humans and warm-blooded animals, and most types of E. coli are harmless.

This discovery has positive implications for synthetic biology, as the vanillin produced will be suitable for human consumption, but further experimental testing is required. On the other hand, the statement said that vanillin is widely used in the food and cosmetic industries, as well as in the manufacture of herbicides, anti-foaming agents and cleaning products. Low cost and low intensity technologies to valorize post-consumer plastic waste are urgently required to tackle the plastic waste crisis and enable a circular economy.

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Types of desert adaptations: Structural adaptations are the way something is built or made.

Temperature

Behavioral adaptations are the way something acts by instinct. •

Overheat can kill

•

Evaporation can cool

•

Evaporation can dry and kill via desiccation

Animal well being

Water level

Size and heat the Bergman rule

Small animals get their heat from the outside

Large animals get their heat from inside

= ectotherms

= endotherms

They lose heat to the outside world fast and

They maintain their own temperature...

gain it fast.

Animal Adaptations o Evade: avoid the hot conditions by hiding or not being active. Mostly small animals. o Evaporative cooling/Sweat: Mostly intermediate size animals. o Endure: Tolerate the conditions. Mostly large animals.

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Evaders in space Rock crevices

Burrows

Under shrubs

Evaders with time - Aestivation o Aestas – summer o A state of animal dormancy including inactivity and a lowered metabolic rate in response to high temperatures and arid conditions.

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Evaporators Cool themselves by using their body heat to evaporate water. Require sufficient water to cool.

Allen's rule Hot weather selects for long appendages while cold weather for short appendages.

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Water collection Fog basking posture of Onymacris unguicularis. Photograph of a fog-basking O. unguicularis inside the fog chamber exhibiting a characteristic fog-basking head stand. This posture allows fog water collected on the beetle's dorsal surface to trickle down to its mouth.

The uneven surface accumulates dew The water-capturing surface of the fused over wings (elytra) of the desert beetle Steno Cara sp. a. adult female, dorsal view; peaks and troughs are evident on the surface of the elytra.

Long legs Long legs distance beetles from surface and

allow

breeze

between their body and the soil to cool them.

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Summary •

Deserts are a challenge for life because they have conditions as far as possible from the conditions that most life existed in (3 billion years).

•

Animals can avoid or tolerate the harsh conditions.

•

Plants also show similar approaches to adaptations including morphological, anatomical, phenological and physiological adaptations.

•

Animals show a remarkable diversity of adaptations to the desert hazards including morphology, behavioral, phenology, physiological.

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Camels have highly intricate nasal structures, known as turbinates, which are made from spongy bone covered with richly vascular tissue. As the camel breathes in, the tissue is cooled by the evaporation of water into the dry air. During exhalation, the humid air from the lungs passes over this large area of cool surface, and much of the humidity condenses to allow reabsorption. The intricacy of the turbinates results in very small distances between the surfaces and the center of the air stream, which increases the potential for heat and moisture transfer.

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Evaporation is an extremely effective means of cooling because water’s specific heat capacity is relatively high and therefore large amounts of heat can be dissipated with small amounts of water.

Tate Harmer Architects explored the potential of using transpiration in their IHub competition scheme. The aim was to create a building that cools itself using water but without pumps. If capillary action and an equivalent of transpiration pull could be harnessed to deliver the water, then the rate of evaporation would drive the process. There would also be a close match between the demand for cooling and the rate at which it was supplied because hotter days would create higher rates of evaporation. The designs show a network of capillary tubes on the southern elevation through which air can be drawn and cooled by evaporation.

Capillary action is the spontaneous movement of fluid through a narrow tube like a capillary. This motion is independent of gravity. Thus, it can occur under gravity or against gravity. Capillary action occurs due to the forces of adhesion and cohesion. Adhesion forces are the forces of attraction between a liquid and the capillary wall while cohesive forces occur between liquid molecules. As a result of these two forces, the fluid can move through the capillaries.

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5.3 Conclusion of the chapter • Use materials have a high thermal mass, which means they can absorb a lot of heat without really changing temperature. • Use low-power fans to pull in cool night air from outside and disperse it throughout the floors. The building materials absorb the cold, insulating the building and chilling the circulating air when the morning comes. • Sand solidification by adding bacteria to the sand and using it as a local material for the project. • The small masses must be shaded to adapt to the harsh climate. • The need for effective ventilation to be able to cool the building and reduce the use of AC's by using large openings • Cool the mass by making a distance between the surface and the mass to allow breeze access and then cool the mass. • Water collection • Create a building that cools itself using water but without pumps, using transpiration and capillary action. • Use camel’s nose strategy.

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CHAPTER 6 THERMAL & ECONOMIC COMFORT 6.1

Economy

Size economics, which include: 1 - unit area (length x width) 2 - The size of the distribution elements: The share of the housing unit from the area of stairs and external roads.

The economic aspect includes three dimensions that must be studied and evaluated together: A- Shape economy

3- The ratio of the service elements in relation to the

b- Scale economy

living area:

c- Assemblage economy

The cost increases as the percentage of the

Form economics, which includes:

service area increases in relation to the living

The horizontal plan of the unit or the assembly of

surface. Assemblage economy

units in the horizontal plan of the apartment To create a typical model that is repeated in the same building: organization, The model must be economically The economic dimension must be considered in assemble able the design of the horizontal plan of the housing -

External appearance and the possibility of

unit, and it includes: assembly. - Perimeter length → External wall lining height -

Assembly method.

- Possibility of assembly The grouping is done on the longest side because of: - Structure (construction cost/columns) It reduces the area of external walls. It reduces the length and thus the cost of utility networks and infrastructure. Preference in terms of economics of form 69

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Assembly form:

Simple stripe

Stripe: A uniform orientation is maintained for all grouped housing units.

Orthogonal

Diagonal Winding

Diagonal

6.2 Building form and shading Shade is the first consideration in mitigating Winding

Simple

excessive heat from the sun. When applied properly, shade from buildings can have a significant impact on thermal comfort.

Orthogonal: to form various external spaces by changing the directions of the housing units.

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As can be seen the 1:1 street canyon proportion averaged 10°F hotter than the other proportions during the day and approximately 2.5°F between sunset and sunrise. It is interesting to note that there is not a significant difference in performance between the 1:2 (mid-rise) and 1:3 (high-rise) proportions. One can conclude from this

Temperature Graph, Street Width to Building Height Ratio, North-South Street, West Pavement

6.3 Building form and airflow

simulation that a street canyon proportion of Airflow is another significant factor from a 1:2 balances thermal comfort and UHI, thermal

comfort.

overheated

providing a cooler pedestrian environment environment, small amounts of airflow induce during the day while permitting an acceptable evaporative cooling from perspiration and is a amount of heat release during evening hours. major factor to perceived levels of comfort. In the evenings, buildings designed with adequate cross ventilation can remove heat and cool down the interior mass, reducing the need for mechanical cooling during the day.

Temperature Graph, Street Width to Building Height Ratio, East–West Street, South Pavement

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Pollution in street canyons:

are produced when the wind is permitted to flow through open channels roughened by the removal of significant portions of the street wall volume, including entire blocks. Additional turbulence is produced by the location of diagonally placed towers at the corners of the blocks. These

Studies conducted in Europe indicate that

conditions are demonstrated in the following

pollution levels increase in a 1:1 street canyon

Environment simulation measuring air speed

when wind speeds fall below five miles an hour

through a base case scenario street canyon of 1:1

due to the lack of sufficient vertical circulation in

proportion. A variety of scenarios were examined

the street canyon. Narrow streets and large

where slabs and towers were added to the 1:1 base.

buildings perpendicular to the direction of airflow

Additional scenarios include “roughening” the

restrict the movement of air, directing it up and

street canyon through the removal of entire blocks

over the built-up urban area known as the “urban

and corners. The simulations were run on the

canopy layer.” Studies indicate that a 1:1 street

evening of June 21 with wind flowing from the

canyon proportion is at the lower end of the

southwest. As can be seen, optimal results were

threshold for effective wind ventilation with the

achieved with diagonally placed towers on a base

ideal width to height proportion.

notched at the northeast corner.

In addition, streets arrange as long channels perpendicular to the wind, while allowing effective

flow,

not

produce

sufficient

turbulence to flush out particulate from the street canyon. Increased turbulence and vertical flow

Effect of geometry on wind speed in the Urban Canopy Layer – Base Case / diagonal tower

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6.4 Urban form massing standards

Following these guidelines will result in the minimum required street level shading while also

Given the assumptions and simulations noted allowing for appropriate levels of sky view and above, the Urban Form Project is proposing the air circulation. By limiting lot coverage as following building massing, street wall and open discussed will reduce the overall proportion of space guidelines for high rise commercial and building mass to open space to 50% which residential districts should be considered when enhances air movement in the street canyon. The developing urban form standards: checkerboard tower placement and open space • Maximum lot coverage of 80-90% (or 10-20% erosion of the base block creates passages for open space) not including alleys. wind movement in the east-west direction as well • Building base not to exceed of 8 stories or 90’ as creating turbulence within the urban canopy • Building projections of 10’ permitted in the layer which enhances heat exchange and the right of way (creates effective street canyon removal of air pollution. The distribution of the proportion of 1:1.5) open space through the block also enhances air • Maximum lot coverage of 50% above 8 story movement through natural, cross ventilation; bases. thereby reducing the need for air conditioning • Towers to be located a diagonally opposite spaces with operable windows and providing air corner. movement for pedestrian comfort. Distributed • The average street canyon proportion is not to open space creates spatial variety in the urban exceed 1:2 – measured over the entire block environment and can be enhanced through the (average of base and tower) development

porticoes,

pocket

parks,

• Minimize building sections to encourage natural courtyards, and through-block connectors. ventilation. 73

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6.5

Sustainable & friendly materials

Algae are emerging to be one of the most promising long-term, sustainable sources of biomass and oils for fuel, food, feed, and other co-products. Also, have the potential to produce a volume of biomass and biofuel many times greater than that of our most productive crops.

•

The glass panels are filled with micro algae and water.

•

The algae convert the sun’s energy into biomass which is used to power the building.

•

It helps to clean up the air pollution.

•

Curtains filled with living algae which can absorb the same amount of CO2 as a mature tree.

Walls might be the next frontier for urban farming. Though rooftop gardens are common, exterior walls aren’t typically used for growing crops. A “green wall” usually means a covering of plants that won’t be harvested. But while a wall isn’t necessarily a good place for vegetables, with algae, it’s another story. One new algae-filled wall that can quickly grow and harvest micro-algae to help fight climate change and create new products.

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Algae-filled walls is a new technology for producing energy empowering green buildings. The algae cells wall works as a cycle. In each panel, the algae grow in water. The algae are then harvested after a few days or weeks for energy, food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. To start the next growing cycle, a small amount of algae was left. In photosynthesis, algae take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. In the panels, the algae are supplied with liquid nutrients and compressed carbon dioxide. “Urban facades and roofs represent billions of square meters that instead of being made of an inanimate material such as concrete, could become clever photosynthetic surfaces that respond to the current state of climate warming,” Griffa says.

“Micro-organisms like algae are like bacteria–it’s one of those things that in our culture people try to get rid of,” Griffa says. “But algae offer incredible potential because of their very intense photosynthetic activity.” Algae take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen while growing. Compared to a tree, micro-algae are about 150 to 200 times more efficient at sucking carbon out of the air. In Griffa’s Water Lilly system, an algae-filled structure is attached to the façade of a building. Inside individual chambers, algae grow in water, and after a few days or weeks, the algae can be harvested and used for energy, food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. A small amount is left to start the next growing cycle.

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Hydrogel can absorb water. When the air around Hydrogel heats up, it evaporates and cools the room down by up to 5°C. The mechanism is inspired by the way the human body cools itself down. Once installed in buildings it will act as an alternative to the overuse of air conditioning, which is detrimental to the environment, producing 100 million tons of CO2.

Super-hydrophobic Cement (luminescent cement) Scientists in Mexico have discovered that changing the microstructure of cement can make it absorb and reflect light, creating superhydrophobic cement, also known as luminescent cement. The cement can absorb and reflect light, offering an alternative to street lighting as the ground would be lit up using this luminescent cement. Benefits: Often, cement needs to be replaced within thirty to fifty years; however, this alternative product is far more durable and will last for up to hundred years. It also offers power-free lighting and therefore can reduce the energy consumed and CO2 produced by lighting the streets of the world.

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It absorbs and reflects lights which makes it an environmentally friendly material and an alternative to street lighting. Super-hydrophobic cement declines future maintenance cost due to its durable performance.

The durability of Super-hydrophobic Cement makes it a suitable material to solve challenges regarding sustainable transportation, infrastructure, and safety. Moreover, it can be used to replace normal concrete in critical infrastructure elements. Lastly, super-hydrophobic cement can be incorporated into critical portions of infrastructure that are prone to severe weathering and deformations.

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Super white paint:

this coating is one of the highest compared to other "heat-resistant paints" we

have today, which can reflect only 80 to 90% of sunlight. This new ultra-white color can reflect 95.5% of all photons that hit it.

The ultra-white coating reflects the sun's energy into space in 3 ways at once and remains cooler than the surrounding air even under the influence of direct sunlight: 1- Paint reflects 95.5% of sunlight falling on it. 2- Reflects the bulk of ultraviolet rays by reflecting direct sunlight, without heating up by its effect. 3- It emits infrared waves in the narrow range, so the painted surface “exits into space” the heat it gets from contact with the surrounding air. The new paint is made of acrylic using calcium carbonate fillers that form the basis of this paint (60%) instead of the standard titanium dioxide particles currently used, and the rest is conventional acrylic paint. Instead of warming under direct light, objects coated with the new acrylic material can stay cooler than their surrounding temperature even under direct sunlight, potentially allowing a new energy-efficient way to control indoor temperature.

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6.6 Conclusion of the chapter • 1:2 (mid-rise) provides a cooler pedestrian environment during the day while permitting an acceptable amount of heat release during the evening hours. • Towers (high-rise buildings) with diagonally opposite corners that are perpendicular to the wind and allow effective flow • Minimize building sections to encourage natural ventilation. • Orthogonal assembly to form various external spaces by changing the directions of the housing units. • Winding and diagonal assembly to allow a lot of natural light and ventilation. • Algae-filled walls are a new technology for producing energy, empowering green buildings. The algae cell wall works as a cycle. • Hydrogel can absorb water and then cool the building by evaporation. • Luminescent cement absorbs and reflects light, which makes it an environmentally friendly material.

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CHAPTER 7 DESIGN APPROACH 7.1

Main elements of the project

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7.2

Number of users & tables of areas

16 units

(16 Family)

10 units

(20 Family)

Building Num. : Apartment area : Num. of families:

2 220m2 8

2 200m2 8

2 185m2 8

2 160m2 8

Number of units * 1.5 = 100 * 1.5 = 150 parking lot

Unit type

organization type

Detached

Unit area

floor area

plot area

200m2

480m2

Semi-detached

400m2

770m2

Apartments

A A B B

496m2 456m2 426m2 376m2

992m2 912m2 735m2 684m2

220m2 200m2 185m2 160m2

TOTAL GROUND AREA=22,026m2

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Tables of Apartments areas:

Area of two buildings = 220 * 8 = 1,760 + 1,760 * 30% = 2,288 * 2 = 4,576m2

Area of two buildings = 200 * 8 = 1,600 + 1,600 * 30% = 2,080 * 2 = 4,160m2

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Area of two buildings = 185 * 8 = 1,480 + 1,480 * 30% = 1,924 * 2 = 3,848m2

Area of two buildings = 160 * 8 = 1,280 + 1,280 * 30% = 1,664 * 2 = 3,328m2

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Area of detached buildings = 476 * 16 = 7,616m2 Area of semi-detached buildings = 476 * 2 = 952 * 10 = 9,520m2 Area of all residentials = 4,576 + 4,160 + 3,848 + 3,328 + 7,616 + 9,520 = 33,048

Tables of general facilities areas:

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Table of outdoor areas:

Table of parking areas:

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Table of mall areas:

Total area of general facilities + outdoor spaces + parking + mall = 476 + 315 + 1,612.5 + 1,225 +415 + 178 + 252 + 2,802 + 4,620 +2,694 = 14,589m2

Total area of the project = 33,048m2 + 14,589m2 =

47,637m2

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7.3

Matrix & bubble diagrams

Residential unit:

Master bedroom

Maids room

Laundry room

WC’s

Bedroom

Living room

Kitchen

Guest room

Entrance

Dining room

Garden with BBQ

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All units of the project:

Gas station

Mall

Gym

Residential Outdoor spaces

Cafe

Mosque parking

Healthcare

School

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Zoning

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7.4

Concept Concept Process

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Design a project that exploits the sun’s heat to cool the building by mimicking the camel

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It is beyond doubt that all beings reflect the endless power and knowledge of their Creator. This is expressed in numerous verses in the Qur'an where it is pointed out that everything created by Allah is a sign; The 17th verse of the Surah Al-Ghashiya tells us about “camel”. “Will they not regard the camels, how they are created? Camels have countless adaptation techniques that allow them to live substantially in desert conditions Since camels can survive in a desert biome because of its physical features, thus, desert buildings can be adapted with the desert biome by mimicking the adaptive methods of the camel. Moreover, how to analyze the organism “camel”, to approach a new scientific hypothesis that can be formulated architecturally.

How does Camel's nose work? In 1979 Schmidt-Nielsen linked up with Zoologist Amiram Shkolnik and discovered that the real secret of the camel's remarkable ability for desert survival is found in its ingeniously designed nose and discovered the secret of the camel’s air-cooling ability. The camel makes use of two principles of physics: cooler air holds less moisture; and the greater the surface area, the faster the rate of evaporation or condensation. Have “Turbinates”, are spongy nasal bones, and the camel turbinates are highly scrolled, providing narrow air passageways and a large surface area for water and heat exchange.

The techniques used in camel nose are:

1-The dew point. 3- Increase the exposed surface for cooling or evaporation. 5- Absorbent materials to moisture.

2-Humidity. 4- Condensation and vaporization. 6- Solar energy as an energy source

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The model needs to provide water for use in cooling the building, with the scarcity of water in the desert, as well as the opportunity to increase humidity in the desert atmosphere at night, water can be provided by pulling air humidity at night. The fact that could be achieved by using a moisture-absorbing material.

Step 2

After pulling a large amount of moisture by the absorbent material, how can the water be taken from it? The design must succeed in evaporating this moisture to become water vapor, through the exploitation of large solar energy in the desert, by exposing the moisture-absorbing material to sunlight in a closed vacuum to cause evaporation of water vapor.

Water vapor that evaporated in moisture-absorbent material, must condense on the surface which is relatively colder than the ambient temperature. As in the nasal turbinates surfaces in the camel's nose, this is achieved by designing the shaded surface from the heat-insulating material. It is preferred in the design to achieve an increase in the surface exposed to condensation

Step 4

Step 3

The technique of collecting condensed water on the surface is very important. This could be achieved by designing the path to collect water from the surface, and the connection with a tube, where the water is going to get into the burlap. It is important to design the tank to collect the water, to facilitate its use to the extent required in the ventilation and humidification

The dry hot air that prevails in the desert weather, is pulled into the building by ventilation fan air installed on the ventilation hole of the building. A group of burlap slices is placed before the ventilation fan. Materials such as straw and burlap are considered as materials which work to increase the area allocated for evaporating

Step 6

Step 1

Step 5

The water that has been collected in the tank is being used by spraying burlap which was placed in front of suction in the ventilation slot when the dry hot air passes on wet burlap. The water would gain a part of the heat of the air, and then a part of the water evaporates. During that, a drop-in temperature occurs inside the building and the air is saturated with an amount of water and becomes moist air 97

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System procedure:

Design and implementation of the model

At night, the lid is opened, Calcium Chloride is placed

Calcium Chloride is exposed to humidity

Calcium Chloride absorbs the moisture from the air

In the morning the lid is Closed

Calcium Chloride is exposed to sunlight in the closed prism

Moisture (water vapor) evaporates from calcium chloride

Condensate water accumulates in the path

The water will be stored in the first tank

The burlap is sprayed with water, which has been stored in the second tank

The remaining water is stored in the third tank

Hot air comes out of the ventilation hole at the top of the vacuum

Water vapor condenses on the surface

Hot dry air passes on the wet burlap, comes out cool moist air

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Architectural application:

The model is an apartment building, each floor consists of two apartments. The exterior walls of the building have been designed from double walls, between the walls, there are thermal insulation materials. The idea of the model is to include an internal vacuum consisting of a windcatcher and a chimney. Windcatcher works to supply the building with air after being cooled and moistened by camel's nose system. The chimney works to pull the hot air out of the building.

Figures show the cooling phases of the building, as follows: A. Moisture is being pulled from the air by using absorbent material; Vaporization of the water vapor then the condensation of water vapor on the prism glass surface; Collecting the condensed water in the tank Accordingly, water passes through pipes to spray the burlap. B. Pulling the hot air and passing it on the wet burlap thus warm and dry air is cooled by evaporating. C. Cold air passes from the vertical corridor, which is considered a windcatcher to horizontal corridors. D. Through the cool air corridor, cold moist air passes in the horizontal passages in the floor, then the air comes out of the cold air outlet. E. When air heats up, its density is reduced, and moved in the direction of low-density. Air rises and goes out of the hot air outlet. F. Across the chimney: Air moves from high-pressure areas to the low pressure and high-temperature areas. The solar chimney uses solar energy to enhance the natural stack ventilation in the building by using passive solar energy. 99

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The most important reasons for the preference of the Camel's nose system • This system aids to provide water needed for humidification and cooling from the available moisture in the desert environment at night. Subsequently, the system works to provide the water as a scarce resource in the desert. • This architectural application works to provide humidification and cooling for each building spaces and acts as an integrated system, not as a separate device that is installed in each room of the building. • The remaining water from this system can be used to cultivate the roof, and myriad of other activities. • This system does not depend on non-renewable energies to provide air movement inside the building, but it serves to move the air inside the spaces by creating low-pressure areas to pull air. • Buildings in which this system will be used will save money than buildings that use air conditioners or air desert conditioners.

To lower the temperature from 40 °C to 28 °C “Depending on the special conditions in the desert atmosphere” -

1 m3 air needs about 1∕6 L water

1 kg Calcium Chloride Absorbs about 1.13 L water

100

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Reducing waste by using a cradle-to-cradle method to

Closed-loop cycle

try to reach a closed cycle so that we are not only a source of harm to the environment but a source of production.

101

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Materials:

102

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103

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Al-Kofahi, Salman D., Nezar Hammouri, Mohammed N. Sawalhah, Ahmed A. Al-

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Ray of Life (Thesis book)

Articles inside

4.3 White Desert Resort

6.5 Sustainable & friendly materials

4.2 BIOPHILIA - Duplex Residences