Design Portfolio by Ahmed Abdelaal

AHMED ABDELAAL MAHMOUD MSC. IN URBAN DESIGN 03046 Cottbus, Germany +49-17675897095 Ahmed.abdelaal.mah@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/ahmed-abdelaal093 behance.net/Ahmed-Abdelaal

Accomplished architectural and urban designer with a demonstrated record of accomplishment in both ‎professional practice and academia. Strong expertise in creating sustainable urban spaces, from initial ideation to ‎project realization. Proficient in conceptualizing and executing environmentally conscious projects that integrate ‎innovative design principles with eco-friendly technologies. Offer exceptional communication and collaborative ‎efforts with multidisciplinary teams, local communities, and stakeholders to deliver innovative and sustainable ‎solutions that contribute to the long-term well-being of both the built environment and its inhabitants.‎

CONTENTS

01 02 03 04

URBAN DESIGN AND REHABILITATION PROJECT Frankfort-Oder Through The City Spine LANDSCAPE PLANNING AND URBAN SPACE DESIGN Reimaging The Waterfront URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Regenerative Burj Rashed, Rosetta REHABILITATION AND ADAPTIVE REUSE Interpretive Visitor Center

“First we shape the cities, then they shape us .” Jan Gehl

URBAN DESIGN AND REHABILITAION

THROUGH THE CITY SPINE

Frankfort-Oder, Germany

U��Design D�� R�� P�� Urban and Rehabilitation Project U�� D�� R�� P��

Urban Design and Rehabilitation Project F�� O�� T�� T�� C�� S�� U�� D�� R�� P�� Urban Design and Rehabilitation Project Frankfort-Oder Through The City Spine U�� D�� R�� P�� Urban Design and Rehabilitation Project F�� O�� T�� T�� C�� S�� Frankfort-Oder Through The City Spine F�� O��Through T�� T�� C�� S�� F�� O��Through T�� T�� S�� Frankfort-Oder The City Spine Frankfort-Oder TheC�� City Spine 50 km

INTRODUCTION

Tesla Gigafactory, Tesla gafactory, Tesla GigGiafactory, Erkner Erkner

Erkner

30 km

30 30 km km 30 km Tesla Gigafactory, 15 KM 15 KMErkner 15 KM

Frankfurt OderFrankfurt Oder

15 KM

Frankfurt Oder

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ANALYSIS

A N A LY S I S

ANALYSIS

A N A LY S I S

Structural morphology Structural morphology

M O B I L I T Y

ANALYSIS

N A LY S I S

SIS M O RA PNA ANHLAYLO Y S ILS O G Y

SHRINKAGE, the new construction construc�onBut ofwith TESLA GIGAFACTORY, of TESLA rises an there risesGIGAFACTORY, an opportunitythere for reindustropportunity forFrankfurt-oder the reindustrialization of iliza�on of the city. Frankfurt-Oder city.

Social infrastructures plan Open spaces plan Socialplan infrastructures plan Transporta�on plan Social infrastructures Transporta�on plan

Open spaces plan

Social infrastructures plan

Transporta�on plan

Traffic map before interven�on Structural morphology Traffic map before interven�on Traffic map before interven�on

SWOT analysis plan SWOT analysis plan

SWOT analysis plan

Design Approach Design Approach Design Approach Focuses on a�rac�ng the different user groups within the city Focuses on a�rac�ng the addi�on different user groups within Focuses on a�rac�ng center the different user groups within city the city with of new layerthe of func�ons,These func�ons center with addi�on ofto new of func�ons,These func�ons center with addi�on ofcombine new layer of layer func�ons,These func�ons create a dynamic communal city center with increase Traffic map before interven�on Structural morphology combine to create a dynamic communal city center with increase combine to create a dynamic communal citybetween center with increase the visual connec�on users and diffresnt spaces. Main five spots of riverfront Traffic map a�er interven�on the visual connec�on between users and diffresnt spaces. the visual connec�on between users and diffresnt spaces. Traffic map a�er interven�on Main five spots of riverfront Main five spots of riverfront

Traﬃc map a�er interven�on

Design Concept Design Concept Design Concept

DD E SE ISGI N G NP L PA LNA N

50 km

DD E SE ISGI N G NP L PA LNA N

50 km

DD E SE ISGI N G NP L PA LNA N

50 km

Focuses on a�rac�ng the different user groups within the city Design center withApproach addi�on of new SWOT layeranalysis of plan func�ons,These func�ons combine to create a dynamic communal city center increase Focuses on a�rac�ng the different userwith groups within the city the visual connec�on between diffresnt spaces. Design Approach center with addi�on ofusers newand layer of func�ons,These func�ons

Focuses a�rac�ng the diﬀerent user groups within theincrease city combine toon create a dynamic communal city center with C I T Y C E N T E R with addi�onbetween of new layer of and func�ons,These func�ons thecenter visual connec�on users diﬀresnt spaces.

Traﬃc map a�er interven�on Traﬃc map a�er interven�on

DESIGN CONCEPT

S ICGENP TC O N C E P T D E S I G N CDOE N DESIGN CONCEPT

which enhances the city›s identity.

combine create F R A toM W a dynamic O R Kcommunal city center with increase the between users and diﬀresnt spaces. P Lvisual A connec�on N

I M IPNL ET M E RE N V TE ANTTI IOONN

Focuses on attracting the Concept differentDesign user groups within Maincity ﬁve spots of riverfront the center with addition of The spine, the central new layer of functions. Main ﬁve spots of riverfront boulevard, connects

Traﬃc map a�er interven�on

Design Concept different spaces taking These functions combine to users from main street Design Concept atodynamic communal Thecreate spine, the the central riverfront through city center with increase the The spine, theplaza. central the new central boulevard, connects visual connection between boulevard, connects The usertaking experiences different spaces users and different spaces. the different character different spaces taking users from main street ofusers spaces along thisstreet from main to the riverfront through spine which enhances to the riverfront through The spine, the central the new central plaza. the city iden�ty. new central boulevard,the connects differentplaza. Thespaces, user experiences The user experiences taking users from Concept plan theMain different character the different character Street to the riverfront ofnew spaces this of spaces along thisalong through the central plaza. spine which enhances spine which enhances the city iden�ty. theThe cityuser iden�ty. experiences the distinctive character of spaces along this spine,

D E S I G N

DESIGN CONCEPT

C O N C E P T

Main ﬁve spots of riverfront

prop

Concept plan

The facade of t the surroundin architecture st Interven�on map

Framework paln

Eleva

T t a

Interven�on map

Framework paln

Frankfurt oder City Center (Old Town), thanks to its wide selection of attractions, has become a must-see for visitors.

Framework paln

08 DD E SE ISGI N G NP L PA LNA N M

A S T E R

P L A N

I N T E R V E N T I O N

TEMPORAL FUNCTIONS OF THE PLATFORM

09 Elevation of proposed industrial school and the library

Section C-C through proposed garage workshops to the industrial school

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Jane Jacobs

LANDSCAPE PLANNING AND URBAN SPACE DESIGN

REIMAGING THE WATERFRONT

Frankfort-Oder, Germany

THE WATERFRONT SITE has been shaped by a variety of factors, including

agriculture, geological transformation, historical defense systems, and water bodies. This project delves into the intricate details of the landscape development strategies, aims to promote the waterfront while, showcasing the city’s commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban spaces.

T H E

FRANKFURT-ODER B O R D E R C I T Y

Frankfurt-oder as a river city has an immense potential to use its waterfront as a PUBLIC OPEN SPACE that motivates the residents to socially interact with the river.

socially interact with the river. R I V E R F R O N T D E V E L O P M E N T

as a central boulevard connected to the urban development plan, creates a lively city center that deepens its relationship with the waterfront by bridging disparate urban spaces.

DESIGN CONCEPT

Riverfront Development

THE SPINE ...

DESIGN CONCEPT

The design relies on creating five main spots through the riverfront providing the users with different landscape elements along the trip on thr riverfront.

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N T O O L K I T S THE LANDSCAPE FRAMEWORK PLAN reduces the boundaries and achieves a new development, taking users from Main Street to the riverfront through the new central plaza. In the ever-evolving landscape design, riverfront development stands as a testament to the transformational power of thoughtful planning and strategic vision of Frankfort-oder city. The development introduce the new spine to offersusers various elements in every prominent location, such as historic sites, a gathering area, and a water sports area.

Proposed Riverfront Design plan

Frankfurt-Oder’s riverfront development aims to leverage the potential of the Oder River to enhance the city’s cultural, recreational, and economic vitality. The comprehensive plan incorporated various design elements, sustainable practices, sense of community, and physical weilbeing to create a dynamic urban environment that resonates with both residents and visitors.

The Oder-River is strong element that leads to all the social ac�vi�es that the proposed design relied on.

crea�ng ﬁve Emphasis on public spaces facilitated community the riverfront engagement, cultural events, and recreational activities. Improved public spaces and recreational with diﬀerent facilities enhanced the overall quality of life for residents. Restoration of natural habitats along the riverbanks promoted biodiversity and ecological resilience.

n every main

RIVERFRONT

an-friendly promenades, which create seamless connectivity between neighborhoods and the river.

DEVELOPMENT

Design approch working on merging the boundaries and achieving a new development for the waterfront for residents to engage and strengthen their bond The development strategy of the spine includes with the waterfront. green corridors, bicycle lanes, and pedestri-

“A city’s environment is shaped not only by people who have an important influence, but by everyone who lives or works there.” Robert Cowan

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

REGENERATIVE BURJ RAHID Rosetta Region, Egypt

L O C AT I O N

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF BURJ RASHEED

MACRO SCALE

MESO SCALE

MICRO SCALE

BURJ RAHID is an informal settlement near Rasheed City, the site

is located at the Nile Delta under Alexandria, Egypt. The site is a semiconfined aquifer settled on the northern part of the Nile Delta.

THE WATER SYSTEM in Burj Rasheed is facing some serious

issues regarding the freshwater supply and drainage network, also the changing of shoreline because of climate change throughout history.

1818

WATERFRONT Fishing boats, markets, and children

make it active and vibrant‎during, ‎but the ‎waterfront analysis shows various problems ‎that annoy these ‎activities, as ‎it ‎causes a decrease in both water and air quality.‎

1 9 9 0T E C L I M A

C H A N G E

It has a unique feature: The Qaitbay fortress was built in the ‎‎15th ‎century. Nowadays, the fort suffers from a lack of ‎maintenance while the ‎water ‎level rises in ‎the ‎surroundings, which puts the fort in bad condition. ‎

The study of river morphology is a branch of science that examines how erosion and sedimentation ‎processes alter the plan and cross-section of rivers. The dynamics of sediment transport and river flow ‎are the main components. Studies on the river morphology provide important information required for ‎the management of water resources, constructions along the river banks and in mitigating hazards such ‎as floods and other natural events. After 1990, a large area on Burj Rasheed is prone to inundation. The inundation in Burj Rasheed is caused as an impact of Sea level rise and is expected ‎to rise by 35cm in 2050. More than half of Rasheed’s land will be sunk due to the low elevation. Most ‎of the area is made of alluvial floodplains that are at or below sea level. The inundation ‎is caused by the Mediterranean Sea’s saltwater intrusion which in result makes the coastal land saline ‎as well.

WAT E R F R O N T A N A LY S I S

C H A L L E N G E S O F WAT E R S Y S T E M

First of ‎the serious challenges that are observed is SHORELINE ‎C HANGE related to CLIMATE CHANGE, the Sea ‎level rise. Second challenge is WATER QUALITY as one of the most variables of the water framework in ‎Burj ‎Rasheed‎the high salinity of the soil. Third challenge is WASTE MANAGEMENT in the site area, and how it can be identified, and also working on dealing with ‎its ‎‎several types of waste.

RESIDENTIAL AREA section show the current situation of the

waterfront with a comparison between the narrow walking area on the ‎waterfront in some locations, while other locations are left without any walking area. It also shows the ‎only ‎1-meter width barrier between walking areas and water.‎

AGRICULTURAL LANDS in Burj Rasheed, ‎‎it depends on ‎irrigation canals of drain water called “Al-‎musqi”, farmers use water pumping machines to pump up the water ‎from irrigation canals to fields. ‎

QAITBAY FORTRESS with high-water level surrounding as

the barrier around the ‎fortress couldn›t stop this leaking water, also the solid waste in gray color widespread along the ‎waterfront‎.‎

SHORELINE on river Nile and ‎the ‎Mediterranean Sea, also it

shows the concrete blocks that are used as ‎buffer zone to prevent water-raising; besides this, it›s shown the salty ‎land due to absorbing‫‏‬ ‫‏‬a high amount of seawater.‎

V I S I O N A N D S T R AT E G Y

01 GREEN BELT TO STRENGTHEN SHORELINES IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE.

02 MULTIPLE INTERVENTIONS TO “PROTECT, BUILD & RESTORE” WATER SYSTEM OF BURJ RASHID.

03 MONITORING STATIONS TO REGULATE WATER QUALITY.

The project aims towards addressing the identified gaps in the water system of Burj Rasheed on both ‎Meso and Micro scale, set for short and long term. It will not only give a chance to improve the water ‎system for Burj Rasheed but will also act as a step towards satisfactory living conditions for the ‎residents. The plan is to intervene in a manner that has the potential to save Burg Rasheed from ‎various climatic changes. The objective on both scales is to protect the shoreline from further erosion ‎along with strategies for maintenance.‎

P R O P O S E D

M A S T E R P L A N M I C R O S C A L E

I N T E R V E N T I O N

Various proposals under the concept of Protect, Build & Restore have been made. The first step to ‎achieving the said concept is to clean the solid waste present on the shoreline and relocate the people ‎who are extremely near the shoreline. In addition to the Green Belt, the proposal for an improvised fish market has been made. It includes ‎dock with loading and unloading zones for fishing boats, ensuring hygienic standards for the quality of ‎the fish production and storage.

Furthermore, introducing the Green Belt to strengthen the soil. ‎The plants to be used to hold the soil in a more strengthened manner along with ‎reducing the soil salinity, thus, purifying both soil and water, such as Jatropha plant. ‎ To make the shoreline accessible to the residents or any visitors, ‎communal space has been proposed, where people can enjoy temporary local cafes ‎and outside seating along the waterfront.

WATER PROMENADE is added in front of Qaitbay fort to have the

public engagement with ‎the water. It has been designed flexibly to welcome the water in times of flood. Lastly, ‎the present brick factory is proposed to be relocated and the space is to be reused as boat building ‎zone. The structures (presently used for drying and storing bricks) can be repurposed as a boat building ‎and maintenance zone; the new function is both environmentally and economically beneficial ‎

“ Through interpretation, understanding; through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection.” Freeman Tilden

REHABILITATION AND ADAPTIVE REUSE

INTERPRETIVE VISITOR CENTER

Alexandria, Egypt

The intervention is the adaptive reuse proposal of the warehouse to transform it into an interpretive visitor center. This intervention aims; to promote the cultural heritage assets within the historic city center and rehabilitate the local markets to create a vibrant social and cultural hub. The design introduces the heritage block as a friendly pedestrian area that is convenient and safe for individuals and groups.

P R O P O S A L D E S I G N

ACCESSIBILITY LAND-USE MAP

design concept

The design objective is to create a central interpretative space that connects the three cultural landmarks of Cavafy House, Saint Saba Monastery, and the Opera House, and increase their tourist revenue sources. Accessibility is prioritized through improvements to public infrastructure, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone and bikeable space for easy accessibility. Interpretation strategies involve cultural exhibitions and educational programs to highlight the historical significance of the city center. The proposal also emphasizes revitalizing the local market, particularly in leather craft, with a thematic design that preserves the market’s character. Sustainability is a key consideration, advocating for the repurposing of existing structures,implementing energy-efficient upgrades, solar panels, and the use of renewable materials to minimize environmental impact.

DESIGN CONCEPT “Introduce an interpretive center for Alexandria’s cultural heritage”. Link the neighboring cultural assets within a central interpretive space that complements the journey on the cultural route in the direction of narrating the city center’s story. Increase visitor interaction, turning them from passive consumers into active participants, thereby promoting experiential cultural tourism. Introduce a friendly pedestrian zone in the surrounding area of the interpretive center and provide an outdoor gathering area that offers convenience and safety for individuals and groups.

The first objective is to create a central interpretative space that connects the three cultural landmarks, and increase their tourist revenue sources. Utilizing various interpretation strategies, this center can enrich the visitor’s experience and enhance the attractiveness of the heritage block to tourists. The second objective involves the revitalization of the local leather craft markets, creating a well-designed commercial hub that capitalizes on cultural tourism, benefiting local business owners.

SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS

I N T E R V E N T I O N

Achieving sustainability and energy efficiency goals, via Implementing passive design strategies that leverage natural elements to reduce the need for mechanical heating, cooling, and lighting. This includes maximizing natural daylight, and using shading devices to control solar heat gain.

Via; SKYLIGHT PITCHED ROOF featuring a transparent material, brings natural light into interior spaces to reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. For the inner spaces, a section of DOUBLE-GLAZED WINDOWS was installed with two separate layers of glass to reduce heat transfer during winter and summer. The installed windows improve the light penetration while decreasing external noise, resulting in comfortable inner spaces.

ZONING.. the design layout incorporates a cen-

tral interpretive area with informative panels, touch screens, and 3D diagrams to give visitors a rich educational experience to understand the city’s heritage. Furthermore, it includes diverse learning and training workshop spaces, exhibition spaces both temporary and permanent. The edge was designed to accommodate several local leather shops, maintaining its former location linked to Fouad Street.

The inner zones were arranged in a harmonious layout to ensure seamless circulation throughout the center’s spaces. The center was designed with two entrances to ensure its accessibility from both the main streets and side alleys. The layout incorporates glazed openings to preserve the visual connection between inside spaces and external landscape, providing natural indirect lighting for all spaces.