Farida Youssef- AUC - ARCH 473/3522

Student Portfolio

The American University in Cairo (AUC)

School of Sciences and Engineering - Department of Architecture

ARCH 473/3522 - Digital Design Studio and Workshop (Fall 2022)

Student portfolio documenting samples of work submitted along the course, including research, experimentation, 3D modeling, digital fabrication, parametric design and modeling, physical model realisation and analysis.

Student name: Farida Youssef Student ID: 900181782

© The American University in Cairo (AUC), December 2022

Farida Youssef Architecture Student

I am a Senior Architectural Student in The American University in Cairo. Architecture is so rewarding yet demanding mentally and physically, however my love for it is what keeps me going. The idea of building for a better future has been always the ultimate dream. I believe that nowadays in Egypt the art of architecture is lost and the buildings main objective is to maximize the profit and the built up area. There is a lot of potential with the cultural heratiage that Egypt holds and the technology

Starting this course I was very lost as the concept of Grasshopper was very new and intriguing when I first started it. However, now it represents a never ending opportunities as it cut a lot of time and it doesn’t have much constrains. Your imagination is your

limit. It was very rewarding exploring grasshopper.

Fabric Form (Modelo, 2016)

Experimenting different ways casting and fabrick formwork can be used to create facades.

Experimenting with fabric formwork, developing techniques and concluding parameters.

During this phase, the main goal was to deduce parameters from the experiments outcomes. The choosen type of form work to explore with was fabric formwork. Different types and parameters were studied in this phase as there was a lot of fails but ended with success. Different types of fabrics were being tested on a smaller scale to see which type would give the strength desired and would give the best opportunities for the panels. The gypsum was another key factor in this phase as it was tricky at first to get the ratio right and to act fast as the first few minutes were crucial.

History Introduction

Typically, structural membranes are used as the main facing material for the concrete moulds in fabric formwork. Contrary to other formwork technologies, fabric formwork is incredibly flexible and may give concrete structures varied shapes.

Fabric Form (Modelo, 2016)

Romans

First documented case of using FABRIC formwork

Fabric used was reed

- natural recourse - flexibility - can withstand pressure

Created the fabric formwork as we know it today

Used to created vaults

- Started Building Shells

CTESIPHON

Technique used

- Two retaining walls that are filled with clay in reed baskets

- Formwork used to create vaults and give it Its shape

Gustav lilien-

- Used a woven fabric

- Stretch it over a timber frame

- Add plaster to take to shape of the fabric

- Introducted a new era in fabric formwork to creating different variations for new facade panels

- Parallel formwork arches

- Fabric has a space to breathe and sag

- Cement is the poured to take the shape

MIGUEL FISAC

- Using flexible polyethylene suspended from a rigid structure

Precedents

Trial

Constants

Through Trial

Mesh Fabric Water to Gypsum Ratio Soaking the Fabric in the mixture then shaping it

Variables Through Trial

Using different molds Altering the mesh fabric

First documented case of using FABRIC formwork fabric used was reed - natural recourse - flexibility - can withstand pressure created the fabric formwork as we know it today

First Trial

Reflection

The desired texture was achieved. The fabric is strong enough to be molded on its own. Interesting form that opens a lot of opportunities.

Trial

Reflection

The shape of the glove was an unstable surface for the gypsum to dry. The thickness wasn’t constant. While removing the glove a part of the gypsum chipped off.

Third Trial

Goal: achieving a curved shape

Materials used

Gypsum, water, sponge matt and curved shape

use a curved surface as a mold remove matt after solidifying

Reflection

This shape was the strongest after drying, however the least flexible one.

Forth Trial

Goal: Sewing the edges to achieve a perforated curved surface using textile Materials

used

Gypsum, water, water bottle and mesh fabric.

First Trail

Second Trail

Reflection

Shape held up well after solidifying on the water bottle. Adding a great opportunity for sunlight to pass through if placed strategically. Sewing the edges made the structure stronger.

Sewing edges

Using water bottle as mold

Fifth Trial

Goal: achieving a perforated surface using textile but trying a Mold with a different radius and height Materials

used

Gypsum, water, water bottle, mesh fabric

use a cylindrical Mold remove mold

Reflection

The Mold stretched the fabric which resulted in cracking of the figure. Not the most successful experiment.

Workflow

Pannel Logic

The Curvature of Physical model made me explore the perforations more but it served its purpose. Panel is flexible to control the amount of sun light entering + playing with shade and shadow to allow a unique experience. Working on Global Scale then local scale formed coherence and flow.

The grid showed great promises

For the sake of designing a facade, Flat grid showed more opportunities

Deconstruction of Grid

Breaking the grid to allow for a visually dynamic panel

Changing Solid to Void Ratios

Blocking some perforations to control the amount of sunlight entering

Cluster Variations

Changing the height controls the amount of sun light allowing to pass

Dynamic parametric panel that changes on its own during the day.

Final Result is a parametric panel that has both visually dynamic and dynamic features. Its appearance changes through the day according to the path of the sun to allow maximum day light.

Global Scale Panel

Pannel Variations Parameter Changing ( Intersection of lines)

Moving them in different directions showed great potential of how they could change to block sun and provide privacy in certain spaces.

Showing how flexible the panel could be. Two characteristics could be concluded from this ( Transparency and Privacy )

Casting shade and shadow on surrounding blocks. Could be used as one of the shading strategies.

Local Scale Panel

Instead of working on a Local Scale then a Global one. The panel is designed as one unite and the manipulation is on a local scale. After Extruding the perforations, They were made connected to sun path as they follow it to allow maximum lighting when required.

Parametric facelift to the national bank of Egypt

Site Analysis

This branch of the Naional Bank of Egypt is located on the 90th street in the Fifth settlement. It consists of seven floors that are mainly business oriented like offices and meeting rooms etc. The current facade is not the best solution to double skin facades in an arid climate. In addition, it is also producing glare, heat gain from direct solar radiation falling on the facade and it does not allow for optimal ventilation. These are some of the problems are needed to be tackeled through this parametric facelift process.

Environmental Analysis

Some parts of the facade is a victim of direct solar radiation and needs shading more than what is being offered right now. Solar gain increase the temperature inside of the building and increases the glare.

The wind in not affecting the building at all as the prevailing wind is coming from the North west Direct and the facade is oriented at south west direction. To conclude, wind is not affecting the facade.

Double Skin Facade

Basic Principals

The double skin facade is a system of building consisting of two skins placed in such a way that air flows in the middle cavity. the air could rely on natural factors ( relying on stack effect) or mechanical ones ( relying of HVAC systems)

Preformance in Arid Climate

The double skin facade is a system of building consisting of two skins placed in such a way that air flows in the middle cavity. the air could rely on natural factors ( relying on stack effect) or mechanical ones ( relying of HVAC systems)

The properties of the double skin facade like the transparent facade and thermal radiation makes acts a barrier from weather conditions all year long. It is also environmental friendly as it cuts down on a lot of costs like air conditioning and heating for example.

Preformance in Arid Climate

In arid climates the openings made in the double skin facade allows for the hot air to escape also known as the chimney effect. The first skin reflects the majority of the solar radiation so minimal heat transfer affects the building while ventilating it.

Affordance and Limitations

Classifications Responsive Facade

Box window (right) constructed through vertical and horizontal partitions. The ventilation is through the constructed partitions. The partitions constructed are horizontal and it is realized for ventilation reasons.

The corridors facade (left) partitions constructed are horizontal and it is realized for ventilation reasons.

Responsive Parametric Design

The shaft box facade (right) is a mix of the partitioning mode. The ventilation happens through the stack effect.

The multi story facade construction type is multi story and the ventilation is undergone through the large openings near the floor and the roof of the building

Precedents

Air Space Tokyo Al Bahar Towers

Transparency with community, Privacy, thermal comfort inside.

Optimal Solar and light conditions

Response to sun exposure and changing incidence angles during the different days of the year

Each triangles are programmed to respond to the movement of the sun as a way to reduce solar gain and glare

This ‘artificial vegetation’ that goes around the whole building performs similarly to a vegetation facade, providing shading and reflection of excess light away from the building, The static overlaying of layers of the porous.

Reducing solar gain by more than 50 percent and reduce the building’s need for energy-draining air conditioning. The glass is tented allowing more day light in and to have the users enjoy the view more.

The curtain wall is sitting two meters outside the buildings exterior

It is a shaft box facade with buffer air system

The 2 meters gap is made to break down the direct sunlight to cut on the gain of solar radiation

It is connected to the walls on steel

Technical details and pros/cons

Technical Parts

Advantages

Reduce cooling and heating demand

Allow clear views and natural light Improve insulation (thermal and acoustic)

1. Exterior glazing. 2. Interior glazing. 3. Structural frame. 4. Operable sun shade. 5. Sun shade canopy. 6. Upper operable ventilation. 7. Maintenance catwalks.

Structural System Components

Allow natural ventilation and air renewal (In some types)

Distadvantages

Much higher initial cost

Space consumption

Higher maintenance costs

Could be easily interrupted by the context

Concept and Logic

The panel produced in project one had a lot of potential that could be further explored. In the parametric facelift, it was decided to take the parametric codes from project one and further enhance them to produce the facade given. Some of the parametric design drivens where the extruded shapes that help in casting a shade on the facade, the extrusions following the sun path and a system of chilled water pipes that cool down the facade to give an optimal environment for the users inside of the building.

Morphing The Code

Projecting the parts that follow the sun path to allow maximum in direct sunlight in these specific spaces that requires good lighting to function in an effecient manner.

The base of the second skin, there are gaps where the extruded sun following panels will be installed. This skin is made out of glass allowing sun to pass through.

These broken segments are projected to minimize the impact of the direct solar gain where is needed. The thickness varies according to the amount of un wanted solar gain.

This is the chilled water piped system that allows the building to cool off. It is also acts as a structural bracing system that allows for the different segments to co exist.

on the outcome of the first trial

After this phase, it was clear that the parameters drived from project one had potential and fit within the requirments to improve this building. However, there was a lot of things that needed fixing. The entrances were blocked and some of the segments were placed randomaly not according to the environmental factors. The facade looked like on heavy massive block that wasn’t transparent nor inviting. After reflecting on this trail, it moved me forward to improve and adjust the facade to better fit the concept and fit within the context.

Reflecting

Entrances and Roof

The entrances and the roof were shaped by the cull index comand were numbers where projected on the facade and they were removed manually to ensure that the entrances are as wide as needed and the roofs are playful but not random to redpect the activities happening inside of the building.

Slabs Modifications

Before After

The slabs before were uniformally decreasing as they go up, but slightly. This configuration was good but needed more to make sure the facade will fit structure wise on top of it . Also some slabs were removed to do a mazanin floors and double heighted spaces in other areas.

First Skin

Curvature of the first skin to create spaces that are simi indoor outdoors where activities could take place and in other spaces it would be just a catwalk for cleaning the facade only.

Showing the slab modifications and the 1st skin curvature

Sun Path Following Segments

Connecting these segments to follow the sun path to allow indirect sunlight in some desired spaces.

ETFE is the material used for the expandable kinetic segments that follow the sun path. This material allows the segments to expand when needed and to also maintain its structural strength.

Decreasing Solar Radiation Effect

Segments Behind

The skin code is created and then plugged in to lady bug solar radiation to appear in the spaces where is it needed to block and open where there is not much solar radiation to provide optimal environment.

Lady bug solar radiation

Before After

Segment

Fragmented Segments

These segments main purpose is privacy. They are located were the activities that are happening behind need minimal sunlight coming in and less transparency with the public.

Chilled Water Pipes System

This system is related to the solar radiation analysis as it is located where there is a lot of direct heat gain from solar radiation. The main function behind it is cooling down the facade so it doesn’t absorb the heat and transmit it into the building

VR Experience

The VR was such an important experience as I noticed a lot of wrong things in my project that otherwise I wouldn’t have noticed. To start with, some of the sun path connected panels would sometimes be extruded inwards instead of outwards. The entrance wasn’t clear and last but not least some of the panels would go in into the walls and slabs and the false ceiling wasn’t respected. All of these things were mdified and taking the project into anotehr rendering software to check that the problems are fixed and that there aren’t any other problems that need attention

Farida Youssef

Fabrication

Before

By Just exporting the File to cure the fabrication time was too long and needed some modifications

. The file was rotated and extra mesh was added to make sure that the time would decrease a bit. It was a success and the time went down from 1 day and 20 hours to 12 hours and 45 minuites which would make the fabrication process douable and the time is within the acceptable limites.

Biblography

• https://medium.com/@Modelo/fabric-forms-efd310663236

• https://wfmmedia.com/etfe-the-trending-facade-material-making-the-trendiest-buildings/

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