Selim Helse - Portfolio

PORTFOLIO

SELIM HELSE

WORK EXPERIENCE

05/2021

09/2021

SELIM HELSE

As a full-fledged architect, I am captivated by the complexities of the built environment and the impact of technology and design on shaping our world. I am eager to leverage computational tools & principles to make a meaningful contribution to the field of architecture.

References available upon request.

Languages

E-mail Contact

WhatsApp

English, Arabic

salimhilles@gmail.com

+447760105034

+971501140200

Company Monogram

Location Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Role Part-Time Designer

My role in monogram included projects ranging from site architect for a villa in Dubai, and jewellery & accessories design and fabrication for Dubai Expo 2020.

Company City Space Architects

Location Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Role Architect

During my time at City Space Architects, I was tasked with designing luxury villas and retail centers, in various high-end developments throughout Dubai. Completing designs for over 15 projects, four of which are currently under construction.

EDUCATION

09/2021

01/2023

Architectural Association

London, United Kingdom

MArch - Design Research Laboratory [AADRL]

Studio Spyropoulos

Thesis - Aeolian

08/2014

04/2019

American University in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Bachelors of Architecture

Thesis - Hydrate

SKILLS

Modeling Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Maya, Houdini FX, AutoCAD, Sketch-up

Company Imkan

Location Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Role Intern Researcher at R&D Department

As a member of Imkan’s R&D department, my responsibilities included researching and exploring various company initiatives, such as place-making, integrating food into architectural design, experimenting with new materials, implementing art strategies, and investigating mixed-use typologies.

Code C#, C++, Unity, Unreal Engine, Arduino

Rendering vRay, Lumion, Arnold, Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effect

Address

98 Grays Inn Road

London, UK

05/2019

08/2019

Company Middle East Architecture Network

Location Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Role Intern Architect

During my internship, I gained experience in a wide range of architectural project tasks, including developing design concepts, creating 3D models, creating drawings and diagrams, and producing visual renderings.

Fabrication 3D Printing, Kuka Robot, CNC, Laser-Cutting

ACHIEVEMENTS

2022

Project Feature at Keynote Future Design Research Symposium, Towards the Certainty of Uncertainty by Dr. Theodore Spyropoulos

Venice Virtual Biennial Competition - 2nd Place + Next Phase 2023 2018

Project Feature in COMPASSES Magazine

LinkedIn Selim Helse

AEOLIAN

“SHAPED BY THE WIND”

MArch - AADRL THESIS PROJECT

Architectural Association, London

PROJECT TEAM

Selim Helse

Ilya Katliarski

Pawin Wattanachaiyingcharoen

Yun Lu

STUDIO MASTER

Dr. Theodore Spyropoulos

STUDIO ASSISTANTS

Octavian Mihai Gheorghiu

Hanjun Kim

Apostolos Despotidis

David Greene

PROJECT YEAR

2022-2023

The research undertaken by the year’s studio under the guidance of Dr. Theodore Spyropoulos emphasises aspects of the elemental and how natural phenomena can be utilised as a form of technology and to devise strategies of a performative architecture as a response to global challenges in a planetary scale. Sustaining life is the key motivation behind this brief. Students are to research, explore, and experiment with natural phenomena to develop techniques for generating materials and architecture depending on the on-site conditions and material contingencies. The harmonious relationship between architecture and nature is a key feature in this brief in an attempt to establish agendas for sustainable living. Architecture in this instance serves as an environmental machine. The elemental approach of this research challenges what architecture can be. How materials are devised? How energy can be harnessed? And How life can be sustained?

The research addresses the process of desertification by utilising the desert’s onsite materiality and investigating its material contingency. The elemental aspect of sand is explored as form of technology, by investigating the possibilities of material transformation of sand into glass under high temperature.

MATERIAL RESEARCH

SAND WELDING

The team experimented by creating different tools for sand welding and continously developed them over time, however, the main equipements used throughout this research is a 120 Ampere battery with crocodile clips attached to the positive and negative, and two carbon electrodes, touching each other create the electrical arch which reaches necessary temperatures. Reaching a temperature approximatley 1000 degrees Celsius, enough to melt the sand into a state of liquid, fusing the sand and transforming it into glass. And therefore the range of experiments was executed with carbon electrodes further. The welding process required skills and a level of craftsmanship, therefore some training process was necessary for the execution of the experiment.

WELDING 1.0

WELDING 2.0

WELDING 3.0

COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOUR

CYBERNETIC AGENT BASED SYSTEM

The proposal examines a high population of agents that can be deployed on site. Whose agency is to self organize as a swarm based system with the intentionality of performing the sand-to-glass fusion. Utilizing the idea that a bottom up approach allows the system to be much more potent to scalability at a scale of an infrastructure, as proposed in the thesis. The system is cybernetic in its ability to communicate with the changing states of the dunescape.

PATHFINDING

Non-Fusion Mode

In non-fusion mode, the agents attempt to travel using the easiest path of traveling between the sloped terrain. In this case, they move on the lower parts of the landscape, between dunes.

Fusion Mode

During fusion mode, the agents spread out and attempt to travel on the slopes of the dune in order to fuse a larger area of the slope together. Their path of travel is generated by vector-fields that flow along the back faces of the dunes.

SWARM BEHAVIOR W/ HIGH POPULATION OF AGENTS

The terrain is analysed to gather key data points that will enable the agent-based system to make autonomous, real-time decisions. These values are translated into a colour map to provide a visualization of how the agents will perform in different areas. Orange areas have lower values and are characterized by stronger agent cohesion behaviour while blue areas have higher values and are characterized by stronger separation behaviour. This helps to optimize and improve the performance of the generated structure. For example, orange areas are denser than blue areas, providing a thicker, more rigid foundation to support the structure.

TIME ASPECT

CYBERNETIC RELATION BETWEEN AGENTS & TERRAIN

As time passes, it becomes clear how the particle behaviour begins to change. However, over time the sand will slowly begin to cover the structure, therefore, as part of its cybernetic conversation with the landscape, the agents see the newly formed terrain and begin fusing that part of it. Resulting in a multi-layered structure which is generated over a period of time.

Layer - 1

Layers - 2

Layers - 3

Layers - 4

AGENT PROTOTYPE

BEHAVIOR PROTOTYPE OF AGENT SYSTEM

The behavior of the prototype aligns with the collective behavior of agents simulated in the previous chapter. As a result, the team created a robot to test these behaviors in a real-world setting. Three experiments were conducted to examine the robot’s ability to follow, fuse, and react to color data. The ability to follow is crucial as it enables communication among agents. The ability to fuse with the environment, as demonstrated through drawing, is also important as it impacts how other robots respond. Lastly, the robot’s ability to make decisions based on color data generated from the terrain, as previously discussed, determines where it chooses to fuse or not fuse with the landscape.

1. Rubber Tubes Wheel

2. Continuous Servo

3. Arduino

4. Centre Body

5. 9v Batteries

6. Front Wheel

7. Colour Sensor

8. Photoresistor

BRIGHTNESS SENSING - BLACK AND WHITE

BRIGHTNESS SNESING - SAND AND GLASS

COLOR SENSING & DECISION MAKING - SMALL SCALE

COLOR SENSING & DECISION MAKING - LARGE SCALE

AGENT

DIGITAL PROTOTYPE

The goal of the agent is to fuse sand into glass, fabricating the structure in the desert. The agent itself employs a range of behaviours, it needs to analyse locally the landscape, communicate with other agents, move on top of sand, fuse the sand and harness energy.

SCENARIO

SYSTEM TEST ON SPECIFIED SITE

The focus was on the simulation environment on a 1km2 area of the 80km site, creating a machine ecology in which the agents used data from the landscape to strategize and self-organize. The simulations were repeated multiple times until the generated morphology was able to effectively redirect sand particles.

Non-Structural Influence

Structural Influence

SITE - CITY SITE - BOUNDARY SITE - WIND FLOW ANALYSIS

1 - LAYER

3 - LAYERS 2 - LAYERS

A.D.A “2000 LINES OF CODE”

MArch - AADRL COMPUTATIONAL WORKSHOP

Architectural Association, London

PROJECT TEAM

Selim Helse

Sahar Gohari

Zeinab Muneam

Swati Singh

Luisa Pires

Harunn Gokul

COURSE TUTOR

Dr. Shajay Bhooshan

COURSE ASSISTANT

Cesar Fragachan

PROJECT YEAR

2021

The objective of this project is to use code as a computational tool to have more control over design and to use that framework to generate a variety of specified forms. This first scope was to use particle systems to map out a distribution of points, control the points based on multiple parameters and to use these parameters to influence specific distributions which will then be substituted with voxels, creating a box distribution network. The second scope is to design geometries that will be placed inside each voxel. These geometries must be placed and vary parametrically within the network to compliment the stability, connectivity, and the density of the global form.

Tests are first conducted within modelling tools before computing large scale results. Finally, fabricating the aggregations by building a framework between the voxel network and geometries outside of the digital realm. As a study reference for parameter change, functionally graded materials that have gradual change in parameters within them, the composition of these materials depend on the position of the particles in them. Therefore, they can be classified based on these varying parameters that result in different amounts of strenghth and other features.

3D - Combination (Agent Trail Voxelization - Attraction - Repulsion)

HYDRATE

“AN ARCHITECTURAL CONNECTION BETWEEN MAN AND WATER”

BArch - THESIS PROJECT

American University in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

STUDIO MASTER

Dr. Georges Kachaamy

PROJECT YEAR 2018-2019

The United Arab Emirates faces the threat of losing all its sources to fresh and natural water due to global warming. In the recent years all of UAE’s bottled water companies (with the exception of Masafi & Jeema) source their waters through governmental desalination facilities, which according to reports, seems to increase on global warming and is largely uneconomical. Storing natural water by the use of dams has also proved more difficult to sustain due to the harsh weather conditions of the region. In 2011, Abu Dhabi’s Electrical and Water Authority (ADEWA) introduced a new technique into the region in which water is stored through “aquifers”. In this system, water is place either under the earth or in a cave inside a mountain, preventing evaporation or contamination in the air, additionally, the water is naturally cooled by the layers of earth or rock surrounding the water. The proposed design utilizes the storing methodology of ADEWA’s aquifers by merging architecture and nature. The building will realize the natural water of the site and use its unique conditions to gather water, treat it, and reserve it inside the mountain.

SITE & CONCEPT A FILTERATION AND RESERVOIR

The site is categorized as a “Wadi”, which is a string of valleys that form a funnel for a lake to form. Often in Wadi’s,, lakes are dry except for the rainy seasons where water is gathered and rises in level. In summer when evaporation rates are high, most of the water evaporates leaving a small pond. Most rainfall in the UAE occurs in Hatta, therefore, during the winter, rainfall is so abundant that the lake formed through the Wadi is large enough to support hundreds of thousands of people.

Summer Day

Winter Day Summer Winter

CARVEOUT

A portion of the mountain will be carved out so that the building can be placed inside, giving the impression that the architecture and the site exist as one entity

REACHOUT

The building volume is cantilevered towards the deepest point in the lake so that the maximum capacity of water can be collected.

The volume is supported by structural columns and transparent structural pipes that takes in the water from the lake.

CURVEOUT

By curving the slab, the water falls down by gravity through a falaj/aqueduct system

PUSHOUT

Integrating architecture with the landscape to derive unique views and vistas.

The play of mass and void create openings for views and sunlight which interact gracefully with the mountains.

EXPO 2020 PAVILION

“A PORTAL TO DUBAI EXPO”

COMPANY

Middle East Architecture Network

PROJECT TEAM

Selim Helse

Wael Nasrallah

Rashid Al-Suwaidi

Ahmad Yakout

LEAD ARCHITECT

Riyad Jouka

PROGRAM

Pavillion proposal for EXPO 2020 Board

PROJECT SITE

Expo 2020, Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

PROJECT YEAR

2019

The ‘Expo 2020 Landmark’ proposal combines technology, innovation and sustainability into an iconic structure that serves as a welcoming icon to the event. Drawing inspiration from the story of the Expo 2020 Logo and the palms of the UAE, we designed an interactive installation that symbolizes the ethos of Sustainability and Innovation.

Front Elevation

MEANDERING ARCADES

“A HOUSE OF ART”

COMPANY

Middle East Architecture Network

PROJECT TEAM

Selim Helse

Wael Nasrallah

Rashid Al-Suwaidi

Ahmad Yakout

Amro Mansi

LEAD ARCHITECT

Riyad Jouka

PROGRAM

Museum Competition

PROJECT SITE

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

PROJECT YEAR

2019

Barjeel Art Foundation Museum is an exploration in rethinking the timeless architectural typologies in the region with a contemporary mindset. Drawing on fractal tessellations, the team designed a modular building that provides spaces for meeting, dwelling and enjoying art. Taking notes from the tools of regional spacemaking with a contemporary design mindset; the building is a seamless integration of exterior to interior. The project utilizes triangular modules of limestone columns that are paired to compose an arcade of arches and stacked at varying heights to indicate various functions of the museum. The massing of the interior programs designed to adhere to the structural grid at the southeast corner of the site, stacking up to screen the gas station.

VENICE VIRTUAL BIENNIAL

“SPIRALIS”

PROJECT TEAM

Selim Helse

Cemre Demirci

Sera Su Abac

Shreshtha Mathur

PROGRAM

Virtual Pavillion to display NFT art at Venice Biennial

PROJECT SITE

Venice, Italy

PROJECT YEAR 2023

Status 2nd - Place + Proposal to move on to next phase

The exterior envelope is inspired from the organic form of the urban fabric that Venice has. It proposes a responsive, adaptive and dynamic design that changes form and pattern according to the environmental conditions of the site and the connections that is needed between the interior spaces and the exterior. Parameters that control the pattern that is created on the exterior envelope by the field lines include: Environmental conditions of the site that it the structure is situated in, such as the movement of the sun, its intensity, the time of the day, the weather, and the surrounding vegetation and built environment. And visual connections that are needed between the exterior and the interior.

It is important to achieve a connection between the interior and the exterior. Having visual connections between what is happening in the interior and the exterior is a way of catching peoples’ attention. To achieve this, a linear flowing pattern was generated on the exterior envelope with openings in varying sizes all around the envelope together with a semi-transparent exhibition wall that allows visual connection spots that connect the interior with the exterior. With these visual connection spots, people who are outside can be intrigued about what is going on in the side and feel invited.

CONCEPT

ADAPTIVE SPACES

Expanding the boundaries and making a breakthrough in cultural and architectural norms was at the core of our design decisions. To reflect the notion of dynamism and to accentuate the interior experience, we integrated 2 circulative loops that are moving according to the exhibition content. Rather than serving solely as a navigation tool, these loops are designed as a part of the curation themselves. Defying the conventional relationship between the static content and the moving spectator, we created a two-fold spectacle experience with ever-dynamic paths of circulation and the visitor’s vision.

Rotating Platform

Floor & Art Panels

Interactive Envelope

Variant - A

Variant - B

Frame -

Frame - 2

FABRICATION

“DIGITAL MANUFACTURING”

Digital fabrication marks a significant change in the production of products. The combination of computer-aided design software, 3D printing, and other digital fabrication methods, has made it possible to create high-quality, customizable, and scalable products quickly and efficiently. These advancements offer several advantages, such as affordability, sustainability, and increased accessibility. Therefore, studying digital fabrication was a crucial aspect of my education at AADRL as it equipped me with cutting-edge skills in architectural and construction technology.

CNC - Machine

Laser-Cutting

KUKA Robot Arm