Architecture Commons^™

Revitalizing Historic Plazas For Integrated Urban Conservation, Mona Helmy

Architectural Engineering

Historic plazas play a major role in improving or creating place identity, place memory, and belonging of heritage areas. They maintain elements of tangible and intangible heritage, such as accommodating social networks, traditions, lifestyles, traditional crafts, festivals, or rituals. Above all, they manifest a unique sense of place, and collective memory of cities to local communities, contributing to the historical character of heritage areas. The paper claims that the revitalization of historic plazas intends to reconcile conserving their historical urban landscape (HUL) to meet the changing requirements of local communities. It argues that revitalizing historical plazas is an innovative approach …

Humanising Commercial Streets As A Tool For Social Sustainability, Mona Helmy, Nada El-Hama

Architectural Engineering

Commercial Streets are the beating heart of any city, the hubs of leisure, business, and social gatherings, in which they also reflect cultures and be used to assess the level of well-being of citizens. Recently, due to the world population increase and other various factors, such as excessive urbanism and the domination of vehicle movement over pedestrianization rights, some commercial streets suffer from dehumanisation causes and symptoms. Those vary between substandard planning and construction, inhospitable landscaping, and excessive visual pollution, among other causes and symptoms. Thus, this research investigates various Humanisation strategies adopted worldwide. It discusses the potential of applying …

Effect Of A Geothermal Heat Pump System On Cooling Residential Buildings In A Hot, Dry Climate, Rania Rushdy Moussa, Ayman H. Mahmoud

Architectural Engineering

ABSTRACT In the last century, electricity demand has doubled due to urban expansion, which has contributed to the formation of more urban heat islands (UHI) and the appearance of environmental hazards such as the global climate change phenomenon. Since residential buildings are considered the main electricity consumer sector in Egypt, they consume up to 42% of total energy consumption, which contributes to increasing temperatures and constitutes UHI in cities. In this context, the research aims to examine the effectiveness of using the closed vertical loop geothermal system (GSHPCV) for cooling residential buildings in a hot, dry climate, such as Cairo, …

Optimizing Phase Change Material On Opaque Building Envelope To Reach Nzeb, Mennatallah Hassan, Khaled Ragheb Dewidar, Mostafa Ismail Rifat, Ashraf Nessim, Aly Assem Abdelalim

Architectural Engineering

Designing a net Zero Energy Building nZEB envelope with high thermal comfort and low energy consumption is vital nowadays. There is some established specialized software for building optimization design, but these programs are time-consuming, expensive, and demand many data input of building parameters. Therefore, it is difficult to follow the optimization procedure. The aim of this research is to present a novel study to optimize the use of Phase Change Material PCM on opaque building envelope using a multi-objective optimization tool. Python (3) is employed to implement EnergyPlus to minimize the initial cost of PCM in commercial buildings, running cost …

The Effect Of Using Data Palm Waste Fibers In Plain Concrete Mixture By Comparing Three Pre‐Treatment Techniques, Dina Rushdy M. Moawad, Rania Rushdy Moussa

Architectural Engineering

The high rates of industrial and agricultural wastes and byproduct production produced several environmental concerns in addition to increasing the risks of contaminating natural resources. The amount of organic waste has been rising over the past few decades, but it has been poorly managed, especially in smaller countries where it is either burned, improperly disposed, or thrown in landfills. Moreover, the production of concrete generates a large amount of waste that has a negative impact on our planet even though it is an extremely significant building material. The potential of developing another plain concrete mixture sample with date palm mesh …

The Impact Of Biophilic Attributes On University Students Level Of Satisfaction: Using Virtual Reality Simulation, Amira Mohamed Mahrous, Khaled Dewidar, Mostafa Refaat, Ashraf Nessim

Architectural Engineering

Biophilic design is a new approach that can enhance human psychological well-being. Most recent studies focus on applying biophilic design to hospitals or office buildings, not academic buildings. While usually ignored, students' level of satisfaction is one of the most important key indicators for a successful learning environment. This paper aims to identify the biophilic design attributes that can potentially contribute to enhancing the students' level of satisfaction. This will be done through an experimental research design using virtual reality in a design studio at The British University in Egypt. Each participant (N = 52) was exposed to the existing …

Optimization Of Plastic Waste Integration In Cement Bricks, Yara Salah El-Din El-Metwally

Architectural Engineering

Implementing plastic waste in construction materials is a sustainable disposal method to overcome plastic pollution. The current study aims to optimize the integration of plastic waste in cement bricks regarding their thermomechanical properties in order to develop an eco‑friendly building material. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) partially substituted cement with different ratios (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 20%). The type that achieved better thermomechanical performance further replaced the other brick components; sand and coarse aggregates to determine the optimum replacement scenario and best design mix. Laboratory experiments have been carried out to measure the compressive strength, indirect tensile …

The Neighborhood As An Energy-Generating Community The Case Of El-Banafseg Residential Neighborhood, East Cairo, Mona Helmy, Amany Micheal

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

The Neighborhood As An Energy-Generating Community The Case Of El-Banafseg Residential Neighborhood, East Cairo, Amany G. Micheal Prof., Mona Helmy Dr.

Centre for Advanced Materials

Nowadays, energy consumption is a global challenge. This is due to the shortage of several energy sources, and consequently, to their increasing prices. This paper argues that by using an integrative approach for using various energy harvesting techniques, a typical residential neighborhood can be operated as a self-generator of its needed energy, or part of it.

The paper follows a mixed qualitative, experimental, and numerical simulation approaches to examine the practicality of the paper hypothesis. It uses Space syntax modeling theory (a socio-spatial software) to analyze the pedestrian flow to indicate the potential locations of the kinetic energy harvesting Piezoelectric …

Inclusive Schools Design: A Phenomenological Investigation Into Visually Impaired Lived Experiences, Sarah Oteifa, Khaled Dewidar, Yasser Mansour

Architectural Engineering

Inclusive design is an approach that aims to include special children with the general student population by developing the whole system, including the built environment, to accommodate their needs. Although efforts have been made to include children with visual impairments in the educational mainstream, available design guidelines often miss their "real lived experience". Available inclusive school design criteria are considered limited and the necessary design qualities of space to cope with their impairments are often missing the phenomenological, holistic approach. This study is conducted using a mixed method. The necessary spatial qualities are extracted from visually impaired children's real experiences …

Properties Of Cement Mortar Containing Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (Hdpe), Amany G. Micheal Prof., Esraa Torky, Merna Amir

Centre for Advanced Materials

Millions of tones of plastic waste are generated globally and only less than 10 per cent has been recycled. It is crucial to segregate and circulate plastic waste and repurposing it for countless other uses. There are many ways to repurpose and reuse these discarded plastics. One use that can be examined is the use of plastic as partial sand replacement in mortar. To contribute to this important and valid discourse, the research studies the mechanical and thermal properties of recycled HDPE mortar as an active way of integrating plastic waste into the construction industry to partially eliminate some of …

A Review On Sustainable Disposal Of Plastic Waste By Integration In Construction Materials, Yara S. El-Metwally, Iman El-Mahallawi, Khaled M. Dewidar, Mostafa R. Refaat

Architectural Engineering

Over the last decades, plastic waste (PW) has increased exponentially and has become a serious threat to our planet, aquatic system and human health. Recycling or reusing PW in producing ecofriendly materials is an efficient solution to reduce plastic pollution and to minimize the depletion of raw materials as well. Previous studies have shown promising potentials of using PW in the construction sector, such as binder, aggregate, or substitute of cement and sand in concrete, brick or mortar. Laboratory results indicate that implementing plastic waste as aggregates in cement composites obtains higher thermal resistance and acoustical performance. However, a reduction …

Urban Streets: Remaking Human-Based Places, Mona Helmy

Architectural Engineering

Over the past few decades, due to the emerging compactness of cities considering the increase in population, and consequently the increasing demand for fast mobility, many streets have lost their human dimension. They have been transformed into fast roads, giving priority to vehicles, and reducing the rights of pedestrians. This transformation has affected streets in terms of planning, design, function, and scale. The paper argues that remaking cities’ urban streets as human-based places seeks to achieve a better balance between urbanism, people, nature, and culture, thereby improving their urban life in general. Through a literature review, this article chronologically investigates …

Techno-Economic Evaluation And Environmental Benefit Of Pv-Based Electric Vehicle Charging Station On University Campus, Rania Rushdy Moussa

Architectural Engineering

Smart utilities comprise an important aspect of modern smart cities. The aim of this work is to present a case study for implementing a solar- energy-based electric vehicle charging station (for the first time on a campus in Egypt) at the British University in Egypt. The total amount of energy needed for charging each electric vehicle (EV) was estimated to be 13.3—16.2 kWh. The EV is operated by 12 batteries. The station was designed to provide energy sufficient for charging up to two vehicles daily during summer. Thus, the station sizing was based on the provision of 16.2 KW and …

The Impact Of Design Elements On Users’ Psychology To Foster Pro-Environmental Behavior In University Open Spaces., Dalia Moati, Toka Fahmy, Rehab El-Sayed

Architectural Engineering

Environmental psychology is the study of the interaction between the user and the environment. This field is crucial in understanding how the design elements affect human behavior, moods, and feelings. As well as, understanding the aspects and influences of environmental psychology is crucial key to investigating how design can influence human behavior to be environmentally friendly. This is known as pro- environmental behavior where human actions are sustainable and impacts the environment positively. Accordingly, this paper aims to explore the impact of outdoor design elements on environmental psychology to foster pro-environmental behavior in university campus open spaces. To achieve this, …

The Impact Of Noise On Employees’ Performance, Satisfaction, Stress Level, And Concentration In Open-Plan Corporate Offices., Dalia M. Rasmi, Ahmed Khaled Ahmed, Esraa Torky

Architectural Engineering

Noise is defined as any sound that obstructs or interferes with a person's ability to accomplish their job duties, whether it be background noise or noise from a loud workplace. An open-plan office is a workspace that makes use of available space rather than isolating staff members in offices or cubicles. An essential factor that influences both well-being and focus with relation to functional performance is noise, especially in enclosed spaces. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of noise on employees in an open-plan workplace regarding focus, task performance, concentration, and interpersonal communication, by conducting research …

Urban Screens As A Tool For Placemaking, Mona Helmy

Architectural Engineering

Urban screens, as part of the lightscape of places, can play a fundamental role in placemaking. They have the flexibility to be positioned in various locations in spaces with various sizes, shapes, moods, and effects for functional or aesthetical reasons. They can be temporary or permanent, active, or interactive instruments for creating a dynamic, stimulating, and unique public realm atmosphere that engages people and encourages social interaction. This research aims to create a theoretical framework for urban screen typologies as tools for placemaking. It investigates, explores, analyzes, and discusses different approaches where urban screens are used as a main tool …

Mosque Architecture In Contemporary Popular Cultures: A Critical Perspective, Mona Helmy

Architectural Engineering

This research paper claims that among important phenomena of several forms of contemporary mosques, there is a blurring of a clear distinction between their related popular/low cultural and formal/high-cultural status. For many centuries, high cultural mosques that are following what so called “formal architectural aesthetics” exist, which shaped by specific sets of well-established design principles and elements, trends, styles, tastes, designs, etc. Parallel to that, mosques in a context of popular cultures are shaped by folkloric signals, signs, and symbols, producing what can be called “Informal aesthetics”.

The popularization of mosque architecture in various contexts of cultural communities has different …

“Biophilia As A Sustainable Design Approach For University Buildings Design: A Case Study In University Campus Drawing Studios Cairo, Egypt, Amira Mohamed Mahrous, Khaled M. Dewidar, Mostafa Mohamed Refaat, Ashraf Nessim

Architectural Engineering

University campuses have a long history of enriching the social, cultural, and economic value of societies. Worldwide, there is a rising demand for the integration of new approaches into the planning and design of university buildings to further improve their quality. According to the literature, many approaches needed to be considered while designing university buildings that can enhance students’ performance. Biophilic design is known to have enhancing levels of interaction, and interaction patterns, enhancing health and wellbeing in terms of physiological, psychological, cognitive, and social/ spiritual benefits, while rigorous scientific evidence that supports such claims is rare. Many researchers have …

A Talent Management Based Framework For Developing Sustainable Quality Of Work Life In Architectural Design Firms In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Marwa Naguib Elwazer

Architectural Engineering

Purpose –This research aims to develop a talent management (TM) based framework to achieve a sustainable quality of work life (QWL) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach – A research methodology consisted of literature review, case studies and a survey questionnaire, was designed to achieve the abovementioned aim. Firstly, the literature review was used to investigate the work environment’s demotivating factors in ADFs, TM strategies and process to depict the relationship between developing sustainable QWL and TM and finally explore how TM can assist in achieving Egypt’s vision 2030. Secondly, three case studies of ADFs from Denmark, Norway …

An Investigation Into The Causes Of Pedestrians' Walking Difficulties In Cairo Streets, Joy Magdy, Rania Rushdy Moussa, Usama Konbr

Architectural Engineering

This paper intends to focus on Cairo streets from the pedestrian-use perspective. It aims to explore and examine the factors that make Cairo streets better places for walking. Moreover, it intends to contribute to the limited qualitative research on walkable streets and pedestrians' walking experience, specifically in Cairo. In addition, it provides a conceptual framework for understanding the walkability of streets and the experience of pedestrians, built on both empirical field study and prevailing theoretical models reviewed in the literature. To closely examine the factors that determine Cairo streets to be walkable and therefore pedestrian-friendly, the research investigates the status …

Evaluating The Effect Of Adding Sugarcane Bagasse To The Fire Clay Brick's Properties, Rania Rushdy Moussa, Amany Micheal Dr.

Architectural Engineering

Due to the increase in population density, the waste and its by-products produced by industry, housing, and agriculture have increased. Waste accumulation causes several environmental problems and contaminates natural resources such as air, soil, and water. Moreover, it threatens human public health and increases the number of epidemics and medical pandemics. The percentage of organic waste increases daily. Almost 60% of the waste collected from the housing sector is organic waste, in addition to the agricultural wastes that are also considered organic waste. In developing countries, there are no clear waste management systems. The waste is poorly managed, it is …

Causes Influencing Construction Waste Generation During The Design Process: An Analytical Study, Aya Saad, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman

Architectural Engineering

Despite the social and economic contributions of the construction industry towards achieving sustainable development objectives, it has an adverse effect on the environment such as the generation of waste, water, and energy consumption. Construction waste (CW) is the loss of materials that are produced during or after the construction process and has no remaining value. Several countries promote waste elimination plans at early stages to reduce CW at its source. The Egyptian government is expanding its investments in new mega projects and infrastructure facilities like new administrative capital, bridges, roads, energy projects which resulted in increasing the rate and amount …

Achieving Sustainability Through Reducing Risks During Architecture Design Process: A Lean Management Perspective, Sherouk Abdelrehim, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman

Architectural Engineering

The construction industry, as one of the largest industries in the world, plays a critical role in achieving national and international social and economic sustainable development goals. Socially, it is concerned with delivering long-term projects that turn client and end-user requirements into designs that specify technical aspects, functional specific requirements, and standards of quality. Economically, the construction industry contributes to a country's gross domestic product (GDP) by creating jobs and providing the country's infrastructure. the construction industry's nature is more vulnerable than other industries. This is believed to be due to the complex and dynamic nature of construction projects, as …

Analysis Of Sustainability Assessment Rating Systems For Existing Healthcare Buildings, Rowaida Ali, Mohamed Afify, Walid Abdel-Meniem, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman

Architectural Engineering

Sustainability is the goal pursued by societies worldwide. Existing buildings have had their share of those issues, specifically healthcare buildings, as most governments encourage green new construction and neglect existing buildings. Additionally, the benefits of existing buildings in preserving the environment, and its resources and reducing energy and global warming crises. The research objective is to achieve a high-level performance of existing healthcare buildings within a framework of evaluating the most important determinants affecting these buildings. The paper will focus on presenting the different rating systems such as LEED and BREEAM, by dividing and analyzing these systems, given that each …

Public-Private Partnerships As An Approach For Alleviating Risks Associated With Adaptive Reuse Of Heritage Buildings In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Nouran Abdeltawab Mahmoud

Architectural Engineering

The status of heritage buildings in Egypt has remained threatened for decades as a result of many factors such as negligence, ignorance and lack of resources, which consequently led to degradation. Hence, opportunities to utilize these buildings efficiently are wasted. Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings has proven to be a beneficial, yet risky approach in Egypt. Additionally, the pressuring demands on the government to conserve these heritage buildings and satisfy other public demands have been growing even more recently. Accordingly, there is a need for the involvement of the private sector to aid the government in its adaptive reuse initiatives …

The Aesthetic Effect Of Photovoltaic Cells On The Building Facades, Khloud Khalid Eldamshiry

Architectural Engineering

Technological advancement in building incorporated photovoltaic (BIPV) has transformed the façade of the building into a generator powered by renewable energy sources. The BIPV facades are designed to provide energy production alongside traditional design goals such as aesthetics art and environmental control. However, the problem is that architectural design goals sometimes conflict with energy performance such as visibility and daylight versus maximum power output. In this context, the use of renewable energy sources such as solar energy seems to be worthwhile as they are numerous and have enormous environmental and economic prospects. This study aims to provide a new entrance …

A Prototype Evaluation Tool For Museum Exhibition Design: Aligning Display Techniques With Learning Identities, Khloud Khalid Eldamshiry, Rania Rushdy Moussa

Architectural Engineering

Museums have been forced by the pressure of change to switch practices and outlooks to transform museum visitors from passive consumers in a collection-focused ‘static exhibition’ to active participants in a visitor- centred ‘interactive technology exhibition’. This paper aims to model a framework for museum exhibition design that can be used as a prototype evaluation tool. It is achieved throughout analysing the interrelationships between museum visitors learning identities and their museum experiences and what are the display techniques that can be used to increase museum visitors’ social interaction with the museum environment and how each technique will affect the visitor’s …

Assessment Of Design Quality And Developing A Methodological Model For Open Air Museums: A Study Of Wadi El-Hitan Protected Area, Khloud Khalid Eldamshiry

Architectural Engineering

Open air natural history museums acts as a distinct type of museum exhibiting its collections out of doors aiming to document earlier forms of life, ways of living, cultural habits and folk costumes. “Natural history Museums and cultural organizations have been recognized as a value for the vitality and character of cities which can be used as a tool for “urban regeneration”, that includes the challenge to achieve longterm, strategic reshaping of cities by using a powerful and unified technological system “spreadsheet based decision support system:” to plan for a future vision of the museum as an urban space that …

Open Air Natural History Museums Transformation: From Static To Interactive, Khloud Khalid Eldamshiry

Architectural Engineering

Open air natural history museums act as a distinct type of museum that exhibits its collections out of doors aiming to record earlier life forms, ways of life, cultural customs and habits. Nowadays, museums including the Natural History Museums, look forward to increase the number of visitors and revisited visitors, throughout transforming museum visitors from passive consumers in a collection focused ‘static exhibition’ to active participants in a visitor centered ‘interactive technology exhibition’ by making the museum collection easier for the general public to use, more technically and technologically displayed. Therefore, display techniques became a main key within the visitors …