Architectural Technology Commons^™

Design And Implementation Of A Honeycomb Damping System For The 2026 Eeri Seismic Design Competition, Vera Nguyen, Lauryn Wojcik

Architectural Engineering

The authors of this report were a part of the 2026 Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) chapter at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In July 2026, they will travel to Portland, Oregon with 12 students to compete in the Undergraduate Seismic Design Competition hosted by EERI. The competition required teams to develop a comprehensive structural design proposal that included computer-based modeling and analysis, construction of three physical models, and the preparation of both a technical poster and oral presentation for a proposed high-rise building located in Portland, Oregon. Cal Poly’s “Illahee Tower” was designed with an emphasis on …

Optimizing Energy Efficiency In Educational Buildings Through Facade Material Selection, Rania Rushdy Moussa, Malak Ayman, Khloud Khalid

Architectural Engineering

Facade material selection is crucial for improving building performance and reducing environmental effect, as evidenced by the growing demand for sustainable architectural solutions, especially in educational institutions. The use of typical, non-sustainable facade materials in Egyptian educational buildings is a major cause of the country's high energy consumption, poor indoor air quality, and rising carbon emissions. This research explores the possibility of using cuttingedge facade materials to promote sustainability in Egyptian university buildings in order to close this crucial gap. The study incorporates a mixed-methods approach and begins with a qualitative theoretical review that includes a thorough literature analysis. A …

A Social Media-Based Framework For Marketing Architectural Design Firms In Egypt During Global Economic Downturn, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Yara Ahmed Maarek

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – The global economic downturn has greatly impacted the construction industry and architectural design firms (ADFs). Social media, however, provides a strategic avenue to enhance the visibility and resilience of ADFs. This paper aims to develop a framework integrating social media as an innovative marketing approach for mitigating the impacts of the global economic downturn on ADFs in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research approach was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review examined the global economic downturn and marketing ADFs. Three case studies investigated the role of social media in marketing ADFs during economic uncertainties. …

Practical Integration Of Reality Capture In Architecture, Engineering, Construction, And Operations (Aeco) Workflows: Cost And Application Considerations, Dylan T. Ramsey

Architectural Engineering

This paper explores the practical integration of Reality Capture (RC) technologies, specifically LiDAR and photogrammetry, within Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) workflows. As interest in RC grows, costs decrease, and industry applications expand, this paper aims to clarify the current landscape of research, industry practices, hardware, and software. It provides managers, RC technology enthusiasts, and AECO professionals considering its implementation with essential insights into cost considerations, expectations, and limitations. The paper details common research and industry applications, including as-built documentation, surface analysis, and deflection monitoring, and cross-references cost data and project requirements to provide informed recommendations and considerations for …

A Circular Economy Framework For Reducing Construction Waste During The Design Process In Egyptian Architectural Design Firms, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Abeer Ahmed Kamel, Fatma Othman Alamoudy

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – Construction waste drivers, amplified by the linear economy model, contribute significantly to resource consumption and waste generation across various phases of the construction process. Recognizing the critical influence of the design process on these outcomes, this study aims to develop a framework integrating circular economy to reduce construction waste and promote sustainable practices during the design process within architectural design firms in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research approach was used to accomplish four objectives. A comprehensive literature review explored the concepts of construction waste, the design process, the circular economy and Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy …

Tanzania Design Build 2024, Elli S. Berger, Samantha M. Maher, Victoria J. Maestas

Architectural Engineering

In 2007 David Lambert, a Cal Poly ARCE alumnus, was inspired to build a school in Tanzania after spending time in Kenya completing his senior project. With the support of multiple Cal Poly faculty members, he assembled a team to launch what would become his master’s program project. Since no existing organizations could support their efforts, the team founded their own initiative, the Mbeses Initiative for Sustainable Design (MISD). The Cal Poly team shared their design ideas with multiple volunteer groups in Tanzania and eventually connected with Fr. Setonga who helped the initiative gain traction. A few years later, the …

A Framework For Developing Sustainable Architectural Entrepreneurship Start-Ups In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Mariz Ahmed Aziz, Fatma Othman Alamoudy

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – This research aims to develop and validate a framework to support the development of sustainable architectural entrepreneurship start-ups (AES) in Egypt by overcoming the challenges that obstruct their development. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated the concept of entrepreneurship, the challenges of AES in Egypt and Egypt’s Vision 2030. Four case studies were analysed to validate the identified challenges and strategies adopted to overcome these obstacles. A survey questionnaire was conducted with AES founders in Egypt to assess their perception of entrepreneurship, challenges and strategies adopted …

Managing Design Changes Through Integrating Concurrent Engineering Into The Architectural Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Mariam Sherif Ali

Architectural Engineering

This research aims to investigate the role of concurrent engineering (CE) towards managing design changes (DCs) during the architectural design process (ADP). To achieve this aim, a mixed research approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, the literature review investigated ADP, causes and impacts of DCs and CE. Secondly, three case studies of construction projects from Finland, China and Indonesia were collected and analysed to validate the identified causes and impacts of DCs and examine the role of CE towards managing DCs during ADP. Thirdly, a survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample …

A 4-Dimensional Strategy For Managing Construction Waste Originating During The Design Process Within Architectural Design Firms In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Aya Said Muawad Saad

Architectural Engineering

This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive strategy consisting of four dimensions for effectively managing construction waste (CW) arising during the Architectural Design Process (ADP) within Architectural Design Firms (ADFs) in Egypt. To accomplish this aim, a hybrid research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, was designed to address four specific objectives. Firstly, a thorough literature review was conducted to explore the topics of ADP, CW, Waste Management (WM), as well as national and international Waste Management Strategies (WMS). Secondly, three construction-based case studies from Saudi Arabia, China, and Thailand were gathered and analyzed to investigate the efficacy …

A Strategy For Reducing Construction Waste Generated During The Design Process In Architectural Design Firms In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Aya Said Saad

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – This paper aims to develop and validate a strategy for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process (DP) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated DP, CW, waste management (WM) and WM strategies (WMS). Three case studies were analysed to investigate the role of WMS towards reducing CW during DP. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their perception and application of WMS during DP. Lastly, a strategy was developed and …

A Lean Management Framework For Achieving Sustainability Through Reducing Risks During The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Sherouk Mohamed Abdelrahim

Architectural Engineering

The building sector is a substantial global industry that plays a significant role in the social and economic advancement of nations. The construction industry has been criticized for its unsustainable practices, including waste generation, pollution, and the consumption of non-renewable resources and energy. Due to the dynamic nature of the construction industry and the involvement of multiple parties with diverse goals, knowledge, and skills, the industry is susceptible to various risks that can undermine the sustainability of projects. This research aims to develop a Lean Management (LM) framework to deliver sustainable construction projects through reducing risks during the design process. …

Early Supplier Involvement Framework For Reducing Construction Waste During The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Yomna Abdelghany El-Saeidy

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to facilitate early supplier involvement (ESI) as an approach for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process. Design/methodology/approach – A research methodology consists of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire was designed to achieve the abovementioned aim. First, the literature review was used to investigate CW, CW generated during the design process, the design process and ESI. Second, two construction projects were analysed to investigate the role of ESI towards reducing CW generated during the design waste. Third, a survey questionnaire was carried out with …

A Framework For Enhancing Building Maintainability Through Facilitating Early Suppliers’ Involvement In The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Ahmed Ramadan Kamal

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to develop a framework to enhance building maintainability through facilitating early suppliers’ involvement (ESI) in the design process. Design/methodology/approach – A research methodology consisting of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire was designed to achieve the above-mentioned aim. Firstly, literature review was used to examine the concepts of building maintenance, maintainability, the design process and ESI. Secondly, three case studies were presented and analysed to investigate the role of ESI towards enhancing building maintainability during the design process. Thirdly, a survey questionnaire was carried out with a representative sample of architectural …

Innovation Management Framework For Achieving Sustainability Through Managing Risks Of Innovative Solutions During The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Rawan Medhat Hussein

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – Construction waste drivers, amplified by the linear economy model, contribute significantly to resource consumption and waste generation across various phases of the construction process. Recognizing the critical influence of the design process on these outcomes, this study aims to develop a framework integrating circular economy to reduce construction waste and promote sustainable practices during the design process within architectural design firms in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research approach was used to accomplish four objectives. A comprehensive literature review explored the concepts of construction waste, the design process, the circular economy and Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy …

Lean Thinking As An Approach For Improving Client Communication During The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Ghada N. Mossad, Nishani Harinarain

Architectural Engineering

Lean thinking is perceived as a successful strategy for saving time and cost, while improving at the same time the position in the market. Lean thinking is about eliminating waste and increasing the quality. When applied correctly, lean thinking is a well understood and well examined platform upon which to build firm practices. In the architectural profession miscommunication has a lot of consequences including time and cost overruns, conflict and ultimately project failure. The aim of this research was to investigate the role of lean thinking in improving the communication between the client and the architect during the design process. …

Integrated Project Delivery (Ipd): An Innovative Approach For Achieving Sustainability In Construction Projects, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Ghada Adel, Nishani Harinarain

Architectural Engineering

In spite of the positive impact construction can have on the economy and society in general, the industry is being blamed for the negative impact it has on the environment. This problem can be attributed to traditional procurement approaches adopted in construction industry and the inability to handle the different challenges regarding waste generation and pollution of the environment. This paper focused on the role of construction procurement as a method to achieving sustainability. This paper aims to investigate the role of integrated project delivery (IPD) in achieving sustainability in construction projects. In order to achieve this, aim the research …

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 Center For Centering Dome, Olek Piechaczek, Ryan M. Scharf

Architectural Engineering

The Center for Centering seeks to create a large-scale healing center, conducive to individual centering of the mind and body. This mobile installation provides a relaxing, enclosed space while still maintaining a connection to the outdoors. The clients liked the idea of having a pop-up installation that could be easily set up as a touring display. With a deadline for installation looming in June 2022, a team of students had five months to design and manufacture the structure.

In winter 2022, the students developed custom geometry to minimize the number of individual parts and built a ¼ scale model of …

A Knowledge Management Based Framework For Enhancing The Learning Culture In Architectural Design Firms In Developing Countries, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Mirna Mohamed Elkady

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – In spite of the active role of continuous learning on improving organisational performance, the construction industry generally and architectural design firms (ADFs) in particular are criticised for their inability to use organisational knowledge to foster learning culture towards enhancing their performance. This paper aims to develop a framework based on knowledge management (KM) to enhance the learning culture in ADFs in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the abovementioned aim, a research methodology consisted of data collection, data analysis and action required is designed to achieve four objectives. First, to examine the nature of the construction industry in …

Sage Garden Pavilion Shade Structure, Anthony Razouk Karroum, Manuel Bermudez, Matthew Kilbride, Sarah Holt, Marisa Martineau

Architectural Engineering

Form finding, testing, and construction of funicular double-layered shells in an interdisciplinary format with a focus on designing a shade structure for the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden Children’s Pavilion. In the process, challenges such as connection design, materiality, storage, and more are explored and refined in relation to shell structures.

Analysing Bim Implementation In The Egyptian Construction Industry, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Mohamed Marzouk, Heba Elsaay

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – This research is built up upon exploring the concepts of building information modeling (BIM) adoption and strategy formulation with the aim to develop a strategy for implementing BIM in the Egyptian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – The development of the BIM implementation strategy was based on two pillars, namely the literature review and results of the survey questionnaire and interviews. First, the review of literature helped investigating the BIM challenges and international strategies developed to implement BIM worldwide. Findings – The research presented recommendations to assist policymakers in Egypt to facilitate BIM implementation. Originality/value – Although multiple frameworks have …

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 …

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 …

Take Heart School, Quentin John Porter

Architectural Engineering

Journeyman International, also known as JI, is a non-profit organization that groups together design and construction students with organizations looking to build humanitarian projects around the world. This pairing is beneficial for both the organization because they get free design and construction expertise, as well as for the students who get real-world experience. The Take Heart School is a planned school and grounds for the region of Migori Kenya. Take Heart Africa is a fair trade store with all profits going to help the impoverished communities of Kenya. The three-acre site will have a school with eight classrooms, offices, a …

Analysis Of High Rise Structures, Elitsa P. Vutova

Architectural Engineering

The design of a high rise tower involves many moving parts and is best done in collaboration with all construction disciplines. This report examines the basic steps and principles followed and discovered along the collaborative design process between Architectural and Architectural Engineering students of two high rise building systems. The report will look at physical model tests and digital model analyses. It will also follow the design of two high rise towers proposed for San Francisco, CA: The Crystal and the HOODOO. The tower design includes a study of possible lateral loading systems, a dual core and outrigger system analysis …

Applying Lca-Bim Integration For A Sustainable Management Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Dalia Morsi Ahmed Morsi, Walaa S E Ismaeel, Ahmed Ehab Abd El Hamed

Architectural Engineering

This work investigates the benefits of performing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques on a case study management process. This provides insights for reducing the environmental impacts of building materials and elements along the life cycle of a concrete residential project in Egypt. The study follows the LCA ISO 14040 and 14044 guidelines, local materials database, Revit modelling and One-Click LCA plugin. The result outlines that most of the environmental impacts occur during the operation and manufacturing phase. It also shows that slabs and beams result in most of the environmental loads. In terms of the …

Achieving Sustainability Through Reducing Construction Waste During The Design Process: A Value Management Perspective, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Sherouk Mohamed Abdelrahim

Architectural Engineering

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of Value Management towards achieving sustainability through reducing the construction waste during the design process.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the abovementioned aim, a research methodology consisting literature review and survey questionnaire is designed to achieve the following objectives: first, building a comprehensive understanding of the research topic through reviewing literature related to the nature of the construction industry, waste in construction, sustainability, the design phase and Value Management; second, presenting and analysing two case studies to validate the role of Value Management towards reducing waste in construction projects; third, conducting …