practice and work

Israa Omar April, 2014

I came to the BAC loaded with passion for a more sustainable human architecture. Before I come to the BAC I was working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. While being exposed to this vast array of modern bizarre buildings that varied from almost impossible structures to relevantly modest economic housing, I developed urge to picture architecture in a more respectful form to the human psychological needs and the planet’s resources. I came to the BAC filled with hopes to expand my knowledge to have a clearer vision and be able to communicate my vision through design. Through my journey at the BAC I was fortunate to find that the two courses I was taking were focused on the very issues I was eager to explore. In 2011 I started working on a housing project for middle income to accommodate around 2000 people into townhouses, villas and apartments on 13 Hectares piece of land. We were instructed by the Abu Dhabi urban planning counsel to produce a design that enforces the human relations and be sustainable. This project was in the middle of the desert were water is very precious and actually expensive too. Water is usually taken from the sea and treated; therefore a huge amount of energy is spent on the water treatment. We had to be very careful in designing not only the buildings’ units, but also the public realm. We were eager to find ways to bring people to the public realm so we provided pavilions, wind towers, studied wind direction and sunlight. In the past two semesters I was merely focused on respecting the human need of psychological and physical comfort. It was an exciting experience to transition from an extremely hot and dry climate to a cold climate. Although this sounds like I’m I was working on two different situations, yet the truth is if I want to master the game I have to understand both ways. It’s all physics and I’m determined to explore more into buildings’ physics to implement its principals into my future designs. During the past semester I was engrossed into exploring a wide range of building systems and materials. I intend to expand my knowledge in building materials and systems. My personal development plan besides to get settled into a new job is to upgrade to a LEED AP within the few upcoming months, improve my graphical skills by teaching myself Revit, and improve my writing skills.

The past and future

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Abstract It is known that the development and proliferation of mobile social networks have a great impact on the public space use. It is thought that

this impact could be as great as the impact of introducing trains and cars to the public realm in the twentieth century. This study investigated

human behavior in public spaces. A café was taken to be a site to house this study. Based on a week-long field study, this paper explores how

social media networks users in public spaces interacts with the surroundings in different settings. A comparison study between the interior and

the exterior of the café has been conducted to reveal the relationship between the space and technology users.

Comments The reason I chose this subject is I was anxious to know if the virtual life is sustainable or not and how healthy is it in considering human phycology and what is does the virtual space offer that the spaces we are building does not offer. During my research and the most interesting observation was that the closer people to nature the less they used electronic communication devices. While investigating public parks no communication devices users could be recorded, the closer to the buildings I got the users’ number increased and inside one coffee shop that I studied I found that people using their communication devices usually shy away from windows.

Research Paper

On Social Media Networks Use in the Public Space

for

Research in Architecture and Human Relations

Course Number: HTC 3008

Boston Architectural College

Instructor: Nora J. Rubinstein, Ph.D.

Israa Ahmed Hamdi Fall 2013

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EDUCATION Boston Architectural College Candidate for Master of Architecture. 2012 – Present Urban Planning Council (UPC) Abu Dhabi Sustainable PCRS, PBRS, PVRS: Certified Professional of Pearl Rating System for Community, Building and Villas. Pearl rating system: is a green building rating system similar to LEED 2011 University of Baghdad – College of Engineering /Architectural Department Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. 2001 – 2006 EXPERIENCE Bainona Engineering Consultancy LLC Job Captain 2010 – 2013 Abu Dhabi, UAE. Residential Complex: Prepared a full set of environmental/ Contextual analysis and initiated sustainable design for Mixed Use development in, Abu Dhabi, UAE where the design is adaptable with the prevailing winds and shade and shadow studies. The project is expected to house 2000 people in an area of 13 Hectare. Laborers’ Camp accommodation project: Project accommodates 5000 workers and 200 senior engineers on a plot area of 2.7 Hectares. Scope of work involved preparing required site analysis and safety and security studies, conceptual design, schematic design and detailed design. Competitions: Prepared a number of competitions’ boards, some of them were awarded. Brand Partners Architectural Drafter 2008 – 2009 GONIC, NH. United States. Bank of America: Renovations for Bank of America properties throughout the United States. Work involved preparation of interior fit-up proposals and recommendations for existing exterior façade upgrades. Arabian Group for Architectural and Urban Studies Architectural Designer 2007 – 2008 DAMASCUS, SYRIA Al-Sham Bank: A series of branches through the country. Participated in preparing cad drawings and 3ds max renders. Residential complex in Damascus: prepared four types of villa proposals using cad and 3ds max for perspectives. Consulting Engineering Bureau Intern Architect 2004 – 2007 BAGHDAD, IRAQ Two different high schools in Kirkuk, Iraq: Participated in preparing construction documents and drawings under supervision of university professors. In addition, drafted service plans (electricity, Sanitary, Air conditioning) under supervision of consultant engineers. General Commission in Free Zone Mixed Use Complex: Participated in preparing cad drawings and drafting construction details. Water treatment center: Participated in design and drafting water treatment center. The project was a collaborative between C. Lotti and Asocial S.P.A. (Italian firm) and Consulting Bureau of Baghdad University. OUTSIDE INTERESTS & SKILLS Languages: English, Arabic, French. Computer skills: AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Revit, Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite. Publications: NH Young Architects competition 2012 Volunteer work:

Boston Housing Authority: Interpretation Back and forth from English to Arabic. 2013 Portsmouth public library: participating in the arts and crafts program. 2009

Israa Q. Ahmed Hamdi 41 Osprey Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Mobile: 603 205 2354 [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]



2006-2007, Consulting Engineering office, University of Baghdad

2008-2009 BrandPartners, Gonic, NH

2007-2008, Arabian Architects, Damascus, Syria

2010-2013 Bainona Engineering Consultancy, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Project: Two High school for girls, Kirkuk, Iraq. Involvement: My role was to translate conceptual sketches into an auto cad format design.

Project: First Gulf Bank completion Involvement: Programed project’s requirement, designed and drafted plans and elevations. Designed underground parking.

Project: Stadium, mall, and Hotel competition Involvement: Researched project’s requirements, and programmed, drafted floor plans.

Project: Al-Sham Bank (Financial institution) in for Syrian cities. Involvement Participated in interior design and produced computer modeled renders.

Project: General Authority for Endowments Involvement: Programed the project’s requirement, designed and drafted plans and elevations. Prepared report . Participated in preparing financial offer.

Project: Luxurious villa complex Involvement: Designed , drafted and modeled four types of luxurious villas, under supervision.

Project: Hameem Labors' camp Involvement: Programed and designed floor plans, site plans, sections and elevations through concept and schematic stages.

Project: Zayed Sun City Involvement: Prepared studies and designs, reports from the beginning stages to detailed stage.

Project: Bank of America Involvement: Drafted as built sketches using Vector works.

Competitions

LEED GA

Dec. 2013


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Introduction Shams Zayed city is located in Al-Gharbia region to the southwest of the capital city district, Abu Dhabi. The total land area is 138999.86 m² (13 ha). It is comprised of 408 dwelling unit and approximately 1956 persons. The project consists of a Low density residential, medium density residential, mixed use district, Kg+ Cycle1 School, and an existing mosque. Zayed Sun City was developed with the overall goal of providing a safe friendly sustainable environment. First of all, an environmental study was developed to serve the project’s goal of maximizing the project’s efficiency within the minimum resources consumption. In addition, traditional solutions have been taken in regard to improve the complex’s environment. Furthermore; the streets networks were established to encourage walking and bicycling.

Oct. 2011

Firm: Bainona Engineering Consultancy Project: Zayed Sun City Client: Private Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE – Western region Date: April 2011- Jan. 2013

PHASE1: Phase I: Gather & Present Information Land Use Influence (UPC) Transport Requirements (DOT) Existing Environment (DMA / Research) Estidama + Water Budget (UPC / DMA) Urban Design (DMA / Plan 2030) Utility Requirements (Utility Providers) PHASE2: Conceptual Design Identify Pedestrian Networks Identify Transit Networks Identify Bicycle Networks Identify Vehicle Networks Determine Street Cross Sections Transfer into Plan Locate Street Elements Rationalize Solutions Begin Urban Design & Landscape Planning PHASE3: Evaluate& Review Design Conduct Transport Study Conduct Safety Audit Conduct Street Design Audit Apply Performance Measures Submit Plans to Reviewing Agencies PHASE4: Finalize Design Civil Engineering Drawings Detailed Landscape & Streetscape Design Plans

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Involvement: My supervisor gave me a 300 pages document received from the urban planning council regarding this project. Obviously a previous submission has been made and it was totally rejected by the UPC. The letter suggested starting over with this project and taking sustainability, sociology, a new draft of regulation issued by UPC in respect while designing the new project. The client wanted houses, commercial buildings, a school and a fitness center all within the development. My feed back was calculations based on the guidelines received from UPC, an environmental study to the area and a sketchy proposal of a way to create courtyards as an environmental and social solution. My supervisor was relieved with the feedback so is the client, In the concept stage submission The Urban Planning Council were very enthusiastic about this project , later on they requested to make it as a case study and a reference for other projects in the area (Western Region, Abu Dhabi).

Practice work ZA

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The project went into about 12 revisions all been initiated and modified by myself, my supervisor coordinates between, client, UPC and other engineering departments, I attended most of these meetings. At the concept stage I had support from a junior architect and a drafter. I was able to manage my team efficiently. My team was very cooperative and enthusiastic about the project.

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Practice work



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Oct. 2011

Improving the environment Sustainability principles were applied to street design, buildings, and villas; especially with regard to the provision of natural cooling and shade allocating irrigation and landscape areas, while minimizing urban heat gain effect. In order to optimize the water budget, shade elements and landscape features need to be located where they most benefit pedestrian.

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February.2012

Land Use Influence The project’s site is located to the southeast of Madenat Zayed, It is surrounded by undeveloped areas from three sides, north, South and west, from the eastern side there is an existing official complex. It is about one block away from Bida Zayed public Garden which is located to the southeast of the shams Zayed development.

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Plan Al Gharbia 2030 Madinat Zayed is the regional capital of Al Gharbia with a population of approximately 29,000 people. It is approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Abu Dhabi City and midway between Liwa and the Arabian Gulf’s shores. Madenat Zayed was formerly known as Bida Zayed, a place where bedouin tribes would settle during their migration through the desert. Madinat Zayed counts agriculture and farming as a main source of income. In addition to its close proximity to many oil and gas fields, the city has developed a booming economy of industrial services, manufacturing and residential construction. Proposed projects For Madinat Zayed • Residential development • Solar Power facility • Government and Civil Defense projects Shams Zayed City According to Al Gharbia plan. A great developments will be processed in the area, as a result, Shams Zayed city will be a prosperous residential project as well as providing commercial services in the region.



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February.2012

LDR (Low Density

Residential)

Villa’s type:

Emirati Villa

Land area

percentage from

total site area:

75%

Land area

specified:

10.5 ha

Maximum Dwelling

units allowed:

20-25 per hectare

Number of units

provided:

160

Unit Plot area:

Type B 403 m²,

Type A 405m²

Number of floors:

G+1+ roof

MDR1 (Medium

Density

Residential) Villa’s type:

Town Houses

Land area

percentage from

total site area:

10%

Land area

specified:1.5 ha

Maximum Dwelling

units allowed:

40 per hectare

Number of units

provided:

32

Plot area:

Number of floors:

G+1+ roof

MU-NC (Mixed Use Neighborhood Center) Villa’s type:

Apartments

Land area percentage

from total site area:

3%

Land area specified:

0.4 ha

Number of dwelling

units provided: 24

Number of buildings:

3

Building foot print:

730m²

Number of floors:

G+2

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11

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Villa A

MU-NC building ground floor plan

MU-NC building typical floor plan



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Practice

Firm: Project: Client: Location: Date: Involvement:

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Courtyard within a block of houses.

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Raised table Intersection

Community park


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Practice work

designed by Author in reference to local and universal guidelines

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Street cross sections Street types and the corresponding cross sections were determined by adjacent land uses, and the dimensions were determined using the standards of street design manual, chapter 5, issued by UPC. All cross sections dimensions were applied to the entire length of corridor in master plan.

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Risk Finding Summery

Street Crime and nuisance behavior might be considered:

• Crime to property • Theft of auto • Theft from auto • Assault • Graffiti • Street Prostitution

Design Drivers

• Natural Access Control • Natural Surveillance • Territorial Reinforcement • Maintenance

Risk assessment plan

The following risks are expected to affect the highlighted areas

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Linking between risk finding and Design Drivers

Crime to property

• Natural Access Control

• Natural Surveillance

• Territorial Reinforcement

Theft of auto



Theft from auto



Assault


• Maintenance

Graffiti



• Maintenance

Street Prostitution




• Maintenance

Safety and Security zoning

Clusters Interlinking All clusters are raided above the streets and paved with a rough material that will not allow vehicles to speed up. Which will lower the possibility of theft from auto, theft of auto, and street pick ups.

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Practice work

Safety and Security zoning

Public space

Semi- private space

Semi-public space

Privacy Hierarchy The red area which is a community park. Although it is expected to be the most possible areas to witness assaults and graffiti; the risk has been minimized by placing it close the mosque, facility care office and the community garden. As a result the community park will be monitored from three corners.

Designed and prepared by Author ‘the student’ in reference to local and universal guidelines 57

Practice work / Bid- Awarded

Firm: Bainona Engineering Consultancy Project: Hameem Labors' camp client: CCC Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Date: June. 2011- Feb. 2012 Involvement: The project came to the office as a bid. The facility should accommodate 5000 worker and 250 engineer and supervisor. A technical and a financial offer was expected to be submitted within two weeks. All engineers and architect thought that we cannot meet the deadline. I offered to prepare technical proposals. To achieve maximum efficiency and accuracy, I developed a Excel calculator based on Zones corpse guidelines and the client’s requirements. The client requested a very efficient condensed facility. The project went through five stages of bidding until we got awarded. I worked on the project until the final stages of schematic design.

HA

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Volunteer work: Teaching Arts and Crafts using recycled materials at Portsmouth Public Library. Location: Portsmouth, NH. duration: 16 weeks Summer reading program Year: 2009 To the right: Banners for a Betty Boo party event for little girls, duration/ 10hrs (9 am-8 pm)

Designed and prepared by Author ‘the student’

Volunteer work

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Free hand drawings

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