ahmed saleh | Suez Canal University (original) (raw)

Papers by ahmed saleh

MSA Engineering Journal

AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of us... more AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of used technologies are somewhat artificially intelligent, where it still needs human involvement to carry out the main part of the task. AI has a significant impact on multiple fields and industries, like IT, cybersecurity, medicine, and manufacturing since it provides them with countless creative opportunities. Compared to the mentioned fields, the development of AI in Architecture is still not commonly used. The dominant idea related to Architecture is that designers will be replaced by smart robots to create art and design buildings. But on the contrary, the open-ended creative results are still preserved for humans only. AI can do endless tasks during Architecture design process requiring human intelligence such as decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the role, advantages, and disadvantages of this technology within the design process from the viewpoint of professionals. Consequently, a Questionnaire will be held to several Professional Designers, Architects, and Researchers, then a summary of their responses will be reported in this article. The aim is to recognize how AI techniques can affect the Architect`s attitude to the design project.

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, 2017

The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's ... more The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's human population. Cities are generally responsible for most of the global carbon emissions. The sustainability concept has continued to be a top priority on the governmental agenda across the world. Business parks are designed to be environmentally sustainable, which will help reduce air pollution and develop social health and lifestyle. Besides many ecological and environmental services, business parks provide significant social and spiritual benefits to human societies. Green business parks aim to decrease the huge negative effect of business on both nature and society. The main purpose of this paper is to address the importance of green business parks for employees' and users' well-being, and for the sustainability of the city they inhabit. The paper introduces an evaluative framework for the sustainability of green business parks in Egypt. Therefore, the paper discusses the idea of the sustainable city and the connection between human well-being and the constructed environment in business parks. It also studies some cases that have appeared in the Egyptian cities; to show whether they achieve the aspects of sustainability or need redesign and upgrading plans. The study shows a concrete relationship between the indoor environment of business parks and human well-being. This endorses the fact that the more sustainable the place of work, the less its tendency to impose bad health effects on the building's occupants. Highlighting the important role of green business parks for employees' well-being and for a healthy environment can be a step towards future sustainable green cities in Egypt.

MSA Engineering Journal

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into architectural design has revolutionized the ... more The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into architectural design has revolutionized the building industry. AI offers a wide range of algorithmic approaches that can be used to explore abstract conceptual designs and generate an unlimited number of design ideas based on mathematically defined parameters. This paper provides an exploratory study that critically reviews the evolution of AI in architectural design. The study highlights the potentials, limitations, and future vision of this technology within the context of architectural design. AI has transitioned from a tool for functional optimization to an unprecedented resource for design inspiration based on machine intelligence. However, the authors emphasize the importance of a balanced approach that ensures AI-generated designs are human-centric, environmentally responsible, and culturally sensitive. The study concludes that AI has the potential to inspire and enhance architectural design but must be used ethically and responsibly to avoid negative impacts on human creativity and design ethics.

MSA Engineering Journal, 2023

AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of us... more AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of used technologies are somewhat artificially intelligent, where it still needs human involvement to carry out the main part of the task. AI has a significant impact on multiple fields and industries, like IT, cybersecurity, medicine, and manufacturing since it provides them with countless creative opportunities. Compared to the mentioned fields, the development of AI in Architecture is still not commonly used. The dominant idea related to Architecture is that designers will be replaced by smart robots to create art and design buildings. But on the contrary, the open-ended creative results are still preserved for humans only. AI can do endless tasks during Architecture design process requiring human intelligence such as decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the role, advantages, and disadvantages of this technology within the design process from the viewpoint of professionals. Consequently, a Questionnaire will be held to several Professional Designers, Architects, and Researchers, then a summary of their responses will be reported in this article. The aim is to recognize how AI techniques can affect the Architect`s attitude to the design project.

MSA Engineering Journal, 2023

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into architectural design has revolutionized the ... more The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into architectural design has revolutionized the building industry. AI offers a wide range of algorithmic approaches that can be used to explore abstract conceptual designs and generate an unlimited number of design ideas based on mathematically defined parameters. This paper provides an exploratory study that critically reviews the evolution of AI in architectural design. The study highlights the potentials, limitations, and future vision of this technology within the context of architectural design. AI has transitioned from a tool for functional optimization to an unprecedented resource for design inspiration based on machine intelligence. However, the authors emphasize the importance of a balanced approach that ensures AI-generated designs are human-centric, environmentally responsible, and culturally sensitive. The study concludes that AI has the potential to inspire and enhance architectural design but must be used ethically and responsibly to avoid negative impacts on human creativity and design ethics.

Sustainable Cities and Society, 2019

Green business parks (GBPs) are attractive to employees because of their environmental and social... more Green business parks (GBPs) are attractive to employees because of their environmental and social benefits. Recently, sustainability has become an international trend that is intended to tackle climate change. Therefore, there is a persistent need for sustainable landscapes in GBPs to ensure that workplaces are productive and healthy. The main focus of this research is developing a methodology of the GBPs`landscapes, in order to guide the stakeholders in the decision-making process. Moreover, getting users`and experts`opinions using Virtual Reality (VR) techniques plays an essential role to correctly predicting how a space will perform. By considering these contexts and their significance to sustainable development in a hot-dry climate area, the study evaluates the practice of landscape design for a GBP in terms of compactness and greenness. Consequently, three different landscape design models-formal, xeriscape, and biomimicry designs-were constructed as 2D and 3D models on AutoCAD and SketchUp. Then, the three alternatives are evaluated by experts and users using VR headset and mobile devices (MDs). The main finding is merging the sustainable principles with the aesthetic appearance which satisfies the users`opinions. The essential aim of this study is creating guidelines for sustainable landscape design for the future GBPs.

ABSTRACT What is called ‘sustainable urbanism and connectivity’ – the ability to move around town... more ABSTRACT What is called ‘sustainable urbanism and connectivity’ – the ability to move around town easily – is essential to the properly functioning city, especially in the past few decades which witnessed a practical orientation toward gated communities and divided cities. Given that gated communities are spatially a kind of enclave, Setha M. Low, among other anthropologists, in her book (Behind the Gates: Security and the New American Dream) has argued that they have a negative effect on the overall social capital of the broader community outside the gated community (Low, 2004). Some argue that Gated Communities offer promises of healthy, comfort, convenience, various services, peace and quiet environment. Other emphasize lush manicured landscape, architecture character, security, and distinctive amenities and services facilities (Ahmed, 2009). Other argue that Gated Communities provide the desire for an imaginary or imagined community leads consumers to look for enhanced suburban environments of the kind promised by these contemporary movements . This paper will define the term "Gated Community ", then understand how it started globally, followed by its significant criticism. Through analyzing the recent practice of gated communities in Cairo region, and comparing it with sustainable urban principles of good community, and examine its connectivity with the Egyptian urban fabric, the paper will end up formulating a series of recommendation which can achieve better connectivity and sustainability, and how to benefit from this type of urban development. Paper assumes that these new trends in developing new cities can create different urban, functional, social and economic problems, which can be adapted and solved through developing a new vision to connect the urban fabric with the surrounding housing areas. To prove that, some important questions will be answered through the research process: What are the different types of gated communities? Are there any design principles codes for each similar community in Cairo? Is there any role of public authorities in understanding and directing this type of communities according to greater vision of urban development? Do gated communities have a one way impact only on adjacent community or micro community? Or there is a double impact on both macro public community and also micro private community?

ABSTRACT Bridges are prominent features of many landscapes; they are justifiably called on to mee... more ABSTRACT Bridges are prominent features of many landscapes; they are justifiably called on to meet public objectives beyond their transportation purpose (Gottemoeller, 2004). Some bridges sidewalks are subject to unplanned uses as well. The areas underneath some bridges have become makeshift shelters to homeless people or unplanned urban spaces. The undersides of bridges all around the world are areas of graffiti art, other bridges attract people attempting suicide, and become known as suicide bridges. Most cities have begun to pay attention to the landscape design of urban rivers and tried not only to protect the ecological environment but also provide a place of recreation for the public (Qiao, 2008). Over the past few decades in Egypt, many of the Nile's riverfronts have been systematically occupied by an assortment of private projects; this unplanned privatization of the riverfront has physically, visually and symbolically separated the Nile from the general public. The best alternative for people who want to enjoy the riverfront was to informally use bridges sidewalk as an unplanned urban spaces and sitting areas. This study will explore the term “Living Bridges", and examine the various forms of formality and informality in using the urban spaces created adjacent to or on or underneath the riverfront bridges. Paper assumes that, adapting creative solutions in using bridges sidewalk and underneath can solve many urban spaces informality problems, add visual value, and create more enjoyable spaces and functions on the riverfronts. To examine that, some important goals must be achieved through the research process: Evaluate some successful international examples of riverfront bridges in the world, and explore the most important lessons learned. Address the various informal types of uses on Cairo Nile river bridges and its position. The conceptualization of possible solutions to re-use existing Bridges urban spaces to change them into vibrant and pleasant areas and not only as a way of connection.

One of the great challenges that landscape architect and urban designersface is communicating the... more One of the great challenges that landscape architect and urban designersface is communicating their spatial concepts and ideas to the broader public. Many of the problems contributing to unsuccessful public participation processes are caused by acommunication breakdown between the public and professionals, which visualizationcan aid in overcoming. In order to discuss the landscape of the future, we must be ableto see it. This seems to be a fundamental for strategic visions of futuristic publicparticipation in landscape process such as riverfront's landscape regeneration, which isthis research point.Computer generated technologies such as virtual reality can help landscapearchitects as well as clients to overcome the gap between the public and the expert orlandscape architects, between the virtual and the real world, hoping to augment also theintellect and creativity of landscape architects through the development and use of virtual technologies. In this paper VR was selected as ...

This paper suggests a design framework that aims to achieve balance between different innovative ... more This paper suggests a design framework that aims to achieve balance between different innovative design dimensions in contemporary Arab architecture. Firstly, a theoretical approach to the impact of globalization on Arab architecture is reviewed, discussing how and why the original identity of such architecture is vanishing. Secondly, three case studies for contemporary Arab architecture are assessed for their efficiency regarding use of digital design, sustainability, and regionalism. Finally, a novel design framework is developed, aiming to bridge the gap and achieve harmony between computation, sustainability, and regionalism in the Arab world contemporary architecture.

The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's ... more The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's human population. Cities are generally responsible for most of the global carbon emissions. The sustainability concept has continued to be a top priority on the governmental agenda across the world. Business parks are designed to be environmentally sustainable, which will help reduce air pollution and develop social health and lifestyle. Besides many ecological and environmental services, business parks provide significant social and spiritual benefits to human societies. Green business parks aim to decrease the huge negative effect of business on both nature and society. The main purpose of this paper is to address the importance of green business parks for employees' and users' well-being, and for the sustainability of the city they inhabit. The paper introduces an evaluative framework for the sustainability of green business parks in Egypt. Therefore, the paper discusses the idea of the sustainable city and the connection between human well-being and the constructed environment in business parks. It also studies some cases that have appeared in the Egyptian cities; to show whether they achieve the aspects of sustainability or need redesign and upgrading plans. The study shows a concrete relationship between the indoor environment of business parks and human well-being. This endorses the fact that the more sustainable the place of work, the less its tendency to impose bad health effects on the building's occupants. Highlighting the important role of green business parks for employees' well-being and for a healthy environment can be a step towards future sustainable green cities in Egypt.

This paper presents a performance oriented parametric approach for a façade's skin design to enha... more This paper presents a performance oriented parametric approach for a façade's skin design to enhance indoor daylight quality. This approach utilizes daylight performance evaluation to search for skin design that improves the distribution of the daylight indoors by achieving the requirements of daylight metrics of both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED V4) and Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) in early design stages. Parametric design procedure is proposed and consists of four integrated phases: (1) generate the skin, (2) analyse the skin's daylight performance, (3) evaluate the daylight performance and (4) search for the near optimum solution. "Genetic Algorithms" and "Exhaustive Search" as two different search and optimization techniques where implemented to understand the potentials of each one to be integrated in the proposed procedure in the forth phase. The study outlines the challenges and opportunities opened to architects to apply the proposed procedure to integrate daylight performance evaluation in early design stages where the most influential design decisions are taken.

A B S T R A C T In the last two decades, architecture in the Arab world has undergone dramatic ch... more A B S T R A C T In the last two decades, architecture in the Arab world has undergone dramatic changes, driven by three major paradigms: globalization, environment, and technology. However, these changes seem to ignore the rich architectural heritage of the region, especially Islamic architecture, to replicate the same western building forms and concepts. The paper aims to experiment new evaluation criteria for contemporary Arab architecture that utilizes computational design to approach sustainability and regionalism, as well as deducing the relationship and combination between the three main evaluation dimensions (Computation, Sustainability, and Regionalism). The methodology of the study relies on selecting six regional case studies, then applying the stated evaluation method on them. The output scores are then compared, and the sub-scores of each case are inspected for their correlation. The study revealed several findings that can be illustrated in an average achievement ratio of 55% in the reference cases. Besides, the study shows the potential constant correlation between performance of a given project in the three dimensions. Finally, the study raises a question of why the regional features of contemporary Arab architecture are still immature and merely represented in mimicking some mashrabiyas or Islamic patterns.

Architects and designers developed in the past few years various methods of design; specially for... more Architects and designers developed in the past few years various methods of design; specially form generation techniques, inspiration and motivation sources were differed but most of them intended common goals such as achieve sustainability and utilize hi-tech and information technology. In recent years generative systems in nature have become a source of inspiration for architects. Rather than viewing design as a top-down, linear, and goal-oriented procedure, they seek to understand underlying rules and principles of natural systems, which produce structural order and material organization of high complexity, efficiency, and beauty. This paper investigates how parametrically controlled systems can be applied to architectural design in order to achieve more responsive and adaptive modelling techniques.

Public Parks are an important aspect of the urban environment. Urban nature fulfils many social f... more Public Parks are an important aspect of the urban environment. Urban nature fulfils many social functions and psychological needs of citizens, which makes urban nature a valuable municipal resource, and a key component for the sustainable city. Lately, it appears a lot of new trends in landscape design process in urban spaces which response to the social, economic and environmental changes to be sustainable. The main problem of the paper deals with the absence of applying sustainability aspects on Urban Parks in Egypt. Also it faces the problem that there is no obvious and right methodology can be used in landscape design process to achieve sustainable aspects in open spaces. The objective of this paper is to find an approach by which sustainable urban landscapes could be reached. The main objective of the paper is to reach a comprehensive framework towards achieving the sustainability of landscape design at urban parks in Egypt.

Recently, the architectural thought interested in high performance buildings to reduce the phenom... more Recently, the architectural thought interested in high performance buildings to reduce the phenomenon of sick buildings, consuming all resources, depletion energy, and global warming. Hence, the research importance of alternatives about traditional building materials that adverse effect on the environment and users, these alternatives raises buildings efficiency in Egypt. The papers follow the methodology of theoretical, analytical and deductive through five chapters, the first one includes evaluation criteria for materials and buildings in international organizations such as the (LEED, BREEAM…. etc.), discuss responding factors which reducing energy consumption and embodied energy. The second chapter explained smart materials concept in past, present and future, by studying the life cycle of materials and its development. The third chapter analyzed various types of these materials, such as (Thermo-Bimetal, Hemp Fiber, Mycelium, Bioluminescence), to clarify their conformity with standard criteria mentioned in the first chapter, and their impact on reducing both types of energy and the amount of carbon dioxide. To carry out the objectives of this study, a questionnaire was designed to collect data in chapter four. The questionnaire showed the opinion of specialists in this field, Data has been analyzed using "Statistical package for social Science" (SPSS) software. Last chapter analyzed international and local case study, such as (The Gate, Enel Pavilion, The Technical Faculty, Decorative Facade Removes Air Pollution), this chapter also compares among these cases in terms of materials and their impact in raising the efficiency of buildings. Results, finally this paper focused on some materials, such as (Titanium Dioxide TiO2, Smart Bamboo, Hemp Fiber, Mycelium, Aerogels), as a " Second Skin " in building facades reducing (temperature, humidity in buildings, the dust and harmful emissions). The paper recommends that " H.P.B design process in Egypt required a teamwork for any project includes several Scientific disciplines, also Egypt must construct special laboratory for producing high-efficiency materials, also being careful when dealing with nanotechnology, because the small molecules may seep to the skin of humans and kill.

Bridges are prominent features of many landscapes; they are justifiably called on to meet public ... more Bridges are prominent features of many landscapes; they are justifiably called on to meet public objectives beyond their transportation purpose . Some bridges' sidewalks are subject to unplanned uses as well. The areas underneath some bridges have become makeshift shelters to homeless people or unplanned urban spaces. The undersides of bridges all around the world are areas of graffiti art, other bridges attract people attempting suicide, and become known as suicide bridges.

What is called 'sustainable urbanism and connectivity' -the ability to move around town easily -i... more What is called 'sustainable urbanism and connectivity' -the ability to move around town easily -is essential to the properly functioning city, especially in the past few decades which witnessed a practical orientation toward gated communities and divided cities. Given that gated communities are spatially a kind of enclave, Setha M. Low, among other anthropologists, in her book (Behind the Gates: Security and the New American Dream) has argued that they have a negative effect on the overall social capital of the broader community outside the gated community (Low, 2004).

One of the great challenges that landscape architect and urban designers face is communicating th... more One of the great challenges that landscape architect and urban designers face is communicating their spatial concepts and ideas to the broader public. Many of the problems contributing to unsuccessful public participation processes are caused by a communication breakdown between the public and professionals, which visualization can aid in overcoming. In order to discuss the landscape of the future, we must be able to see it. This seems to be a fundamental for strategic visions of futuristic public participation in landscape process such as riverfront's landscape regeneration, which is this research point.
Computer generated technologies such as virtual reality can help landscape architects as well as clients to overcome the gap between the public and the expert or landscape architects, between the virtual and the real world, hoping to augment also the intellect and creativity of landscape architects through the development and use of virtual technologies. In this paper VR was selected as computer simulated visualization technique which is suitable to be uses as the tool of the research approach to enhance public participation in evaluating riverfront's landscape alternatives.
This paper aims to develop an approach to enhance public participation in the process of evaluating the alternatives of regeneration of River Nile landscape using new computer simulated visualization techniques and then testing this approach.

MSA Engineering Journal

AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of us... more AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of used technologies are somewhat artificially intelligent, where it still needs human involvement to carry out the main part of the task. AI has a significant impact on multiple fields and industries, like IT, cybersecurity, medicine, and manufacturing since it provides them with countless creative opportunities. Compared to the mentioned fields, the development of AI in Architecture is still not commonly used. The dominant idea related to Architecture is that designers will be replaced by smart robots to create art and design buildings. But on the contrary, the open-ended creative results are still preserved for humans only. AI can do endless tasks during Architecture design process requiring human intelligence such as decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the role, advantages, and disadvantages of this technology within the design process from the viewpoint of professionals. Consequently, a Questionnaire will be held to several Professional Designers, Architects, and Researchers, then a summary of their responses will be reported in this article. The aim is to recognize how AI techniques can affect the Architect`s attitude to the design project.

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, 2017

The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's ... more The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's human population. Cities are generally responsible for most of the global carbon emissions. The sustainability concept has continued to be a top priority on the governmental agenda across the world. Business parks are designed to be environmentally sustainable, which will help reduce air pollution and develop social health and lifestyle. Besides many ecological and environmental services, business parks provide significant social and spiritual benefits to human societies. Green business parks aim to decrease the huge negative effect of business on both nature and society. The main purpose of this paper is to address the importance of green business parks for employees' and users' well-being, and for the sustainability of the city they inhabit. The paper introduces an evaluative framework for the sustainability of green business parks in Egypt. Therefore, the paper discusses the idea of the sustainable city and the connection between human well-being and the constructed environment in business parks. It also studies some cases that have appeared in the Egyptian cities; to show whether they achieve the aspects of sustainability or need redesign and upgrading plans. The study shows a concrete relationship between the indoor environment of business parks and human well-being. This endorses the fact that the more sustainable the place of work, the less its tendency to impose bad health effects on the building's occupants. Highlighting the important role of green business parks for employees' well-being and for a healthy environment can be a step towards future sustainable green cities in Egypt.

MSA Engineering Journal

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into architectural design has revolutionized the ... more The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into architectural design has revolutionized the building industry. AI offers a wide range of algorithmic approaches that can be used to explore abstract conceptual designs and generate an unlimited number of design ideas based on mathematically defined parameters. This paper provides an exploratory study that critically reviews the evolution of AI in architectural design. The study highlights the potentials, limitations, and future vision of this technology within the context of architectural design. AI has transitioned from a tool for functional optimization to an unprecedented resource for design inspiration based on machine intelligence. However, the authors emphasize the importance of a balanced approach that ensures AI-generated designs are human-centric, environmentally responsible, and culturally sensitive. The study concludes that AI has the potential to inspire and enhance architectural design but must be used ethically and responsibly to avoid negative impacts on human creativity and design ethics.

MSA Engineering Journal, 2023

AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of us... more AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of used technologies are somewhat artificially intelligent, where it still needs human involvement to carry out the main part of the task. AI has a significant impact on multiple fields and industries, like IT, cybersecurity, medicine, and manufacturing since it provides them with countless creative opportunities. Compared to the mentioned fields, the development of AI in Architecture is still not commonly used. The dominant idea related to Architecture is that designers will be replaced by smart robots to create art and design buildings. But on the contrary, the open-ended creative results are still preserved for humans only. AI can do endless tasks during Architecture design process requiring human intelligence such as decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the role, advantages, and disadvantages of this technology within the design process from the viewpoint of professionals. Consequently, a Questionnaire will be held to several Professional Designers, Architects, and Researchers, then a summary of their responses will be reported in this article. The aim is to recognize how AI techniques can affect the Architect`s attitude to the design project.

MSA Engineering Journal, 2023

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into architectural design has revolutionized the ... more The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into architectural design has revolutionized the building industry. AI offers a wide range of algorithmic approaches that can be used to explore abstract conceptual designs and generate an unlimited number of design ideas based on mathematically defined parameters. This paper provides an exploratory study that critically reviews the evolution of AI in architectural design. The study highlights the potentials, limitations, and future vision of this technology within the context of architectural design. AI has transitioned from a tool for functional optimization to an unprecedented resource for design inspiration based on machine intelligence. However, the authors emphasize the importance of a balanced approach that ensures AI-generated designs are human-centric, environmentally responsible, and culturally sensitive. The study concludes that AI has the potential to inspire and enhance architectural design but must be used ethically and responsibly to avoid negative impacts on human creativity and design ethics.

Sustainable Cities and Society, 2019

Green business parks (GBPs) are attractive to employees because of their environmental and social... more Green business parks (GBPs) are attractive to employees because of their environmental and social benefits. Recently, sustainability has become an international trend that is intended to tackle climate change. Therefore, there is a persistent need for sustainable landscapes in GBPs to ensure that workplaces are productive and healthy. The main focus of this research is developing a methodology of the GBPs`landscapes, in order to guide the stakeholders in the decision-making process. Moreover, getting users`and experts`opinions using Virtual Reality (VR) techniques plays an essential role to correctly predicting how a space will perform. By considering these contexts and their significance to sustainable development in a hot-dry climate area, the study evaluates the practice of landscape design for a GBP in terms of compactness and greenness. Consequently, three different landscape design models-formal, xeriscape, and biomimicry designs-were constructed as 2D and 3D models on AutoCAD and SketchUp. Then, the three alternatives are evaluated by experts and users using VR headset and mobile devices (MDs). The main finding is merging the sustainable principles with the aesthetic appearance which satisfies the users`opinions. The essential aim of this study is creating guidelines for sustainable landscape design for the future GBPs.

ABSTRACT What is called ‘sustainable urbanism and connectivity’ – the ability to move around town... more ABSTRACT What is called ‘sustainable urbanism and connectivity’ – the ability to move around town easily – is essential to the properly functioning city, especially in the past few decades which witnessed a practical orientation toward gated communities and divided cities. Given that gated communities are spatially a kind of enclave, Setha M. Low, among other anthropologists, in her book (Behind the Gates: Security and the New American Dream) has argued that they have a negative effect on the overall social capital of the broader community outside the gated community (Low, 2004). Some argue that Gated Communities offer promises of healthy, comfort, convenience, various services, peace and quiet environment. Other emphasize lush manicured landscape, architecture character, security, and distinctive amenities and services facilities (Ahmed, 2009). Other argue that Gated Communities provide the desire for an imaginary or imagined community leads consumers to look for enhanced suburban environments of the kind promised by these contemporary movements . This paper will define the term "Gated Community ", then understand how it started globally, followed by its significant criticism. Through analyzing the recent practice of gated communities in Cairo region, and comparing it with sustainable urban principles of good community, and examine its connectivity with the Egyptian urban fabric, the paper will end up formulating a series of recommendation which can achieve better connectivity and sustainability, and how to benefit from this type of urban development. Paper assumes that these new trends in developing new cities can create different urban, functional, social and economic problems, which can be adapted and solved through developing a new vision to connect the urban fabric with the surrounding housing areas. To prove that, some important questions will be answered through the research process: What are the different types of gated communities? Are there any design principles codes for each similar community in Cairo? Is there any role of public authorities in understanding and directing this type of communities according to greater vision of urban development? Do gated communities have a one way impact only on adjacent community or micro community? Or there is a double impact on both macro public community and also micro private community?

ABSTRACT Bridges are prominent features of many landscapes; they are justifiably called on to mee... more ABSTRACT Bridges are prominent features of many landscapes; they are justifiably called on to meet public objectives beyond their transportation purpose (Gottemoeller, 2004). Some bridges sidewalks are subject to unplanned uses as well. The areas underneath some bridges have become makeshift shelters to homeless people or unplanned urban spaces. The undersides of bridges all around the world are areas of graffiti art, other bridges attract people attempting suicide, and become known as suicide bridges. Most cities have begun to pay attention to the landscape design of urban rivers and tried not only to protect the ecological environment but also provide a place of recreation for the public (Qiao, 2008). Over the past few decades in Egypt, many of the Nile's riverfronts have been systematically occupied by an assortment of private projects; this unplanned privatization of the riverfront has physically, visually and symbolically separated the Nile from the general public. The best alternative for people who want to enjoy the riverfront was to informally use bridges sidewalk as an unplanned urban spaces and sitting areas. This study will explore the term “Living Bridges", and examine the various forms of formality and informality in using the urban spaces created adjacent to or on or underneath the riverfront bridges. Paper assumes that, adapting creative solutions in using bridges sidewalk and underneath can solve many urban spaces informality problems, add visual value, and create more enjoyable spaces and functions on the riverfronts. To examine that, some important goals must be achieved through the research process: Evaluate some successful international examples of riverfront bridges in the world, and explore the most important lessons learned. Address the various informal types of uses on Cairo Nile river bridges and its position. The conceptualization of possible solutions to re-use existing Bridges urban spaces to change them into vibrant and pleasant areas and not only as a way of connection.

One of the great challenges that landscape architect and urban designersface is communicating the... more One of the great challenges that landscape architect and urban designersface is communicating their spatial concepts and ideas to the broader public. Many of the problems contributing to unsuccessful public participation processes are caused by acommunication breakdown between the public and professionals, which visualizationcan aid in overcoming. In order to discuss the landscape of the future, we must be ableto see it. This seems to be a fundamental for strategic visions of futuristic publicparticipation in landscape process such as riverfront's landscape regeneration, which isthis research point.Computer generated technologies such as virtual reality can help landscapearchitects as well as clients to overcome the gap between the public and the expert orlandscape architects, between the virtual and the real world, hoping to augment also theintellect and creativity of landscape architects through the development and use of virtual technologies. In this paper VR was selected as ...

This paper suggests a design framework that aims to achieve balance between different innovative ... more This paper suggests a design framework that aims to achieve balance between different innovative design dimensions in contemporary Arab architecture. Firstly, a theoretical approach to the impact of globalization on Arab architecture is reviewed, discussing how and why the original identity of such architecture is vanishing. Secondly, three case studies for contemporary Arab architecture are assessed for their efficiency regarding use of digital design, sustainability, and regionalism. Finally, a novel design framework is developed, aiming to bridge the gap and achieve harmony between computation, sustainability, and regionalism in the Arab world contemporary architecture.

The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's ... more The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's human population. Cities are generally responsible for most of the global carbon emissions. The sustainability concept has continued to be a top priority on the governmental agenda across the world. Business parks are designed to be environmentally sustainable, which will help reduce air pollution and develop social health and lifestyle. Besides many ecological and environmental services, business parks provide significant social and spiritual benefits to human societies. Green business parks aim to decrease the huge negative effect of business on both nature and society. The main purpose of this paper is to address the importance of green business parks for employees' and users' well-being, and for the sustainability of the city they inhabit. The paper introduces an evaluative framework for the sustainability of green business parks in Egypt. Therefore, the paper discusses the idea of the sustainable city and the connection between human well-being and the constructed environment in business parks. It also studies some cases that have appeared in the Egyptian cities; to show whether they achieve the aspects of sustainability or need redesign and upgrading plans. The study shows a concrete relationship between the indoor environment of business parks and human well-being. This endorses the fact that the more sustainable the place of work, the less its tendency to impose bad health effects on the building's occupants. Highlighting the important role of green business parks for employees' well-being and for a healthy environment can be a step towards future sustainable green cities in Egypt.

This paper presents a performance oriented parametric approach for a façade's skin design to enha... more This paper presents a performance oriented parametric approach for a façade's skin design to enhance indoor daylight quality. This approach utilizes daylight performance evaluation to search for skin design that improves the distribution of the daylight indoors by achieving the requirements of daylight metrics of both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED V4) and Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) in early design stages. Parametric design procedure is proposed and consists of four integrated phases: (1) generate the skin, (2) analyse the skin's daylight performance, (3) evaluate the daylight performance and (4) search for the near optimum solution. "Genetic Algorithms" and "Exhaustive Search" as two different search and optimization techniques where implemented to understand the potentials of each one to be integrated in the proposed procedure in the forth phase. The study outlines the challenges and opportunities opened to architects to apply the proposed procedure to integrate daylight performance evaluation in early design stages where the most influential design decisions are taken.

A B S T R A C T In the last two decades, architecture in the Arab world has undergone dramatic ch... more A B S T R A C T In the last two decades, architecture in the Arab world has undergone dramatic changes, driven by three major paradigms: globalization, environment, and technology. However, these changes seem to ignore the rich architectural heritage of the region, especially Islamic architecture, to replicate the same western building forms and concepts. The paper aims to experiment new evaluation criteria for contemporary Arab architecture that utilizes computational design to approach sustainability and regionalism, as well as deducing the relationship and combination between the three main evaluation dimensions (Computation, Sustainability, and Regionalism). The methodology of the study relies on selecting six regional case studies, then applying the stated evaluation method on them. The output scores are then compared, and the sub-scores of each case are inspected for their correlation. The study revealed several findings that can be illustrated in an average achievement ratio of 55% in the reference cases. Besides, the study shows the potential constant correlation between performance of a given project in the three dimensions. Finally, the study raises a question of why the regional features of contemporary Arab architecture are still immature and merely represented in mimicking some mashrabiyas or Islamic patterns.

Architects and designers developed in the past few years various methods of design; specially for... more Architects and designers developed in the past few years various methods of design; specially form generation techniques, inspiration and motivation sources were differed but most of them intended common goals such as achieve sustainability and utilize hi-tech and information technology. In recent years generative systems in nature have become a source of inspiration for architects. Rather than viewing design as a top-down, linear, and goal-oriented procedure, they seek to understand underlying rules and principles of natural systems, which produce structural order and material organization of high complexity, efficiency, and beauty. This paper investigates how parametrically controlled systems can be applied to architectural design in order to achieve more responsive and adaptive modelling techniques.

Public Parks are an important aspect of the urban environment. Urban nature fulfils many social f... more Public Parks are an important aspect of the urban environment. Urban nature fulfils many social functions and psychological needs of citizens, which makes urban nature a valuable municipal resource, and a key component for the sustainable city. Lately, it appears a lot of new trends in landscape design process in urban spaces which response to the social, economic and environmental changes to be sustainable. The main problem of the paper deals with the absence of applying sustainability aspects on Urban Parks in Egypt. Also it faces the problem that there is no obvious and right methodology can be used in landscape design process to achieve sustainable aspects in open spaces. The objective of this paper is to find an approach by which sustainable urban landscapes could be reached. The main objective of the paper is to reach a comprehensive framework towards achieving the sustainability of landscape design at urban parks in Egypt.

Recently, the architectural thought interested in high performance buildings to reduce the phenom... more Recently, the architectural thought interested in high performance buildings to reduce the phenomenon of sick buildings, consuming all resources, depletion energy, and global warming. Hence, the research importance of alternatives about traditional building materials that adverse effect on the environment and users, these alternatives raises buildings efficiency in Egypt. The papers follow the methodology of theoretical, analytical and deductive through five chapters, the first one includes evaluation criteria for materials and buildings in international organizations such as the (LEED, BREEAM…. etc.), discuss responding factors which reducing energy consumption and embodied energy. The second chapter explained smart materials concept in past, present and future, by studying the life cycle of materials and its development. The third chapter analyzed various types of these materials, such as (Thermo-Bimetal, Hemp Fiber, Mycelium, Bioluminescence), to clarify their conformity with standard criteria mentioned in the first chapter, and their impact on reducing both types of energy and the amount of carbon dioxide. To carry out the objectives of this study, a questionnaire was designed to collect data in chapter four. The questionnaire showed the opinion of specialists in this field, Data has been analyzed using "Statistical package for social Science" (SPSS) software. Last chapter analyzed international and local case study, such as (The Gate, Enel Pavilion, The Technical Faculty, Decorative Facade Removes Air Pollution), this chapter also compares among these cases in terms of materials and their impact in raising the efficiency of buildings. Results, finally this paper focused on some materials, such as (Titanium Dioxide TiO2, Smart Bamboo, Hemp Fiber, Mycelium, Aerogels), as a " Second Skin " in building facades reducing (temperature, humidity in buildings, the dust and harmful emissions). The paper recommends that " H.P.B design process in Egypt required a teamwork for any project includes several Scientific disciplines, also Egypt must construct special laboratory for producing high-efficiency materials, also being careful when dealing with nanotechnology, because the small molecules may seep to the skin of humans and kill.

Bridges are prominent features of many landscapes; they are justifiably called on to meet public ... more Bridges are prominent features of many landscapes; they are justifiably called on to meet public objectives beyond their transportation purpose . Some bridges' sidewalks are subject to unplanned uses as well. The areas underneath some bridges have become makeshift shelters to homeless people or unplanned urban spaces. The undersides of bridges all around the world are areas of graffiti art, other bridges attract people attempting suicide, and become known as suicide bridges.

What is called 'sustainable urbanism and connectivity' -the ability to move around town easily -i... more What is called 'sustainable urbanism and connectivity' -the ability to move around town easily -is essential to the properly functioning city, especially in the past few decades which witnessed a practical orientation toward gated communities and divided cities. Given that gated communities are spatially a kind of enclave, Setha M. Low, among other anthropologists, in her book (Behind the Gates: Security and the New American Dream) has argued that they have a negative effect on the overall social capital of the broader community outside the gated community (Low, 2004).

One of the great challenges that landscape architect and urban designers face is communicating th... more One of the great challenges that landscape architect and urban designers face is communicating their spatial concepts and ideas to the broader public. Many of the problems contributing to unsuccessful public participation processes are caused by a communication breakdown between the public and professionals, which visualization can aid in overcoming. In order to discuss the landscape of the future, we must be able to see it. This seems to be a fundamental for strategic visions of futuristic public participation in landscape process such as riverfront's landscape regeneration, which is this research point.
Computer generated technologies such as virtual reality can help landscape architects as well as clients to overcome the gap between the public and the expert or landscape architects, between the virtual and the real world, hoping to augment also the intellect and creativity of landscape architects through the development and use of virtual technologies. In this paper VR was selected as computer simulated visualization technique which is suitable to be uses as the tool of the research approach to enhance public participation in evaluating riverfront's landscape alternatives.
This paper aims to develop an approach to enhance public participation in the process of evaluating the alternatives of regeneration of River Nile landscape using new computer simulated visualization techniques and then testing this approach.