This study used innovative computational design tools to improve a corridor’s visual and environmental conditions, such as solar radiation exposure and optimal daylighting, at the University of Sharjah’s (UoS) campus in the United Arab Emirates. The research methodology used computational design software to develop two sets of codes. The first set was dedicated to conducting environmental study simulations that assessed the corridor’s performance and classified site-dependent parameters such as sun path analysis and wind rose diagrams, and pattern-dependent parameters such as solar radiation analysis and shadow study diagrams. The second code set generated Islamic geometric patterns, following the design scheme of the University. Varying typologies were produced using the two parameters to change the pattern’s porous size, shape, and gradient.
One of the major concerns for achieving comfortability and sustainability inside studios is lighting quantity and quality. Integrating daylighting without creating glare in building design would reduce the intensive use of artificial lighting. The latitude of the UAE "United Arab Emirates" leads to the high intensity of solar radiation, which requires serious attention to find effective strategies to control daylighting and achieve both visual and thermal comfort. High-quality lighting performance in building design can be achieved by minimizing active artificial lighting needs through correct building design and maximizing the use of available natural passive daylight sources. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the performance and alternatives of integrated daylight into one of the studios at the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) by improving the existing conditions of studios in the CFAD according to standards. A light meter and Autodesk Revit software were used in the study and its related analysis. The Autodesk Revit software has been used to analyze the luminance environment of the existing studio and other cases to reach the best alternative. Six simulation cases, including the current case, were simulated and compared with each other regarding the required amount of Daylight Factor (DF). As a result, case 6 performed best among the rest of the alternatives. Such integration in the educational buildings could be significant and would help decision-makers and architects adjust their buildings and improve indoor lighting. However, further studies on the psychology of users and building energy consumption should be taken forward in the future.
This research seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the current ecosystem of BIM technology and its utilization in the UAE. Since the UAE has been an early adopter of BIM, its utilization of BIM is now likely to reach that of developed nations. By adopting the BIM case study analysis framework, two sets of projects of similar categories in terms of functionality and typology were selected and mapped. One set represents projects within the UAE, and the second represents projects from developed nations utilizing BIM during the projects’ lifecycle (LC). Incorporating expert interviews to triangulate the results collected from the case study analysis will further contribute to developing a more in-depth comprehension of BIM use in the UAE. The three significant inferences can be drawn from the findings. Firstly, in the UAE, stakeholders utilize BIM fragmentarily in different stages. Secondly, the full extent of BIM utilization over the project’s LC is not pursued. Thirdly, no effective BIM standards or protocols exist. Even though international firms are the main drivers of UAE BIM adoption and utilization, UAE BIM is still in its infancy, necessitating a more collaborative effort to realize the holistic benefits of the BIM process. The findings could be utilized to identify industry standards and guiding principles for BIM implementation in the UAE and help identify areas for improvement. It also provides valuable insights into how BIM can be used more effectively in the country and how its use can be promoted. Additionally, it could be used as a guide for owners/asset managers and AEC professionals in the UAE looking to implement BIM in their projects.
Introduction: With the rapid development in computational design, both architectural design and representation processes have witnessed a revolutionary change from the analog to the digital medium, opening new doors for adaptability in the architectural design process by leveraging nature concepts in design. The computational design approach starts with the mathematical model definition based on numerical relations and equations, thus, replacing the standard visual representation. Purpose of the study: We aimed to integrate computational design technologies to create self-learning buildings that could adapt to environmental challenges and adjust accordingly by collecting data from the surrounding environment via the implementation of sensors. Methods: We started with extensive research on state-of-the-art computational design in architecture, followed by the design implementation and the implementation of the architectural design of a building. The design followed a parametric approach to design and strategies. An algorithm was developed with Grasshopper Scripting to generate documents that mimic the growth process of cellular bone structures and adapt that form to a selected project site. To ensure that the generated form is adaptable, we performed multiple analyses, such as sunlight, radiation, and shadow analysis, before selecting the form and finishing its development. The results show that an environmentally responsive form that extends from the surrounding environment is characterized by high levels of adaptability. Results: In the course of the study, the effectiveness of computational design technologies in architecture was established.
Adaptability is a crucial quality in nature, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides leverage for adaptability in Architecture. In this paper, AI is integrated to create Self-learning buildings that can adapt to future challenges. The aim of this study is to make buildings that collect data from their environment through sensors and adapt themselves according to these data. The approach followed in this study is divided into different phases. Phase 1 starts by making an extensive research on the use of AI in Architecture. The data that was gathered from that research in phase 1 was used as guidelines to design the building in phase 2. The design of the building that is in phase 2 follows a parametric approach with the help of machine learning in the form of computational design tools. An algorithm was designed with Rhino modeling & Grasshopper Scripting to generate forms that not only biomimicks the Coral Growth process but also adapt that form to the selected site of the project. Phase 3 shows the selection process for the generated experimental studies. Multiple analyses were made such as sunlight, radiation, and shadow analysis to select the best performing form in terms of energy use. In phase 4, the form is developed to increase the building’s performance. In phase 5, performance analyses are done to prove that resultant form is a climate or environmentally responsive form which have high levels of adaptability. The analysis showed that the radiation exposure of this building is between 200 and 300 kWh/m². The shadow analysis shows the building form provides a shadow length of 8 hours. The analyses proves that the building’s form reduces its energy use thus makes it adaptable. In the last phase, an AI engine system is used to predict the future expansion of the building. Integrating technology in the architecture of future buildings provides adaptable buildings and helps save some of the energy used by buildings and thus build a sustainable planet.
PurposeThis study analyzes the effect of the techniques of active teaching and learning as a way of delivery on the outcomes of quality learning. Focusing on the courses of architectural science taught in a nontraditional method using various active learning strategies, the study takes the case study of the course Building Illumination and Acoustics (BIA) delivered in the academic year 2019–2020 at the University of Sharjah (UoS)'s Architectural Engineering Department (AED).Design/methodology/approachUtilizing both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, the study applied a case study and survey as methods. A questionnaire was designed and performed to assess the level of students' satisfaction with the implemented active teaching method.FindingsThe vibrant learning setting made the students actively engaged and more motivated and enthusiastic. The active learning practices used, including employing senses as in sight and hearing, reasoning rationally and intuitively, reflecting and acting, working steadily and in fits and starts, creating mathematical models, visualizing and memorizing and drawing analogies, were efficient in boosting their ability to comprehend theoretical concepts more effectively. The delivery style effectively enhances quality learning when various active techniques are used pedagogically beyond being merely a utilitarian instrument to prepare novice students of architectural engineering to fulfill practical challenges.Research limitations/implicationsThis article focuses specifically on a theoretical, scientific non-studio course in a particular program of architectural engineering in a particular semester before the dramatic changes in styles of teaching delivery that happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research could further highlight its results by comparing them to statistical evidence of the development of the course, especially for the duration of online teaching during the pandemic and the hybrid teaching period after it.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the development of teaching and learning of architectural engineering in the local Emirati context by putting original theories of teaching into practice. This paper further contributes to the field of architectural pedagogy in terms of the effect of active learning in the architecture field in the non-studio courses in higher education in the United Arab Emirates.
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