Hoda Moustapha
Portfolio of Research, Teaching and Creative Work
Computational Design Program
Center for Building Performance and Diagnostics
School of Architecture
Carnegie Mellon University
[email protected]
http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/~hoda
Table of Contents
Curriculum Vitae
Research
PhD Computational Design
Building Performance and Diagnostics
Master’s Computational Design
Research Agenda
Teaching
Philosophy
Courses
Future Visions
Creative Work
Arabic Calligraphy
Web Development
Computer Graphics
Publications
Research
Research
PhD Computational Design
PhD Computational Design
My research investigates Computational Representations for Design Exploration. I believe that Exploration is
fundamental to design, especially in the early phases. Spatial relations and ordering principles organize the
parts of a design, into a coherent whole. These relations and principles, used in composition, “structure”
designs. These are referred to, in the context of my research, as “Design Structures”. My approach is to
capture architecturally significant design structures in a computational environment and use them to explore
architectural design configurations in a cyclic manner.
Through empirical observations, I found that designers expressed structures, such as grid lines or axes of
symmetry, in the form of regulating lines, and use these as active compositional tools, especially in early
conceptualization phases. For additional information, please refer to the paper: Akin, Ö. and H. Moustapha
(2003) “Strategic Use of Representation in Architectural Massing” Design Studies, Vol. 25, no 1, Elsevier Ltd,
London.
Consider the Floor Plan of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Lloyd Lewis House; consider the effects of changing the
directions of underlying grid lines or changing their curvatures. Furthermore, consider the ability to control
each of these grid lines individually, and to perceive their effects on a certain group of elements. One can
only begin to imagine the possibilities for such exploration, and the range of ideas that these may bring
during early conceptualization phases.
Transformation of the underlying Structure of Lloyd Lewis House
Changing orientation of grid
Changing the curvature of the grid
Changing part of the grid
Explorations involving the transformation of structures produce intellectually stimulating results, but are very
labor intensive; these require individual modification of numerous related elements. Such repetitive
interaction considerably slows down the exploration, and often discourages it completely, particularly when
configurations are complex and inter-relations are numerous. It is my objective to provide the intellectual
stimulation without the associated labor.
My approach consists of separating design structures from configuration elements, and augmenting
structures with control over elements. I developed the concept of a “regulator”, which is an abstraction that
captures a single unit of structure i.e. a single relationship within a configuration. For instance a grid
structure is captured by alignment lines; a symmetry structure is captured by a reflection axis or center of
rotation. Regulators maintain control over other elements of the configuration; therefore, a user can
transform the configuration, either completely or partially, by applying simple changes to a regulator.
Regulators used for transformations in massing
Rotating the translation regulator
Replacing the translation regulator
Regulators used for transformation across styles
Replacing mirror
Inserting balcony
Changing degree
Introducing scale
Introducing exception
For my dissertation, I developed the ICE framework, which stands for Interactive Configuration Exploration.
It consists of both a notation and an implementation. The ICE notation is a formal notation for representing
shapes and configurations by means of their structures. The ICE implementation is a 3D modeling system
that supports the exploration of such shapes and configurations through the transformation of their
structures.
The ICE Notation
The notation describes shapes and configurations succinctly and accurately as a string, by means of its
regulators. A configuration defined in ICE is represented by means of a few regulators instead of being
represented by the numerous points that define its boundary. Therefore, it is a more concise representation,
and this is advantageous in data storage size and data transfer rates. ICE strings captures a generation
method for a configuration as well as a set of applicable transformations to the configuration. ICE is
comparable to DNA, where a short string sequence captures generation and transformation patterns for
configurations.
In order to describe the various structures observed in architecture. I identified several categories of
regulators. These include the following: (1) regulators based on geometric transformations, (2) regulators
based on constraints, (3) regulators based on variations, (4) regulators based on hierarchies, and (5)
regulators based on operations. A string would consist of a starting point/shape and a set of regulators.
Each regulator is represented by a symbol; its category, parameters and dimension are also represented in
the notation string.
Regulators Based on Geometric Transformations
Translation
Rotation
Mirror
ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} ( shape) ]
ΔT
ΔR 1 [ { p, t , θ, n} ( shape) ] ΔR 0 [ { p, θ, n} ( shape) ] ) ]
ΔR
ΔM 0 [ { p, n} ( shape) ] ΔM 1 [ { p, t , n} ( shape) ]
ΔM
ΔM 2 [ { p, t , v, n} ( shape) ]
Dilation (scale)
ΔD 0 [ { p, k , n} ( shape) ]
Shear
ΔS [ {k , n} ( shape) ]
Curve
ΔCe [ { p, t , α, n} ( shape) ] ΔCh [ { p, t , α, n} ( shape) ]
ΔD
ΔS
ΔC
Categories of Regulators
Variation Regulators
ΞG [ {a, f , c} ( shape0 − shapen ) ]
Rhythm/Gradation
ΔTΞG[{ p,t , d, n, a, f, c}( s )]
Constraint based Regulators
Alignment
ΦA 0 [ { p} ( shape0 − shapek ) ]
ΔT ΞG
ΦA
ΦA 1 [ { p, t } ( shape0 − shapek ) ]
ΦA 2 [ { p, t , v } ( shape0 − shapek ) ]
Topological Regulators
Distance
ΦJ [ {min, max, mod} (shape1 , shape2 ) ]
Hierarchical Regulators
Containment
ΨH [ {} (container, constituent0 − constituent n ) ]
Operation Regulators
Subdivision
ΩZ [ {s, n} ( shape) ]
ΠJ 0
ΠJ -
ΨH
ΩZ
Other aspects of the ICE notation include strategies for composing regulators, mechanics of using regulators
for generating designs, and the specifics for using regulators for transforming designs. A small change in the
notation string produces significant transformations in the design. For more information on the notation,
and the complete set regulators and their functionality please refer to the paper: Moustapha, Hoda. (2004)
“A Formal Representation for Generation and Transformation in Design”, the Generative CAD Systems
Symposium (GCAD’04), Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.
Generation Methods
Discrete generation
ΔT( s) <0 >−<2>
ΔT( s)
Continuous generation
ΔT( s) <0 −2>
ΔT( s )
Combined generation
ΔT
<0 ><1>< 2 >
ΔT
<0 ,1, 2 >
ΔT( s) <0 −3><4 ><5−6 >
ΔT( s )
ΔT
<0 ,1, 2 , 3><4 ><5 ,6 >
s
Motion regulators
ΔT
1⎯
⎯→
(s )
ΔT
ΔT [{ p, t ,0 ⎯
⎯→ d }( s ) ]
1
s
Composition Methods
Simultaneous
Composition
ΔT1 ΔD 0 [ { p T , p D , t , k , d , n} ( shape) ]
ΔT
ΔM ΦA [ { p, t , d , n} ( shape) ]
1
Successive Composition
1
ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} (ΔR 1 [ { p, t , α, n} ( shape)]
)]
ΔT
ΔR
Partial Composition
ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} (ΔR 1 [ { p, t , α, n} ( shape)]#3,4 )]
ΔT
ΔR
Multiple Control
ΔR[ { p, t , θ, n} ( ΔT1 ) <0 ><2 > ] ∧
ΔT1i [ { p, t , d , n} ( shapei )
<0 ><3>
ΔR
]
ΔT12
ΔT10
ΔT11
Representation of shapes using the ICE notation
Straight line
line = ΔT1[ { p, t , d , n} ( s )<0 −1> ]
ΔT1
s
Curved line
curve = ΔC1[ { p, θ , n} ( s ) <0 −1> ]
Δ C1
s
Regular polygon
pentagon = ΔR 1b [{ p, t , θ = 72, n}(
ΔT1
s
ΔT1a [ { p, t , d , n}( s )<#10 −1> ]
) <0 > − < 4 > ]
ΔR 1
Square
ΔT1
square = ΔT2 [ { p, t , d , n} (ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} ( s ) <0 −1> ]) <0 −1> ]
ΔT2
Triangle and Trapezoid
triangle =
ΔT1
s
ΔTΔD 2 [ { p, t , k = (.5,1), d , n} (ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} ( s ) <0 −1> ]) <0 −1> ]
Circle and Variations
circle = ΔR 2 [ { p, t , θ = 360, n} (ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} ( s ) <0−1> ]) <0−1> ]
ΔTΔD 2
s
ΔT1
ΔR 2
Cuboid
square =
ΔT2 [ { p, t , d , n} (ΔT1[ { p, t , d , n} ( s ) <0−1> ] ) <0 −1> ]
cuboid = ΔT3 [ { p, t , d , n} ( square) <0 −1> ]
ΔT3
Prism
triangle =
ΔTΔD 2 [ { p, t , k , d , n} (ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} ( s ) <0−1> ] ) <0−1> ]
prism = ΔT3 [ { p, t , d , n} (triangle) <0 −1> ]
Δ T3
Pyramid and Frustum
square =
ΔT2 [ { p, t , d , n} (ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} ( s ) <0−1> ] ) <0 −1> ]
frustum = ΔTΔD 3 [ { p, t , k , θ , n} ( square) < 0 − 1> ]
ΔTΔD 3
Cylinder
circle =
ΔR 2 [ { p , t , θ = 360 , n} ( ΔT1 [ { p , t , d , n} ( s ) <0 −1> ]) <0 −1> ]
cylinder = ΔT3 [ { p, t , d , n} (circle)
< 0 −1>
ΔT3
]
Cone
triangle =
ΔTΔD 2 [ { p, t , k , d , n} (ΔT1 [ { p, t , d , n} ( s ) <0−1> ] ) <0−1> ]
ΔR 3
cone = ΔR 3 [ { p, t , d , n} (triangle) <0 −1> ]
Slinky
circle =
ΔR 2 [ { p , t , θ = 360 , n} ( ΔT1 [ { p , t , d , n} ( s ) <0 −1> ]) <0 −1> ]
ΔC 3
slinky = ΔC 3 [ { p, t , θ , n} (circle) <0 − 1> ]
Sphere
circle =
ΔR 2 [ { p , t , θ = 360 , n} ( ΔT1 [ { p , t , d , n} ( s ) <0 −1> ]) <0 −1> ]
sphere = ΔR 3 [ { p, t , θ,n} (circle) <0−1> ]
ΔR 3
I used the ICE notation to describe a sequence of drawings in a design studio as well as the transformation
between these drawings. For more information, please refer the paper: Akin, Ö. and H. Moustapha (2004)
"Formalizing Generation and Transformation in Design: a studio case study" - First International Conference
on Design Computing and Cognition (DCC’04), Kluwer Academic publisher, the Netherlands.
Hejduk’s Half House represented using the ICE notation
HalfHouse = unit A ∧ unit B ∧ unitC ∧ commonlinks
commonlinks = corridor ∧ walkway ∧ staircase
unit A =
ΔM 1 [{ p , t , n} (enclosure A , articulati ons A ) <0><1> ] ∧
window A , square A , column A
enclosure A =
ΔD 0 [ { p , k , n} (
ΔTh1 [ { p , t , d , n} (
ΔTv1 [ { p, t , d , n} ( s A ) <#n0− n > ]
) <0 − n > ]
) <0−1> ]
unit B =
ΔM 1 [{ p , t , n} (enclosure B , articulati ons B ) <0><1> ] ∧
window B , square B , column B
enclosure B =
ΔD 0 [ { p, k , n}
ΔTv1 [ { p , t , d , n} ( s B ) <0− n > ]
) < 0− n > ]
unit C =
ΔM 1 [{ p , t , n} (enclosureC , articulati onsC ) <0><1> ] ∧
p A = line A e h
windowC , squareC , columnC
p B = line B e h
enclosure C =
ΔD [ { p, k , n}
p C = lineC eh
0
ΦA 1 [ { p , t , n} ( p A , ΔM 1A )]
ΔR 0 [ { p , t ,90, n} ( s C ) <0− n > ]
ΦA 1 [ { p , t , n} ( p B , ΔM 1B )]
) <0−n > ]
sC = ΔR 1C [ { p,90°, n} ( s A ) <0 ><1> ]
ΔM 1C = ΔR 1C [ { p ,90°, n} (ΔM 1A ) <0 ><1> ]
1
1 <0 ><1>
ΔTCh
= ΔR 1C [ { p ,90°, n} (ΔTAh
)
]
ΦA 1 [ { p , t , n} ( p C , ΔM 1C )]
ΦL0 [ { p, t , n} ( p A , p B , p C )]
ΦA 1v [ { p , t } (unit A ΔM 1 , unit B )]
ΦA 1h [ { p, t } (unit B , unit C )]
A studio example represented using the ICE notation
building =
ΔM 2 [{ p,t ,n}(
ΔM 3 [{ p,t , n}((dormCluster1 ) <#10><1> ]
) <0><1> ] ∧
ΔM 4 [{ p,t , n}((dormUnit 4 ) <0><1> ] ∧
ΔM 5 [{ p,t , n}((dormUnit5 ) <0><1> ] ∧
commonSpace
dormcluster = ΔM1[{ p,t ,n} (dormUnit ) < 0 ><1> ]
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
DELETE_REGULATOR( ΔM 4 ,
ΔM 5 )
REPLACE_REGULATOR( ΔM 3 )
ΔM 2 [(ΔM 3 [(dormCluster )])] ⇒ ΔM 2 [(ΔR[(dormCluster )])]
building =
ΔM 2 [{ p,t ,n}(
ΔR [{ p,t ,θ , n}( dormCluster1 ) <0><1> ]
) <0><1> ] ∧
ΔM 2 [{ p,t ,n}(
ΔM 4 [{ p,t ,θ , n}(dormCluster2 ) <#10><1> ]
) <0><1> ] ∧
ΔR [{ p,t ,θ , n}(commonSpace) <0><n> ]
dormCluste r1 = Δ M 1 [{ p , t ,n } ( dormUnit 1 ) < 0 >< 1 > ]
dormCluster2 = ΔM 3 [{ p,t ,n}(dormUnit 2 ) < 0 ><1> ]
Friday, June 21, 2002
The ICE system
The ICE 3D modeling system supports cyclic design exploration of configurations by means of transforming
their generative and relational structures. The ICE notation captures the set of transformations applicable to
a configuration in the form of the geometry and the parameters of the regulators; changing these
parameters results in the redefinition of the configuration. In the ICE system, these parameters are
manipulation handles, which are used to transform configurations, thus allowing users to explore these
configurations interactively.
Regulators establish a higher level of interaction with design configurations, and enable significant
transformations with relatively short exploration paths. The ICE implementation through the transformation
and redefinition of configurations support cyclic explorations, where earlier decisions can be updated at a
later stage without affecting the design’s integrity.
I have implemented two versions for the ICE system: ICE-2D, which supports two dimensional symmetry
and gradation structures, and ICE-3D which support three dimensional transform-based and variational
structures, continuous and discrete generation, and multiple composition methods. Both are engineered
using the UML notation and implemented in OpenGL and C++. The 2D system has already proven to be a
usable design tool. I personally used it to design the logo for the GCAD conference and explore numerous
variations within a single session. I also used it as a creative venue, resulting in the discovery of fascinating
configurations. In addition I have used ICE to explore calligraphy compositions. For additional information,
please refer to the paper: Moustapha, H. and R. Krishnamurti (2001) “Arabic Calligraphy: A Computational
Exploration” – Mathematics and Design 2001, Third International Conference, Geelong, Australia
Exploring the GCAD logo using ICE-2D
moving rotation point
moving rotation point
moving rotation point
Exploring creative venues using ICE-2D
Exploring creative venues using ICE-2D
Exploring creative venues using ICE-3D
Research
Building Performance and Diagnostics
Research in Building Performance
NEAT (National Environmental Assessment Toolkit) is a post occupancy evaluation project conducted at the
Center for Building Performance and Diagnostics. My contributions are the EnvirSoft software and the
EnviroQuest online surveys.
EnviroSoft: the GIS-Based Software
EnviroSoft collects building data, such as measurements or physical indices, and evaluates the building’s
performance with respect to thermal, visual, acoustic, spatial, and indoor air quality. A typical scenario for
using EnviroSoft occurs during an expert walkthrough. The expert walks around the building with a tablet
PC displaying this building’s floor plan. He/she enters a space and measures (temperatures, lighting levels,
carbon dioxide, sound level, etc) and records this on the corresponding space in the electronic floor plan.
He/she records physical indices that may be a cause of disturbance in the space; for instance a high volume
printer producing noise as well as odors, heaters indicating thermal discomfort, or backrests indicating
seating discomfort. Once the building data is entered, the user can visualize it via summaries that indicate
the total health of the building, and scatter plots evaluating measurement according to ASHRAE standards.
EnviroSoft (Plan and input window for indices and measures)
EnviroSoft (Sample analysis windows)
Summary for visual indices
Scatter plot for air temperature
Summary for thermal measures
EnviroSoft is developed using Visual Basic and the ArcView GIS object library. It uses the ArcView’s spatial
analysis capabilities and augments these with a customized set of features that are specific to our data
collection and evaluation requirements. EnviroSoft was developed using a cyclic approach, simultaneously
with the data analysis strategies. EnviroSoft was tested in the field and refined several times. A Pocket PC
version of EnviroSoft that communicates with a central building knowledge base is currently under
development.
EviroQuest, The Online Surveys
The EviroQuest are a suite of online questionnaires for analyzing workplace productivity. These include the
user satisfaction, time spent, work tools, environmental controls and facility management surveys. This
project is implemented in HTML and ASP (active server pages) to access and retrieve questions and answers
from the central database. JavaScript provided real-time consistency checking of users’ responses.
Snapshots of the Online Questionnaires
Satisfaction questionnaire
Time questionnaire
Tools questionnaire
Environment controls questionnaire
Results of collective user’s responses for a single question
Results of a single user’s responses for multiple
questions
Research
Master’s Computational Design
Masters Projects
Contextual Site Analysis
The site project is a domain specific computational tool that assists architects and site planners to perform
the necessary research and analysis with respect to the building site. It allows them to visualize, present,
and manipulate site information, thus helping them make meaningful design decisions. The site system
captures contextual site data and infers from this additional information. The site system evaluates user’s
decisions based on both the existing data and the inferred information. Site information, whether existing,
or proposed, is entered interactively and displayed diagrammatically. This information is organized according
to predefined site categories. The navigation window allows the display of categories singly or in
combinations to support integrated or segregated views. Information inference includes generating the
build-able area given the setbacks and determining drainage directions given the contours. The site system
evaluates the proposed elements with respect to site requirements and existing elements.
The site project, which was my master’s project, was designed as part of the specification requirements
module of the SEED (Software Environment to Support the Early Phases in Building Design) project. The
system was designed using object oriented software engineering methodologies and OMT notation, and was
implemented using the ET++ application framework.
The interface of the site system
Course Projects
•
James: I participated in the development of the JAMES project. James' features were to control a
vehicle and to provide assistance to the driver from a Smart-card. The project focused on
requirement analysis, object design and the JAVA implementation of the vehicle subsystem, and
emphasized teamwork.
•
Room Evaluation: A knowledge based system, (implemented in Clips) that evaluates the room
layouts, based on requirements, clearance, and dimension considerations.
•
Office Database: An interactive database management system for completed projects within a
design office.
•
Quick-sort Animation: A graphical interface that illustrates the recursive QuickSort algorithm.
Research
Research Agenda
Research Agenda
Computational design research is constantly being enhanced with the development of new technologies. I
plan to investigate several intriguing research venues, some of which extend my PhD research, while others
present novel opportunities for innovation in Architecture and Computer Science.
Extending My PhD Research
Gesture-Based Interaction with the ICE Models
Although ICE represents complex geometric relationships in a simple way, interaction with the ICE models in
3-dimension needs to be further developed. Complexities of converting 2D interaction in 3D space are still
prevalent. A significant research venue would be to investigate novel interaction hardware applicable to the
design exploration activities of the ICE system. The ICE generation sequences can be mapped to gestures of
drawing with the pen in a 3D sketch environment. Manipulation would also be mapped to gestures, without
intermediate windows and widgets.
The ICE system as an Educational Tool
Although the ICE system was conceived primarily as a design tool, its ability to preserve relationships
communicates the fundamental properties of these relationships. So if the user is not familiar with the
relationship, he/she will learn about it though the interaction with ICE. Often, users cannot visualize the
global result of a local manipulation, and become pleasantly surprised, as they discover new possibilities,
when interacting with models in ICE. In particular the 2D version of ICE can be used teach the fundamental
properties of symmetry and symmetrical patterns and the 3D version can be used to teach 3D-design
principles.
Algorithmic Manipulations of the ICE notation
The ICE notational string can be manipulated algorithmically, for the purpose of form generation, form
manipulation or form analysis. It can be used as the basis for genetic algorithms. Configurations would be
represented in ICE and the evolution patterns would be based on patterns of random ICE transformations.
These would result in more intricate evolution patterns than those produced by typical binary mutations
used in genetic algorithms.
The ICE notational string can also be used in conjunction with rule-based representations. Regulators can
be incorporated into generative systems, in order to enable users to further manipulate the generated
results. Shape configurations can be represented as ICE strings, while generative rules would be
represented as ICE transformations. In the present context, users generate and control regulators. In a
generative context, the system can generate regulators as part of configurations, therefore making
generated configurations very flexible. Furthermore, generative systems can focus on the use of specific
regulators, in order to promote exploration within certain styles.
The ICE Framework and Non-Geometric Information
Although regulators were described as geometric in nature, the vocabulary of the ICE framework can be
extended to include non-geometric design information. These include physical/material properties (such as
light reflectance, thermal transmission, and acoustic absorption), budgets constraints and design
requirements (such as privacy or climatic considerations). With such semantic additions, the ICE framework
would evolve into a complete design language relating semantics to geometry, and therefore, enabling the
control of a design through its requirements as well as its functional properties.
Furthermore, ICE can be integrated with a design evaluation system: as a user explores alternate solutions,
his/her design can be evaluated in real time, thereby enabling him/her to continuously compare the results
of the exploration. In this scenario, regulators and evaluators work together to guide users in transforming
design configurations in ways that improves the quality of the design.
Process Analysis and Case-base Adaptation using the ICE notation
ICE captures history on two levels: (1) the generative sequence captured in the shape definition; and (2) a
record of transformations that occurred in the process of creating the design. Keeping track of the history is
a valuable tool in analyzing the course of design processes precisely, and completely. Furthermore, history
can be used effectively as a multidimensional element of the exploration. Users can step through their
history, forward and backward, and change the course of the exploration while replaying their design
actions. This would result in a history tree of branching exploration paths, instead of a linear history list.
The ICE representation can be integrated to case-base systems where cases are represented by means of
the ICE notation, while the adaptation of a case to a new problem can be achieved readily through regulator
transformations. As novel shapes and configurations are defined by regulators, these can be stored in the
configuration library, then later retrieved, re-used, and manipulated, as part of other configurations.
Recognition of Implied and Emergent Structures
Recognition of emergent structures is a challenging and complex task. Incorporating a module for
recognizing design structures would complement the ICE implementation, and would uncover implied and
hidden structures in any configuration. Therefore, it would enable the identification of the geometrically
equivalent, yet notationally different, representations, in cases where multiple representations exist.
Structures recognition will also support the reverse engineering of configurations described in other
representations.
The ICE Framework and other Design Domains
Although regulators were primarily conceived for Architectural Design, this concept can be utilized in other
domains, such as Mechanical, Industrial, and Graphic Design. Geometric regulators are easily applicable.
Domain-specific regulators can be further developed; in particular, motion-regulators have great potential in
exploring mechanical and industrial design.
Novel Opportunities
Computing Flexibility and Augmented Reality
Augmented reality and mobile computing technologies have the ability to liberate designers from the
confined desktop environment. Imagine an environment where architects conceptualize and design their
buildings on the site by using mobile computers to project virtual design elements in their intended
locations.
Architectural Flexibility and Robotics
Organizational flexibility is critical in providing for changing requirements during the life cycle of a building.
Features like modular designs, plug and play technologies, and reconfigurable building components such as
diffusers and plugs, provide for multipurpose customizable and spaces. Furthermore, buildings can use
computational technologies to automate flexibility. Architectural components, such as roofs or walls, can
automatically reconfigure themselves to accommodate changing uses. For example a roof can change its
inclination depending on the rainfall; it can also become flat to accommodate rooftop activities during good
weather. Partitions can automatically extend or retract thus providing a larger space or several smaller
spaces to accommodate various activities.
Environmentally Conscious Spaces
Spaces and rooms have no knowledge of their environmental conditions. I would like to investigate the
concept of a space equipped with sensors, which are constantly recording external environmental conditions
and user activities. These sensors would cause the control systems to adjust the internal environment
conditions according to the external conditions and the type of user activity.
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
In my opinion, education should be a pleasurable experience, rather than a painful one. Therefore, curricula
and courses should be designed with an entertainment factor in mind, and computing technologies are ideal
for providing the entertainment factor. I believe that every student has potential, and that it is often up to
the educators to identify this potential and encourage students to pursue their own interests, especially at
the graduate level.
In a vast area such as computational design, it is necessary to teach students to navigate a complex world
full of intricate interrelations and exciting discoveries. Educators offer guidance and support, but ultimately
they need to teach students to learn on their own, while showing them how to discover knowledge and
explore new ideas.
Student’s participation in class is very important for group dynamics. The most exciting educational
environments are those where there exits constant dialogue between the professor and students. In such
an environment, educators can also learn new concepts and approaches from their students.
It is often a challenge to maintain equilibrium in interest levels among students with various backgrounds;
some may be familiar with the subject while others might not. Extra credits and optional recitation sessions
may help establish the balance; I believe it is important that each student participates and benefits from the
course material.
In my experience, every course is unique; programming courses are different from software training
courses, and those are different from studio courses and lecture based courses. Each type of course
requires its own special way of delivering information and acquiring experience. Some rely on visuals, others
on discussions, and others yet on physical interactions. My expertise in both Design and Computational
fields allows me to develop intriguing courses that are interdisciplinary in nature while providing students
with a novel and unique experience.
Teaching
Courses
3D - Design
Computer Design Technologies
Materials and Assemblies
Introduction to GIS systems
Colors and Textiles
Spatial Construction
Grammar Implementation
Geometric Modeling
3D-Design
The 3D-Design course introduces students to the basic elements and principles of Design in three
dimensions. The course focuses on aesthetic and functional aspects of abstract/geometric forms, spaces,
and compositions as well as their application in architecture, interior design, and sculpture. The course
emphasizes three dimensional thinking in conceptualization of simple forms and complex compositions as
well as the understanding of relationships between the various parts that determine the coherence of the
whole design. Assignments include 3D compositions with lines, planes and volumes, using design principles
of rhythm, hierarchy, and transformation.
Compositions with lines and planes
Computer Design Technology
The computer design technology course is an introduction to computing technologies that support
comprehensive interior architecture presentations techniques, such as drafting, 3D modeling, image
processing, vector drawing, and desktop publishing. Students are introduced to Computer drafting through
AutoCAD 2006, and 3D modeling by means of SketchUP. They are introduced to image processing, vector
drawing and desktop publishing through Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, and InDesign, respectively.
The
focus of the course is on developing the technical ability to communicate designs from conceptual
development to final details through the digital medium. 2D drafting concepts are covered in particular
detail. Assignments include flyers, brochures, 2D plans and 3D models.
Short assignments using Adobe Creative Suite
Creative advertisement in Illustrator
Creative advertisement in Illustrator
Filter Exploration in Photoshop
Course Poster in InDesign
Materials and Assemblies
The Materials and Assemblies course is part of the technology sequence in the Interior Architecture
Program. The course explores issues concerning aesthetics, functional and environmental aspects of
materials used in interior environments. The focus is on characteristics, properties, and uses of a variety of
interior building materials as well as on performance criteria, regulations, installation methods, and
maintenance of these materials. The course also addresses global sustainability and indoor environmental
quality, safety considerations, and emphasizes the impact of material selection on people’s health and
psychological state. Assignments include construction details, cost estimation and material selection.
Construction Details
Introduction to GIS
The Geographical Information Systems course is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
which is a system of hardware, software, and procedures designed to support the capture, management,
manipulation, analysis, modeling and display of spatially referenced data for solving complex planning and
management problems. GIS applications use both spatial information (maps) and databases to perform
analytical studies. This course covers the underlying geographic concepts of world coordinate system and
projections, vector map topology, tiled and layered maps, standard computer map file formats, etc. The
focus of the course will be on landscape architecture applications of GIS, to analyze existing situations as
well as proposed concepts. These include solar studies, vegetations studies, soil composition analysis, view
analysis and elevation studies as well as street, traffic, circulation, and storm and water drainage analysis.
The main project for this course consisted of mapping the Chatham College Arboretum using GPS (global
positioning systems) in conjunction with GIS software.
Arboretum Project
Arboretum Map: trees and tree canopies
Campus Map: vehicular and pedestrian circulation
Picture and qualitative information associated to the spatial information
Color and Textiles
The Color and Textiles course explores issues concerning aesthetics, functional and environmental aspects
of soft materials used in interiors.
The focus is on the properties of “colors”, “paints”, “wall coverings” and
“textiles” as well as their effects on indoor environmental quality.
The course also addresses global
sustainable issues and emphasizes the impact of colors, and soft materials on people’s health and
psychological state. The color component of this course examines theories of color in relation to physiology,
light, space, perception, psychology, health and symbolism, with an emphasis on color selection for building
types. The textile component discusses textile types, properties, and the uses of textiles in interiors. The
emphasis is on textile selection based on performance criteria, regulations, installation methods,
maintenance and sustainability. Application of interior colors and textures through paints and wall covering
are discussed with an emphasis on application, maintenance, and sustainability. Assignments include
evaluation of color compositions, textile selection (with performance criteria as a main goal), and analysis of
sustainable paints.
Material Boards
Textile Selection Boards: based on performance criteria
Spatial Constructions
This course investigates the various representational paradigms that are related to spatial and geometric
forms with a slant towards design and composition. Topic includes Euclidean construction, symmetry-based
constructions, Boolean construction, and Rule-based construction. I conducted weekly lectures and
coordinated the course project.
Student Projects
Magic Form Construction (LINGO)
Euclidean Geometry Explorer (JAVA)
This tool generates complex forms derived by sweeping This tool simulates the Euclidean compass and ruler.
basic 3D primitives. Textures and transparencies contribute Euclidean compositions can be generated and
to the final form.
manipulated interactively.
Modeling toolkit (PANDA)
Object Algebra (MFC)
This is an algebra for creating complex shapes out of simple This is a virtual environment for the creation of complex
primitives. The tree structure allows the transfer of objects out of a simple component library.
semantics.
Grammar implementations
This course introduces students to the shape grammar paradigm and teaches them to produce grammar
implementations. The course covers the fundamentals of grammars from formal language theory as well as
shape/spatial grammars and their application to design with an emphasis on representations and algorithms
for shape grammars. I was the teaching assistant for this course (with Professor Krishnamurti) and I
coordinated and graded the assignments and guided students their final projects.
Student Projects
Star patterns generation and recognition
This project uses the grammar formalism to generate
star patterns and to recognize and replace the shape
between stars.
Tree pattern generation
This project uses the grammar formalism to generate
tree patterns. Rules are either interactive or through an
automatic mechanism.
Geometric modeling: Theory, Programming and Practice
This geometric modeling course introduces students to the theory and programming of geometric modeling.
Geometric modeling theory concerns the use of mathematical and computational models to represent
geometric objects in order to solve problems that are, inherently geometrical, and that allow for computers
to assist in the design process. Geometric modeling programming provides hands-on practice of the
geometric modeling concepts by implementing them onto a three dimensional graphical environment.
Professor Krishnamurti thought the theory and I conducted the programming component of the course: I
taught students to program in C++ and in OpenGL and I designed the assignments, coordinated the course
project, and participated in writing the syllabus.
Student Projects
Assignment: Hierarchical Models
Information Box
This visualization tool maps complex data and
interrelationships as a 3D network.
Enumeration of cube configurations
This tool generates all possible cube configurations and
calculates the performance according to thermal transmissivity.
Teaching
Future Visions for Teaching
Future Visions for Teaching
Given my diverse background, there are several areas that I can contribute to as an educator. The following
is a non-exclusive list of courses that I would like to conduct, both at the introductory level and the research
levels.
Islamic Geometrical Patterns: in Design and in Mathematics
This course introduces students to Islamic geometrical patterns and their underlying mathematical
principles; it focuses on creating geometrical patterns using traditional techniques as well as digital
techniques. Students will have the unique opportunity to use my ICE system to generate these patterns and
to investigate their extension in 3-dimension. Students with programming experience can create programs
to generate Islamic geometrical patterns.
Arabic Calligraphy: Past and Present
This course introduces students to Arabic Calligraphy as a historical and contemporary art form, and to the
various Arabic scripts. Students develop their calligraphic skills through constant practice of their preferred
scripts, and produce their own artistic compositions utilizing those scripts.
Architectural history: a Virtual Experience
This course introduces students to the various architectural styles and engineering methods that were
developed throughout history and examines the factors influencing the transfer of styles across space and
time. Students immerse themselves and navigate in historic worlds by means of a virtual learning
environment. Students would contribute by modeling cities or buildings in this virtual environment.
Introduction to Web Technologies
This course introduces students to the various web technologies (such as HTML, DHTML, XML), web
development software (such as HotMetal, DreamWeaver, FrontPage and Flash) and scripting languages
(such as JAVA and PERL, and ASP, JSP and PHP).
Graphic Programming in OPENGL (or JAVA 3D API)
This graphics programming course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer graphics
programming and develops their skills in using a graphic library such as OpenGL or JAVA 3D.
Artificial Intelligence for Design
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, such as search strategies,
constraint satisfaction, expert systems, vision, and machine learning, with an emphasis on their application
to Architectural or Engineering Design.
Design Exploration
This course introduces students to the concept of Computational Design Exploration. The course
investigates exploration as perceived in various design domains, such as Industrial and Mechanical design,
Architecture, Art, and Music. Topics covered range from computational representations for exploration (such
as constraint representations, and shape grammars) to interfaces (software and hardware) facilitating
exploration.
Interfaces and Interaction for Design Applications
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of Interface Design with a focus on design
systems. It will also investigate novel interaction approaches, such as sketch-based interfaces and gesturebased interfaces including motion trackers.
Design Flexibility
This is hands-on studio course that is intended to introduce students to flexible design concepts such as
modularity and plug-play components, which enable re-configurability and customization of interior and
architectural spaces.
Environmental Architecture
This course is intended to introduce students to sustainable practices in design with an emphasis on their
application to interiors. Design decisions, construction methods and choices of materials, all have a
significant impact on the environment. The course analyses environmental hazards (such as landfills, water
pollution, air pollution, health issues, and consumption of earth resources). The course also evaluates
various materials’ lifecycle, from extraction to disposal, from the environmental perspective.
The Mathematics of Architecture
This is an exploratory course that focuses on the relationships between Mathematics and Architecture. The
geometry of various structures and spaces is studied as well as the mathematical relationships of the space
geometry with vision, orientation, light and sound.
Creative Work
Creative Work
Calligraphy
Arabic Calligraphy
I design abstract Calligraphy compositions as a hobby. In May 2004, I received the Akram Midani Award for
promoting International Understanding through my Artwork. I had an exhibition at Carnegie Mellon
University from Oct. 4 to Oct. 16 2004, where my guestbook comments included words such as “calming”
“uplifting” “unique” and “impressive”. I have also exhibited at the Frick Art Museum in conjunction with
Empire of the Sultan’s exhibition and at the University of Pittsburgh in conjunction with the Saudi Coffee
House during the International Week.
“I promote international understanding through my calligraphy artwork. I use a unique approach that
combines the traditional Arabic language with the universal language of geometry. I transform letters into
abstractions thus blending the cultural with the international and erasing the boundaries between them. My
approach, which brings a visual dimension to words and a conceptual dimension to images, is influenced by
my Architectural Design training and inspired by the choice of meaningful words and phrases ranging from
the Divine to the secular. The fluidity of the Arabic script allows me to express my feelings in a purely
international way.
Every design is an intellectual challenge… A spiritual journey”
Peace. (pencil)
Winner of the Akram Midani Award for International Understanding
Samples of my Calligraphy Design Work
The Merciful. (pencil)
Welcome. (pencil)
Samples of my Calligraphy Design Work
The Prayer (felt pen)
Forgive me God (pencil)
Creative Work
Articles
Creative Work
Web Development
Web Development
I worked as webmaster for the School of Architecture for about two years, where I designed and developed
several websites for the Graduate Programs, for the Center for Building Performance, for the GCAD’04
symposium, and for the rapid prototyping lab.
My approach can be summarized as follows: simplicity,
clarity of information, and ease of navigation.
Graduate Programs website (www.cmu.edu/architecture/graduate/)
Computational Design website (www.cmu.edu/architecture/compdes)
Rapid Prototyping website
CAD Network Solutions website
(http://code.arc.cmu.edu/rp_lab/)
.
Creative Work
Computer Graphics
Computer Graphics
My computer graphic programming course was both a creative as well as a technical endeavor.
Paint Program with impressionism effect
Spline controls
Character animation
Publications
Publications
Generative CAD Systems SYMPOSIUM
2004
A Formal Representation for Generation and Transformation in Design
Best Paper Award
Best Presentation Award
Publications
Design Computing and Cognition
2004
Formalizing Generation and Transformation in Design: A Studio Case Study
Publications
Design Studies
2003
Strategic Use of Representation in Architectural Massing
Publications
Mathematics and Design
2001
Arabic Calligraphy: A Computational Exploration