The document discusses Israa Omar's work on the Zayed Sun City residential project in Abu Dhabi from 2011-2013 while at Bainona Engineering Consultancy. As the lead designer, Israa developed the conceptual master plan for the project following sustainability, social, and regulatory guidelines. Over 12 revisions, Israa incorporated feedback from stakeholders like the client, supervisor, and Urban Planning Council to improve the design and make it a case study for the area.

1. Israa Omar
April, 2014
I came to the BAC loaded with passion for a more sustainable human architecture. Before I come to the BAC I was working in Abu Dhabi, United
Arab Emirates. While being exposed to this vast array of modern bizarre buildings that varied from almost impossible structures to relevantly
modest economic housing, I developed urge to picture architecture in a more respectful form to the human psychological needs and the planet’s
resources. I came to the BAC filled with hopes to expand my knowledge to have a clearer vision and be able to communicate my vision through
design. Through my journey at the BAC I was fortunate to find that the two courses I was taking were focused on the very issues I was eager to
explore.
In 2011 I started working on a housing project for middle income to accommodate around 2000 people into townhouses, villas and apartments on
13 Hectares piece of land. We were instructed by the Abu Dhabi urban planning counsel to produce a design that enforces the human relations and
be sustainable. This project was in the middle of the desert were water is very precious and actually expensive too. Water is usually taken from the
sea and treated; therefore a huge amount of energy is spent on the water treatment. We had to be very careful in designing not only the buildings’
units, but also the public realm. We were eager to find ways to bring people to the public realm so we provided pavilions, wind towers, studied
wind direction and sunlight.
In the past two semesters I was merely focused on respecting the human need of psychological and physical comfort. It was an exciting experience
to transition from an extremely hot and dry climate to a cold climate. Although this sounds like I’m I was working on two different situations, yet
the truth is if I want to master the game I have to understand both ways. It’s all physics and I’m determined to explore more into buildings’ physics
to implement its principals into my future designs. During the past semester I was engrossed into exploring a wide range of building systems and
materials. I intend to expand my knowledge in building materials and systems.
My personal development plan besides to get settled into a new job is to upgrade to a LEED AP within the few upcoming months, improve my
graphical skills by teaching myself Revit, and improve my writing skills.
The past and future
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2. Israa Omar
April, 2014
Abstract
It is known that the development and proliferation of mobile social networks have a great impact on the public space use. It is thought that
this impact could be as great as the impact of introducing trains and cars to the public realm in the twentieth century. This study investigated
human behavior in public spaces. A café was taken to be a site to house this study. Based on a week-long field study, this paper explores how
social media networks users in public spaces interacts with the surroundings in different settings. A comparison study between the interior and
the exterior of the café has been conducted to reveal the relationship between the space and technology users.
Comments
The reason I chose this subject is I was anxious to know if the virtual life is sustainable or not and how healthy is it in
considering human phycology and what is does the virtual space offer that the spaces we are building does not offer.
During my research and the most interesting observation was that the closer people to nature the less they used
electronic communication devices. While investigating public parks no communication devices users could be recorded,
the closer to the buildings I got the users’ number increased and inside one coffee shop that I studied I found that
people using their communication devices usually shy away from windows.
Research Paper
On
Social Media Networks Use in the Public Space
for
Research in Architecture and Human Relations
Course Number: HTC 3008
Boston Architectural College
Instructor: Nora J. Rubinstein, Ph.D.
Israa Ahmed Hamdi
Fall 2013
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3. Israa Omar
April, 2014
EDUCATION
Boston Architectural College
Candidate for Master of Architecture. 2012 – Present
Urban Planning Council (UPC) Abu Dhabi
Sustainable PCRS, PBRS, PVRS: Certified Professional of Pearl Rating System for Community, Building and Villas. Pearl rating system: is a green building rating system similar to LEED 2011
University of Baghdad – College of Engineering /Architectural Department
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. 2001 – 2006
EXPERIENCE
Bainona Engineering Consultancy LLC
Job Captain 2010 – 2013 Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Residential Complex: Prepared a full set of environmental/ Contextual analysis and initiated sustainable design for Mixed Use development in, Abu Dhabi, UAE where the design is adaptable with the
prevailing winds and shade and shadow studies. The project is expected to house 2000 people in an area of 13 Hectare.
Laborers’ Camp accommodation project: Project accommodates 5000 workers and 200 senior engineers on a plot area of 2.7 Hectares. Scope of work involved preparing required site analysis and safety and
security studies, conceptual design, schematic design and detailed design. Competitions: Prepared a number of competitions’ boards, some of them were awarded.
Brand Partners
Architectural Drafter 2008 – 2009 GONIC, NH. United States.
Bank of America: Renovations for Bank of America properties throughout the United States. Work involved preparation of interior fit-up proposals and recommendations for existing exterior façade
upgrades.
Arabian Group for Architectural and Urban Studies
Architectural Designer 2007 – 2008 DAMASCUS, SYRIA
Al-Sham Bank: A series of branches through the country. Participated in preparing cad drawings and 3ds max renders.
Residential complex in Damascus: prepared four types of villa proposals using cad and 3ds max for perspectives.
Consulting Engineering Bureau
Intern Architect 2004 – 2007 BAGHDAD, IRAQ
Two different high schools in Kirkuk, Iraq: Participated in preparing construction documents and drawings under supervision of university professors. In addition, drafted service plans (electricity, Sanitary,
Air conditioning) under supervision of consultant engineers.
General Commission in Free Zone Mixed Use Complex: Participated in preparing cad drawings and drafting construction details.
Water treatment center: Participated in design and drafting water treatment center. The project was a collaborative between C. Lotti and Asocial S.P.A. (Italian firm) and Consulting Bureau of Baghdad
University.
OUTSIDE INTERESTS & SKILLS
Languages: English, Arabic, French.
Computer skills: AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Revit, Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite.
Publications: NH Young Architects competition 2012
Volunteer work:
Boston Housing Authority: Interpretation Back and forth from English to Arabic. 2013
Portsmouth public library: participating in the arts and crafts program. 2009
Israa Q. Ahmed Hamdi
41 Osprey Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Mobile: 603 205 2354
Israa.AhmedHamdi@the-bac.edu
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4. 2006-2007, Consulting
Engineering office, University
of Baghdad
2008-2009
BrandPartners,
Gonic, NH
2007-2008, Arabian
Architects, Damascus,
Syria
2010-2013 Bainona Engineering Consultancy,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Project: Two High school for
girls, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Involvement: My role was to
translate conceptual sketches
into an auto cad format
design.
Project: First Gulf Bank
completion
Involvement: Programed
project’s requirement,
designed and drafted plans
and elevations. Designed
underground parking.
Project: Stadium, mall, and
Hotel competition
Involvement: Researched
project’s requirements,
and programmed, drafted
floor plans.
Project: Al-Sham Bank
(Financial institution) in for
Syrian cities.
Involvement Participated in
interior design and
produced computer
modeled renders.
Project: General Authority for
Endowments
Involvement: Programed the
project’s requirement,
designed and drafted plans
and elevations. Prepared
report . Participated in
preparing financial offer.
Project: Luxurious villa complex
Involvement: Designed , drafted
and modeled four types of
luxurious villas, under
supervision.
Project: Hameem Labors'
camp
Involvement: Programed
and designed floor plans,
site plans, sections and
elevations through concept
and schematic stages.
Project: Zayed Sun City
Involvement: Prepared studies
and designs, reports from the
beginning stages to detailed stage.
Project: Bank of America
Involvement: Drafted as
built sketches using Vector
works.
Competitions
LEED GA
Dec. 2013
Israa Omar
April, 2014
43

5. Introduction
Shams Zayed city is located in Al-Gharbia
region to the southwest of the capital city
district, Abu Dhabi. The total land area is
138999.86 m² (13 ha). It is comprised of
408 dwelling unit and approximately 1956
persons. The project consists of a Low
density residential, medium density
residential, mixed use district, Kg+ Cycle1
School, and an existing mosque.
Zayed Sun City was developed with the
overall goal of providing a safe friendly
sustainable environment. First of all, an
environmental study was developed to
serve the project’s goal of maximizing the
project’s efficiency within the minimum
resources consumption. In addition,
traditional solutions have been taken in
regard to improve the complex’s
environment. Furthermore; the streets
networks were established to encourage
walking and bicycling.
Oct. 2011
Firm: Bainona Engineering Consultancy
Project: Zayed Sun City
Client: Private
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE –
Western region
Date: April 2011- Jan. 2013
PHASE1:
Phase I: Gather & Present Information
Land Use Influence (UPC)
Transport Requirements (DOT)
Existing Environment (DMA / Research)
Estidama + Water Budget (UPC / DMA)
Urban Design (DMA / Plan 2030)
Utility Requirements (Utility Providers)
PHASE2:
Conceptual Design
Identify Pedestrian Networks
Identify Transit Networks
Identify Bicycle Networks
Identify Vehicle Networks
Determine Street Cross Sections
Transfer into Plan
Locate Street Elements
Rationalize Solutions
Begin Urban Design & Landscape
Planning
PHASE3:
Evaluate& Review Design
Conduct Transport Study
Conduct Safety Audit
Conduct Street Design Audit
Apply Performance Measures
Submit Plans to Reviewing Agencies
PHASE4:
Finalize Design
Civil Engineering Drawings
Detailed Landscape &
Streetscape Design Plans
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
Israa Omar
April, 2014
44

6. Involvement: My supervisor gave me a 300 pages document received from the urban planning council regarding this project. Obviously a previous
submission has been made and it was totally rejected by the UPC. The letter suggested starting over with this project and taking sustainability,
sociology, a new draft of regulation issued by UPC in respect while designing the new project. The client wanted houses, commercial buildings, a
school and a fitness center all within the development. My feed back was calculations based on the guidelines received from UPC, an environmental
study to the area and a sketchy proposal of a way to create courtyards as an environmental and social solution. My supervisor was relieved with the
feedback so is the client, In the concept stage submission The Urban Planning Council were very enthusiastic about this project , later on they
requested to make it as a case study and a reference for other projects in the area (Western Region, Abu Dhabi).
Practice work
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Israa Omar
April, 2014
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
45

7. The project went into about 12 revisions all been initiated and
modified by myself, my supervisor coordinates between, client, UPC
and other engineering departments, I attended most of these
meetings. At the concept stage I had support from a junior architect
and a drafter. I was able to manage my team efficiently. My team
was very cooperative and enthusiastic about the project.
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
Israa Omar
April, 2014
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
46

8. Oct. 2011
Improving the environment
Sustainability principles were applied to street design,
buildings, and villas; especially with regard to the
provision of natural cooling and shade allocating
irrigation and landscape areas, while minimizing urban
heat gain effect. In order to optimize the water budget,
shade elements and landscape features need to be
located where they most benefit pedestrian.
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
Israa Omar
April, 2014
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
47

9. February.2012
Land Use Influence
The project’s site is located to the southeast of Madenat Zayed, It is surrounded
by undeveloped areas from three sides, north, South and west, from the eastern
side there is an existing official complex. It is about one block away from Bida
Zayed public Garden which is located to the southeast of the shams Zayed
development.
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Plan Al Gharbia 2030
Madinat Zayed
is the regional capital of Al Gharbia with a population of approximately 29,000
people. It is
approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Abu Dhabi City and midway between
Liwa and the Arabian Gulf’s shores. Madenat Zayed was formerly known as Bida
Zayed, a place where bedouin tribes would settle during their migration through
the desert. Madinat Zayed counts agriculture and farming as a main
source of income. In addition to its close proximity to
many oil and gas fields, the city has developed a booming
economy of industrial services, manufacturing and residential
construction.
Proposed projects For Madinat Zayed
• Residential development
• Solar Power facility
• Government and Civil Defense projects
Shams Zayed City
According to Al Gharbia plan. A great developments will be processed in the area,
as a result, Shams Zayed city will be a prosperous residential project as well as
providing commercial services in the region.
Israa Omar
April, 2014
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
48

10. February.2012
LDR (Low Density
Residential)
Villa’s type:
Emirati Villa
Land area
percentage from
total site area:
75%
Land area
specified:
10.5 ha
Maximum Dwelling
units allowed:
20-25 per hectare
Number of units
provided:
160
Unit Plot area:
Type B 403 m²,
Type A 405m²
Number of floors:
G+1+ roof
MDR1 (Medium
Density
Residential)
Villa’s type:
Town Houses
Land area
percentage from
total site area:
10%
Land area
specified:1.5 ha
Maximum Dwelling
units allowed:
40 per hectare
Number of units
provided:
32
Plot area:
Number of floors:
G+1+ roof
MU-NC (Mixed Use
Neighborhood Center)
Villa’s type:
Apartments
Land area percentage
from total site area:
3%
Land area specified:
0.4 ha
Number of dwelling
units provided: 24
Number of buildings:
3
Building foot print:
730m²
Number of floors:
G+2
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
Israa Omar
April, 2014
49

11. 11
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Villa A
MU-NC building ground floor plan
MU-NC building typical floor plan
Israa Omar
April, 2014
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
50

12. Practice
Firm:
Project:
Client:
Location:
Date:
Involvement:
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
Israa Omar
April, 2014
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
51

13. Courtyard within a block of houses.
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Raised table Intersection
Community park
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
52

14. ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
designed by Author in reference
to local and universal guidelines
53

15. Street cross sections
Street types and the
corresponding cross sections were
determined by adjacent land uses,
and the dimensions were
determined using the standards of
street design manual, chapter 5,
issued by UPC. All cross sections
dimensions were applied to the
entire length of corridor in master
plan.
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
54

16. ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
55

17. Risk Finding Summery
Street Crime and nuisance behavior might be considered:
• Crime to property
• Theft of auto
• Theft from auto
• Assault
• Graffiti
• Street Prostitution
Design Drivers
• Natural Access Control
• Natural Surveillance
• Territorial Reinforcement
• Maintenance
Risk assessment plan
The following risks are expected to affect the
highlighted areas
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
56

18. Linking between risk finding and Design Drivers
Crime to property
• Natural Access
Control
• Natural
Surveillance
• Territorial
Reinforcement
Theft of auto
• Natural Access
Control
• Natural
Surveillance
Theft from auto
• Natural Access
Control
• Natural
Surveillance
Assault
• Natural
Surveillance
• Maintenance
Graffiti
• Natural
Surveillance
• Territorial
Reinforcement
• Maintenance
Street Prostitution
• Natural Access
Control
• Natural
Surveillance
• Territorial
Reinforcement
• Maintenance
Safety and Security zoning
Clusters Interlinking
All clusters are raided above the streets and paved with a rough material
that will not allow vehicles to speed up. Which will lower the possibility of
theft from auto, theft of auto, and street pick ups.
ZAYEDSUNCITY
Practice work
Safety and Security zoning
Public space
Semi- private space
Semi-public space
Privacy Hierarchy
The red area which is a community park.
Although it is expected to be the most possible areas to witness
assaults and graffiti; the risk has been minimized by placing it
close the mosque, facility care office and the community
garden.
As a result the community park will be monitored from three
corners.
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines 57

19. Practice work / Bid- Awarded
Firm: Bainona Engineering Consultancy
Project: Hameem Labors' camp
client: CCC
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Date: June. 2011- Feb. 2012
Involvement: The project came to the
office as a bid.
The facility should accommodate 5000
worker and 250 engineer and supervisor.
A technical and a financial offer was
expected to be submitted within two
weeks. All engineers and architect thought
that we cannot meet the deadline. I offered
to prepare technical proposals.
To achieve maximum efficiency and
accuracy, I developed a Excel calculator
based on Zones corpse guidelines and the
client’s requirements. The client requested
a very efficient condensed facility.
The project went through five stages of
bidding until we got awarded. I worked on
the project until the final stages of
schematic design.
HAMEEMLABORS'CAMP
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’ in reference
to local and universal guidelines
58

20. Volunteer work:
Teaching Arts and Crafts using
recycled materials at Portsmouth
Public Library.
Location: Portsmouth, NH.
duration: 16 weeks
Summer reading program
Year: 2009
To the right: Banners for a Betty Boo
party event for little girls, duration/
10hrs (9 am-8 pm)
Designed and prepared by
Author ‘the student’
Volunteer work
59

21. Israa Omar
April, 2014
Free hand drawings
60

22. Israa Omar
April, 2014