A.S.I. Abu-Raed
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7 records found
1
Building energy performance is largely determined during the early conceptual design stages. However, energy evaluation is often postponed until after key architectural decisions—such as massing and façade configuration—have been finalized, limiting opportunities for meaningful optimization. This study addresses this gap by demonstrating a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based comparative approach for integrating energy analysis into early design stages. Focusing on residential villas in Abu Dhabi, UAE, three residential forms were selected for testing: compact, L-shaped, and U-shaped designs. Each form included multiple iterations representing the design progression process, namely the base building form, façade refinement (glazing and shading adjustments), and spatial layout and/or orientation adjustments. The analysis incorporated variations in glazing ratio and building orientation to evaluate their combined impact on Energy Use Intensity (EUI). Among the tested options, the L-shaped configuration achieved the lowest EUI (79 kWh/m2), representing the best-performing option, followed by the compact (81 kWh/m2) and U-shaped (82 kWh/m2) configurations. The results also confirm that orientation remains an important factor even after façade refinement. Overall, the findings suggest that BIM-based energy analysis is most effective when applied early as a comparative and iterative design-support tool.
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Building energy performance is largely determined during the early conceptual design stages. However, energy evaluation is often postponed until after key architectural decisions—such as massing and façade configuration—have been finalized, limiting opportunities for meaningful optimization. This study addresses this gap by demonstrating a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based comparative approach for integrating energy analysis into early design stages. Focusing on residential villas in Abu Dhabi, UAE, three residential forms were selected for testing: compact, L-shaped, and U-shaped designs. Each form included multiple iterations representing the design progression process, namely the base building form, façade refinement (glazing and shading adjustments), and spatial layout and/or orientation adjustments. The analysis incorporated variations in glazing ratio and building orientation to evaluate their combined impact on Energy Use Intensity (EUI). Among the tested options, the L-shaped configuration achieved the lowest EUI (79 kWh/m2), representing the best-performing option, followed by the compact (81 kWh/m2) and U-shaped (82 kWh/m2) configurations. The results also confirm that orientation remains an important factor even after façade refinement. Overall, the findings suggest that BIM-based energy analysis is most effective when applied early as a comparative and iterative design-support tool.
Valorising the significance of integrating digital technologies at heritage sites leads to collaboration, which could represent the cultural identity and enhance the visitors’ perception of authentic cultural knowledge. This contributes directly to forming the Lebanese cultural tourism market toward providing an effective experience. The paper investigates the integrative fundamentals between employing innovative digital technologies and their applications, and providing an edutainment cultural tourism experience in Tripoli Old City (Lebanon). It is a qualitative empirical case study that employs direct observations and assesses thirty semi-structured interviews with the key actors. The methods focus on the integration of digital devices to enhance visitor experiences and sustainable conservative management. The findings suggest a framework from which actors may initiate future advancements of increasing the investment in AR/VR/AI.
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Valorising the significance of integrating digital technologies at heritage sites leads to collaboration, which could represent the cultural identity and enhance the visitors’ perception of authentic cultural knowledge. This contributes directly to forming the Lebanese cultural tourism market toward providing an effective experience. The paper investigates the integrative fundamentals between employing innovative digital technologies and their applications, and providing an edutainment cultural tourism experience in Tripoli Old City (Lebanon). It is a qualitative empirical case study that employs direct observations and assesses thirty semi-structured interviews with the key actors. The methods focus on the integration of digital devices to enhance visitor experiences and sustainable conservative management. The findings suggest a framework from which actors may initiate future advancements of increasing the investment in AR/VR/AI.
How digital technologies have been applied for architectural heritage risk management
A systemic literature review from 2014 to 2024
Review
(2025)
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Yingwen Yu, Abeer Abu Raed, Yuyang Peng, Uta Pottgiesser, Edward Verbree, Peter van Oosterom
This systematic literature review critically examines the application of digital technologies in architectural heritage risk management from 2014 to 2024, focusing exclusively on English-language publications. As the significance of architectural heritage continues to be recognized globally, there is an increasing shift towards integrating digital solutions to ensure its preservation and management. This paper explores the evolution and application of digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and advanced imaging techniques within the field. It highlights how these technologies have facilitated the non-destructive evaluation of heritage sites and enhanced accessibility and interaction through virtual and augmented reality applications. By synthesizing data from various case studies and scholarly articles, the review identifies current trends and the expanding scope of digital interventions in heritage conservation. It discusses the interplay between traditional conservation approaches and modern technological solutions, providing insights into their complementary roles. The analysis also addresses the challenges and limitations encountered in the digital preservation of architectural heritage, such as data integration, the compatibility of different technologies, and the need for more comprehensive frameworks to guide the implementation of digital tools in heritage conservation practices. Ultimately, this review underscores the transformative impact of digital technology in managing architectural heritage risks, suggesting directions for future research and the potential for innovative applications in the field.
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This systematic literature review critically examines the application of digital technologies in architectural heritage risk management from 2014 to 2024, focusing exclusively on English-language publications. As the significance of architectural heritage continues to be recognized globally, there is an increasing shift towards integrating digital solutions to ensure its preservation and management. This paper explores the evolution and application of digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and advanced imaging techniques within the field. It highlights how these technologies have facilitated the non-destructive evaluation of heritage sites and enhanced accessibility and interaction through virtual and augmented reality applications. By synthesizing data from various case studies and scholarly articles, the review identifies current trends and the expanding scope of digital interventions in heritage conservation. It discusses the interplay between traditional conservation approaches and modern technological solutions, providing insights into their complementary roles. The analysis also addresses the challenges and limitations encountered in the digital preservation of architectural heritage, such as data integration, the compatibility of different technologies, and the need for more comprehensive frameworks to guide the implementation of digital tools in heritage conservation practices. Ultimately, this review underscores the transformative impact of digital technology in managing architectural heritage risks, suggesting directions for future research and the potential for innovative applications in the field.
Preserving Modern Heritage in the Emirate of Dubai
A Digital Documentation and Semantic HBIM Approach
The rapid urbanization and technological advancements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have placed its modern architectural heritage from the 1970s and 1980s at increasing risk of being unrecognized and lost, particularly in Dubai following the discovery of oil. This research addresses the critical need for the documentation and heritage representation of Dubai’s modern heritage, a city undergoing rapid transformation within a globalized urban landscape. Focusing on the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building (Toyota Building), an iconic early 1970s residential high-rise representing the modern architecture of Dubai and a significant milestone in its architectural history, this study explores a replicable and cost-effective approach to digitally document and conserve urban heritage under threat. The existing building was meticulously documented and analyzed to highlight its enduring value within the fast-changing urban fabric. Through the innovative combination of drone photography, ground-based photography, and HBIM, a high-resolution 3D model and a semantically organized HBIM prototype were generated. This research demonstrates a replicable measure for identifying architectural values, understanding modernist design typologies, and raising local community awareness about Dubai’s modern heritage. Ultimately, this study contributes toward developing recognition criteria and guiding efforts in documenting modern high-rise buildings as vital heritage worthy of recognition, documentation, and future conservation in the UAE.
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The rapid urbanization and technological advancements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have placed its modern architectural heritage from the 1970s and 1980s at increasing risk of being unrecognized and lost, particularly in Dubai following the discovery of oil. This research addresses the critical need for the documentation and heritage representation of Dubai’s modern heritage, a city undergoing rapid transformation within a globalized urban landscape. Focusing on the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building (Toyota Building), an iconic early 1970s residential high-rise representing the modern architecture of Dubai and a significant milestone in its architectural history, this study explores a replicable and cost-effective approach to digitally document and conserve urban heritage under threat. The existing building was meticulously documented and analyzed to highlight its enduring value within the fast-changing urban fabric. Through the innovative combination of drone photography, ground-based photography, and HBIM, a high-resolution 3D model and a semantically organized HBIM prototype were generated. This research demonstrates a replicable measure for identifying architectural values, understanding modernist design typologies, and raising local community awareness about Dubai’s modern heritage. Ultimately, this study contributes toward developing recognition criteria and guiding efforts in documenting modern high-rise buildings as vital heritage worthy of recognition, documentation, and future conservation in the UAE.
From Design to Management
Exploring BIM’s Role Across Project Lifecycles, Dimensions, Data, and Uses, with Emphasis on Facility Management
The importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction and facility operation is unquestionable, but there is a clear discrepancy between the data included in as-built BIM models and the expected use specified by customers. This disparity presents significant obstacles in properly using BIM for facility management and operational operations. The main goal of this research is to suggest inventive and pragmatic approaches that successfully address the discrepancy between the actual BIM model data, with a specific emphasis on COBie dataset, and the intended BIM applications outlined by stakeholders in the Employer’s Information Requirement (EIR) for facility management and operation. The study methodology is based on a comprehensive examination of current literature, demo case studies, as well as standards pertaining to BIM data, COBie.Type, and EIR requirements. The results of this study consist of a collection of standards, procedures, and suggested practices specifically designed to improve the utilization of as-built BIM model data for facility management and operation. These will closely correlate with the BIM applications stated by the client. Furthermore, the project seeks to enhance industry norms and practices, promoting enhanced cooperation and information sharing among stakeholders. This research has also investigated the efficiency of Solibri Model Checker (SMC) to validate the COBie type and component information provided by COBie.
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The importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction and facility operation is unquestionable, but there is a clear discrepancy between the data included in as-built BIM models and the expected use specified by customers. This disparity presents significant obstacles in properly using BIM for facility management and operational operations. The main goal of this research is to suggest inventive and pragmatic approaches that successfully address the discrepancy between the actual BIM model data, with a specific emphasis on COBie dataset, and the intended BIM applications outlined by stakeholders in the Employer’s Information Requirement (EIR) for facility management and operation. The study methodology is based on a comprehensive examination of current literature, demo case studies, as well as standards pertaining to BIM data, COBie.Type, and EIR requirements. The results of this study consist of a collection of standards, procedures, and suggested practices specifically designed to improve the utilization of as-built BIM model data for facility management and operation. These will closely correlate with the BIM applications stated by the client. Furthermore, the project seeks to enhance industry norms and practices, promoting enhanced cooperation and information sharing among stakeholders. This research has also investigated the efficiency of Solibri Model Checker (SMC) to validate the COBie type and component information provided by COBie.
Highway petrol stations are located outside the main cities in the UAE. Connecting these remote petrol stations to power plants requires trenching for poles or underground cables as well as countless hours of work. The integration of PV solar panels and smart materials such as chromogenic glazing into the design and structure reduces the cost and the environmental impact. Even though solar energy is one of the cheapest sources of energy worldwide, it is challenging to achieve a design that reflects the identity of the city. Modern technology makes it difficult for designers and architects to balance themes such as sustainability, formation, and identity. The goal of the research is to explore the potential of using smart technologies to improve performance and to demonstrate, simultaneously, the most suitable design for optimizing energy for highway petrol stations in the UAE. As an example, the national Ghaf tree of the UAE is a cultural and historical symbol of stability and peace that can withstand harsh environment. This study introduces a reference design for the petrol station. A three-dimensional model using Autodesk Revit and an energy model using the Autodesk Insight program is built for the reference case. Several designs for the petrol station with different surface areas, shape, orientation, and window-to-wall ratio are studied to optimize the energy consumption. Variables such as the location of the oasis, its area, and its services will remain constant. The study concludes that the dynamic characteristics of smart glazing materials can combine not only one objective sustainable design quality, but more than one, including energy efficiency requirements to harmoniously integrate with the surrounding environment
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Highway petrol stations are located outside the main cities in the UAE. Connecting these remote petrol stations to power plants requires trenching for poles or underground cables as well as countless hours of work. The integration of PV solar panels and smart materials such as chromogenic glazing into the design and structure reduces the cost and the environmental impact. Even though solar energy is one of the cheapest sources of energy worldwide, it is challenging to achieve a design that reflects the identity of the city. Modern technology makes it difficult for designers and architects to balance themes such as sustainability, formation, and identity. The goal of the research is to explore the potential of using smart technologies to improve performance and to demonstrate, simultaneously, the most suitable design for optimizing energy for highway petrol stations in the UAE. As an example, the national Ghaf tree of the UAE is a cultural and historical symbol of stability and peace that can withstand harsh environment. This study introduces a reference design for the petrol station. A three-dimensional model using Autodesk Revit and an energy model using the Autodesk Insight program is built for the reference case. Several designs for the petrol station with different surface areas, shape, orientation, and window-to-wall ratio are studied to optimize the energy consumption. Variables such as the location of the oasis, its area, and its services will remain constant. The study concludes that the dynamic characteristics of smart glazing materials can combine not only one objective sustainable design quality, but more than one, including energy efficiency requirements to harmoniously integrate with the surrounding environment
Journal article
(2022)
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Inshirah Shublaq, Abeer Abu Raed, Tamarah Alqalami, Esraa Altwassi, Rafael Pizarro
The site of Al Ain Civic Centre consists of major vacant lands and scattered development. This site is facing many issues such as car dependency, disconnectivity, low-density development, poor quality of life, and lost identity. Even though Al Ain city is well known for its green and open spaces, yet still such spaces cannot serve this site efficiently. This is because of the poor connectivity among open spaces and oases in Al Ain. One of the suggestions is to provide major connectivity plans and functional open spaces to solve such a situation and revitalize the area as a requirement made by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. This is achieved through the demonstration of green fingers in a way that collects/integrates the site as a whole with the surroundings. As a result, introducing green fingers is part of planned solutions as well as a requirement by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. Another issue is the major breakage that is represented by Al Slimi wadi. This wadi is known for its transverse site as well as its disconnected pedestrian walkways. Hence, connecting the two areas by a pedestrian bridge is one of the solutions presented in this research. More importantly, the site is considered to handle a neighborhood development with a challenge that aims to preserve, maintain, and protect the traditional Emirati housing. This kind of housing was demonstrated in Fareej form with all its required elements such as courtyard houses, Sikkas, barahas, and maidan. The project turned out to represent a master-planned community. The site claims to work as a zero-car neighborhood, with allocated accesses that lead to a parking space and a golf cart rental station. In conclusion, this neighborhood site plan/the design of this neighborhood can provide an efficiently designed urban plan that is highly walkable, friendly, accessible, and simultaneously protects the environment for its users. The concepts of connectivity and proximity are applied successfully while maintaining the heritage side and Identity of Al Ain.
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The site of Al Ain Civic Centre consists of major vacant lands and scattered development. This site is facing many issues such as car dependency, disconnectivity, low-density development, poor quality of life, and lost identity. Even though Al Ain city is well known for its green and open spaces, yet still such spaces cannot serve this site efficiently. This is because of the poor connectivity among open spaces and oases in Al Ain. One of the suggestions is to provide major connectivity plans and functional open spaces to solve such a situation and revitalize the area as a requirement made by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. This is achieved through the demonstration of green fingers in a way that collects/integrates the site as a whole with the surroundings. As a result, introducing green fingers is part of planned solutions as well as a requirement by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. Another issue is the major breakage that is represented by Al Slimi wadi. This wadi is known for its transverse site as well as its disconnected pedestrian walkways. Hence, connecting the two areas by a pedestrian bridge is one of the solutions presented in this research. More importantly, the site is considered to handle a neighborhood development with a challenge that aims to preserve, maintain, and protect the traditional Emirati housing. This kind of housing was demonstrated in Fareej form with all its required elements such as courtyard houses, Sikkas, barahas, and maidan. The project turned out to represent a master-planned community. The site claims to work as a zero-car neighborhood, with allocated accesses that lead to a parking space and a golf cart rental station. In conclusion, this neighborhood site plan/the design of this neighborhood can provide an efficiently designed urban plan that is highly walkable, friendly, accessible, and simultaneously protects the environment for its users. The concepts of connectivity and proximity are applied successfully while maintaining the heritage side and Identity of Al Ain.