Papers by Morteza Hazbei
International Journal of Architectural Computing, 2024
Parametric design and gamification rely on quantitative factors that can be easily translated int... more Parametric design and gamification rely on quantitative factors that can be easily translated into computer language. However, measuring and quantifying the complex urban qualities poses a challenge. This leads to the question of how to incorporate complex spatial quality into parametric design. This research, therefore, proposes a method to parametrize and quantify urban qualities by extracting main spatial qualities from three main sources, developing a comprehensive list of qualities that can be effectively parametrized, breaking them down into more tangible parameters, and assessing their interrelations within a system model. The results reveal that although urban qualities are complex, they are better defined and parametrized when their relations and originating factors are fully investigated. Furthermore, qualities are classified according to their degree of connection to other qualities within the system model and the nature of these connections. This classification results in six categories: Main Instigator, Mediating and Consequential qualities, as well as Minimally, Moderately, and Highly connected qualities. This research contributes to urban parametric design by providing a method to parametrize urban qualities and gamification fields, allowing developers to implement city complex qualities into the games.
Energy and buildings, Jun 1, 2024
Parametric tools in architecture allow for the design of complex and multi-dimensional forms on b... more Parametric tools in architecture allow for the design of complex and multi-dimensional forms on building facades. Among these, geometric patterns can mitigate direct sunlight and enhance energy efficiency. However, conventional simulation methods and available optimization tools are prohibitively expensive for optimizing such complex forms. To address this challenge, this study proposes two innovative hybrid workflows that integrate parametric modeling, evolutionary approximate and accurate models (NSGA-III), clustering through k-means algorithm, and local search (Tabu search) technique. The outcomes obtained from employing these hybrid approaches demonstrate a substantial reduction in computational time and costs while simultaneously achieving optimal results. Additionally, an extensive comparison between the two proposed methodologies is presented encompassing factors such as performance metrics and computational expenses incurred during implementation. The findings derived from pattern optimization reveal several key insights: increasing pattern counts; dispersing them across the facade; minimizing the distance between the pattern wall from windows; adopting a south-facing orientation with positive vertical rotation – all contribute towards diminishing energy consumption (measured by Energy Use Intensity or EUI) within cold climates. However, material selection for these patterns primarily affects visual comfort levels.
Building and Environment
Shading devices, particularly louvers, if chosen and designed correctly, reduce excessive uncontr... more Shading devices, particularly louvers, if chosen and designed correctly, reduce excessive uncontrolled solar gains and daylight in interior space, consequently improving building energy performance and occupants' visual comfort. However, various questions related to their adaptation to different climates, their designs, and optimized methods are unanswered. This paper aims to show that even in geographical areas with similar climate conditions, different louver designs are required.To this end, louver designs in three Canadian cities with almost similar climates are investigated. Objective functions are defined as minimizing energy use intensity and maximizing daylight use. Through a sensitivity analysis, louver parameters have been examined to determine which ones have a significant or insignificant effect on energy performance and visual comfort. Based on the results obtained from the sensitivity analysis, the proper range of each parameter was determined, and a metaheuristic algorithm was applied to reduce time and cost of optimization. Two algorithms (SPEA-2 and NSGA-II) are compared to understand which performs better in this problem. The results show that NSGA-II performs slightly better, and, using louvers in all case study cities positively affects visual comfort and energy performance. Second, louver depth and count are the most critical parameters in all three cities, and other parameters have a different effect based on the city latitude. The research contribution is to propose a workflow to integrate parametric design, sensitivity analysis, and NSGA-II to optimize louver design with various parameters and ranges. Also, the research proposes a guideline for designing louver in the three investigated cities.
Building and Environment
Shading devices, particularly louvers, if chosen and designed correctly, reduce excessive uncontr... more Shading devices, particularly louvers, if chosen and designed correctly, reduce excessive uncontrolled solar gains and daylight in interior space, consequently improving building energy performance and occupants' visual comfort. However, various questions related to their adaptation to different climates, their designs, and optimized methods are unanswered. This paper aims to show that even in geographical areas with similar climate conditions, different louver designs are required.To this end, louver designs in three Canadian cities with almost similar climates are investigated. Objective functions are defined as minimizing energy use intensity and maximizing daylight use. Through a sensitivity analysis, louver parameters have been examined to determine which ones have a significant or insignificant effect on energy performance and visual comfort. Based on the results obtained from the sensitivity analysis, the proper range of each parameter was determined, and a metaheuristic algorithm was applied to reduce time and cost of optimization. Two algorithms (SPEA-2 and NSGA-II) are compared to understand which performs better in this problem. The results show that NSGA-II performs slightly better, and, using louvers in all case study cities positively affects visual comfort and energy performance. Second, louver depth and count are the most critical parameters in all three cities, and other parameters have a different effect based on the city latitude. The research contribution is to propose a workflow to integrate parametric design, sensitivity analysis, and NSGA-II to optimize louver design with various parameters and ranges. Also, the research proposes a guideline for designing louver in the three investigated cities.
International Journal of Design Engineering, 2021
In the field of architecture, new technologies are enabling us to promptly simulate, quantify, an... more In the field of architecture, new technologies are enabling us to promptly simulate, quantify, and compare multitudes of design alternatives and consider an ever more expanding list of environmental and economic parameters within the early design phases of projects. However, architecture today veers further towards non-neutral technologies, changing our culture, introducing new values, and (re)shaping our social ideals. The change of media, from the manual to the digital, has deeply transformed architecture and city design. There is undoubtedly progress, but what are we losing in this automation, virtualization and over-digitalization? Are architects-creators of space, human experience, and cultural capital-starting to occupy the role of technicians? Sustainable architecture is a field that is already experiencing tensions between the quantitative and the qualitative, the optimum and the ethical, and the parametric and haptic methods. Yet the rapidly evolving CAAD technologies overlook many of the nonquantifiable values of these binaries. Gains in speed and efficiency in the design process with the help of parametric design may be challenging the designer's reflection-inaction process required for critical architecture while ethical, cultural, and human dimensions can hardly be modelled algorithmically. Similarly, computational thinking and digitalization in architectural education, have yet to come to terms brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk provided by Concordia University Research Repository 2 A. SOULIKIAS, C. CUCUZZELLA, F. NIZAR, M. HAZBEI, & S. GOUBRAN with the loss of analogue ways of learning that favour a more diverse and inclusive classroom environment. Instead of keeping the analogue and the haptic practices away from the immaculate realm of CAAD, this paper argues for hybrid technologies that recognize these practices and their value in sustainable design and incorporate them. Film animation, as a branch of architecture's most expressive means, film, can serve as a paradigm of a feasible disruptive technology, but most importantly, as an indicator of the hybridity between the handmade and the digital and its effectiveness in expressing vital elements of sustainability that are otherwise dismissed.
International Journal of Design Engineering, 2021
The advent of the computer in architectural design process not only has improved precision and in... more The advent of the computer in architectural design process not only has improved precision and increased speed of architectural drawings, but has also had a substantial effect on the design process. Consequently, it has weakened the role of architects to be merely rule setters who do not depend on their visual knowledge to innovate aesthetically pleasing forms. Therefore, the new generation of architects just define the geometrical rules and mathematical connections between them; then, the computer software generates a complex final version form, which can be edited simply by changing a specific variable. This complexity, which is provided by parametric computerized design, has been mostly applied on exteriors of buildings, so at first glance the building exteriors looks like a pleasing sculpture which catches the eye of the viewer. However, indoor space design, which is one of the most important parts of any architectural project, has received less attention due to the over emphasi...
Sustainability
This paper explores how design in the public realm can integrate city data to help disseminate th... more This paper explores how design in the public realm can integrate city data to help disseminate the information embedded within it and provide urban opportunities for knowledge exchange. The hypothesis is that such art and design practices in public spaces, as places of knowledge exchange, may enable more sustainable communities and cities through the visualization of data. To achieve this, we developed a methodology to compare various design approaches for integrating three main elements in public-space design projects: city data, specific issues of sustainability, and varying methods for activating the data. To test this methodology, we applied it to a pedogeological project where students were required to render city data visible. We analyze the proposals presented by the young designers to understand their approaches to design, data, and education. We study how they “educate” and “dialogue” with the community about sustainable issues. Specifically, the research attempts to answer...
Sustainability, 2021
This article explores a trend provisionally called “eco-didacticism” observable for nearly 15 yea... more This article explores a trend provisionally called “eco-didacticism” observable for nearly 15 years in art, design and architecture. The corpus concentrates on learning centres as buildings meant to diffuse advanced knowledge in the field of sustainable architecture. We found evidence of additional educational intentions to the pedagogical or scientific programs that these buildings have already been mandated to host and support. A variety of practices or devices have sometimes been added to the architecture, sometimes integrated, while others determine the overall structuring of these educational buildings. Seven cases of “learning centres” built in Canada between 2004 and 2018 have been screened through three epistemological filters distinguishing forms of “architectural didactics”: 1—a labeling often quantitative approach, 2—an experiential or practical approach, 3—a visually narrative or iconic approach. While outlining definitions of these Architectural Educational Strategies (...
Open House International
PurposeHighly sophisticated digital technologies have distanced architects and designers from int... more PurposeHighly sophisticated digital technologies have distanced architects and designers from intimate and immediate hand-drawing practices. Meanwhile the changes they rapidly bring come with undetected changes in cultural and social norms regarding the built environment. The growing dependence on computers calls for a more holistic, socially inclusive and place-responsive design practice. This paper aims to shed light on what we are losing in the design process as we rapidly transition to communicate architecture using digital media. The authors contemplate the paradigms in which the human body and physical objects still play an important role in today's design environment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at current trends in developing and establishing “computer imaging” within architectural education, and the architectural profession through parametric design and the area of sustainability. In order to reveal novel and hybrid ways of architectural image-making, it a...
Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2015
Energy shortages, pollution, global warming, and the impacts of urban heat islands are among the ... more Energy shortages, pollution, global warming, and the impacts of urban heat islands are among the pressing issues in this century all over the world. Historically, local architecture was based on people's experience and knowledge. It was sympathetic to the climate and environment. After a period of building design that ignored the local climate, more passive buildings, low energy buildings, and zero buildings have come into focus because of the environmental pollution caused by an excessive use of fossil fuels. The historic architectural style in Dezful includes underground shelters, 5–12 m deep, to improve the indoor climate conditions in this hot and semi humid city. This type of underground shelter, known as a Shavadoon, is regarded as one of the passive energy strategies to seek temperature comfort using the earth annual temperature stability and natural ventilation. The present study was conducted in a house owned by Mohammad Reza Ghamsari. The house was used to test the accuracy of numerical simulation of the temperature and air flow within the Shavadoon spaces. Temperature contours, streamlines, and other related findings are reported. The results show that space conditioning costs could be cut and adequate comfort could be derived using such passive heating and cooling systems.
Energy shortages, pollution, global warming, and the impacts of urban heat islands are among the ... more Energy shortages, pollution, global warming, and the impacts of urban heat islands are among the pressing issues in this century all over the world. Historically, local architecture was based on people's experience and knowledge. It was sympathetic to the climate and environment. After a period of building design that ignored the local climate, more passive buildings, low energy buildings, and zero buildings have come into focus because of the environmental pollution caused by an excessive use of fossil fuels. The historic architectural style in Dezful includes underground shelters, 5–12 m deep, to improve the indoor climate conditions in this hot and semi humid city. This type of underground shelter, known as a Shavadoon, is regarded as one of the passive energy strategies to seek temperature comfort using the earth annual temperature stability and natural ventilation. The present study was conducted in a house owned by Mohammad Reza Ghamsari. The house was used to test the accuracy of numerical simulation of the temperature and air flow within the Shavadoon spaces. Temperature contours, streamlines, and other related findings are reported. The results show that space conditioning costs could be cut and adequate comfort could be derived using such passive heating and cooling systems.
Conference Presentations by Morteza Hazbei
Proceedings of 182nd IASTEM International Conference, 2019
The advent of the computer in architectural design process not only has improved precision and in... more The advent of the computer in architectural design process not only has improved precision and increased speed of architectural drawings, but has also had a substantial effect on the design process. Consequently, it has weakened the role of architects to be merely rule setters who do not depend on their visual knowledge to innovate aesthetically pleasing forms. Therefore, the new generation of architects just define the geometrical rules and mathematical connections between them; then, the computer software generates a complex final version form, which can be edited simply by changing a specific variable. This complexity, which is provided by parametric computerized design, has been mostly applied on exteriors of buildings, so at first glance the building exteriors looks like a pleasing sculpture which catches the eye of the viewer. However, indoor space design, which is one of the most important parts of any architectural project, has received less attention due to the over emphasis on exterior aesthetic requirements. This computerize way of architectural design leads to superficial aesthetics where the indoor space quality is not compatible with the outer building envelope. As case studies, architectural competitions and proposals will be examined due to the lack of precedents in this design area. This paper seeks to highlight the coherency between the indoor quality and exterior façade which is designed through parametric design process. To do this, a set of different views of indoor and outdoor spaces of some parametric buildings will presented to architecture students and they will be asked to match them, which means they are tasked with finding both outdoor and indoor views of each building.
Books and Book Chapters by Morteza Hazbei
Sustainable Practices in Higher Education, 2023
Competitive processes are an effective mechanism for generating innovative and alternative ideas.... more Competitive processes are an effective mechanism for generating innovative and alternative ideas. This method encourages participants to develop and formulate new ideas that may not typically be conceptualized when procurement is provided to a team directly. Aside from this function, the process prompts engagement and dialogue between multiple stakeholders and participants, thanks to the nature of the democratic effort present in the competitive format. In this chapter, we first define ideas competitions; we describe their different forms, their processes, and what constitutes them. Second, we elaborate on the engagement and didactic aspect of ideas competitions, and we show how they serve as a basis for a community-academic-city dialogue, especially when the aim is to find unique sustainable solutions. We also explain how ideas competitions foster innovation in design and sustainable practices. Third, we briefly describe the history of sustainable practices to highlight the role and importance of ideas competition for generating multiple alternatives while educating the community, a keystone of sustainable design practices. We use the CoLLaboratoire ideas competition called “More Than Waiting for the Bus” as our case study to highlight the role of ideas competitions in enabling engagement at both local and international scales. Finally, we elaborate on how this case study advances sustainability dialogue by heightening community awareness of climate change issues, questions, and solutions, both locally and globally.
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Papers by Morteza Hazbei
Conference Presentations by Morteza Hazbei
Books and Book Chapters by Morteza Hazbei