Bio-hybrid knit for marine life restoration

Name
Kawtar Al Akel
Education degree
Kandidat
Fagfelt
Architecture
Institute
Architecture and Technology
Program
Computation in Architecture
Year
2021

The project investigates the use of digital tools and engineered textiles for marine life restoration with a novel, customizable and cost-effective implementation strategy. Using fabric formwork for mineral accretion and micro-fragmentation, self-growing entities revive polluted urban areas where several species have been lost, engaging the inhabitants and shaping our environment for the better.

Engineered textiles for marine life restoration
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Visualizations of mineral accretion and coral growth for marine life restoration in Copenhagen
Design proposal
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Explorations
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Mineral accretion: Biorock forming on a steel structure in the presence of a small electric current, experiment by the graduate.

Biorock forming on knitted formwork in the presence of a small electric current to form an artificial reef, experiment by the graduate.

Prototypes
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The Royal Danish Academy supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Since 2017 the Royal Danish Academy has worked with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is reflected in our research, our teaching and in our students’ projects. This project relates to the following UN goal(-s)
CV
Competitions, Publications & Awards
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Dreyers Fond, Travel grant for a research internship at Morphing Matter Lab, Carnegie Mellon University under the supervision of Prof. Lining Yao

AA Architectural Association School of Architecture, Visiting school scholarship

Education & Relevant Courses
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Master in Architecture, The Royal Danish Academy, Computation in Architecture

Investigating the use of digital tools in Architecture within design contexts for addressing architectural and sustainability issues. Adopting methods for testing and evaluation of material performance through conducting research and project-based experimentation.

Visiting school, AA Architectural Association, School of Architecture

Projects and discussions around the climate, ethics and health.
Critical inquiry, environmental science skills, modelling, simulation.

Summer school, Southern University of Denmark, SDU create

Experimental Architecture with Concrete 3D printing taught by Prof.Roberto Naboni.
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Bachelor in Architecture, L’Ecole Nationale d’Architecture de Rabat

Studies in Architecture in its spatial, socioeconomic, cultural environmental, and professional contexts.
Extracurricular Experiences & Activities

Københavns Universitet, student researcher

Research under the supervision of Prof. Mette Sørensen at the Department of Plants and Environmental Sciences

Block Research Group (BRG), workshop participant

Workshop led by Dr. Philippe Block, Dr. Tom Van Mele, Dr.Juney Lee, organized by Digital Futures. Design proposal of a funicular vault in Sechseläutenplatz in Zurich using RhinoVault2.

Middle East Architecture Lab, workshop participant

Python+GH Class by Vincenzo Reale.

Symposium on Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design (SimAUD2020), workshop participant

Soft Architecture: Pneumatic Control Strategy
Design with air pressure - workshop by Zherui Wang and Ji Shi from Princeton University.

Kvadrat, workshop participant

Workshop at CITA studio to investigate how we can accurately translate free-form curves from 3D models to processes of profile bending with robots.

Zaha Hadid Code, workshop participant

Workshop at CITA studio seeking synergies between computational masonry and 3D printing with soft-rigid materials. Exploring geometries which are structurally aware and their associated design space in relation to their materiality and fabrication technology.
Professional Work Experience
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KHR Architecture, Architect intern

Competition for the design of a school in Sisimut (winners) | Hotel and SPA in Gilleleje
Schematic design and design development, including sketching, modelling, architectural drawings, detailing, diagrams, illustrations, renderings.

CITA, The Royal Danish Academy, Student research assistant

Preparing research materials and conducting experiments for a research project under the supervision of Prof.Mette Ramsgaard Thomsen and Prof.Martin Tamke.

BIOSIS, Architect intern

Competition for the design of a school in Kullorsuaq
Design development including architectural drawings and detailing.
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AUtetouan, Student assistant

On-site architectural surveys in a UNESCO built heritage: the Medina of Tetouan
Identification of the most endangered buildings with Juan Bernal Montoro
Developpment of projects proposals for the conservation and restoration of the buildings.
IT skills
Computational design
Design research
Robotic fabrication
Simulations
3D printing
3D scanning
Language skills
Arabic (native)
English (fluent)
French (fluent)
Spanish (intermediate)