Sara Atwa

Suez Canal University, Department of Architecture & Urban Planning, Assistant Professor

Tokyo Institute of Technology, Building Engineering and Architecture, PhD

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An Architect, an Assistant Professor in FOE, SCU, Egypt.
Interested in fields of Green Architecture, Landscape Design, Green Parks, and Environmental Engineering.

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Papers by Sara Atwa

Comparative Analysis of Net Zero-Energy Office Buildings Across Hot Climates in Developing and Developed Countries

by Usama A Nassar and Sara Atwa

Suez Canal Engineering, Energy and Environmental Science, 2025

Buildings contribute 20% to 40% of global energy consumption, with heating, ventilation, and air ... more Buildings contribute 20% to 40% of global energy consumption, with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems accounting for nearly half of this usage. In Egypt, the building sector constitutes a significant portion of electrical energy consumption, especially in office buildings that adopt international design practices without considering local climatic conditions. In response to the growing urgency for sustainable development, the concept of net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) has emerged as a viable solution to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. In this context, this research employs both descriptive and comparative analytical methodologies to provide a comprehensive overview of the NZEB concept, accreditation standards, and strategies for achieving energy neutrality. It compares the strategies implemented in four zero-energy administrative buildings located in both developed and developing countries with hot climates, aiming to identify best practices suitable for implementation in Egypt. The findings indicate that net-zero energy buildings can be realized through the usage of solar photovoltaic energy and highlight Egypt`s considerable potential for adopting NZEB principles. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of both passive and active design strategies, including optimal building orientation, natural ventilation, and highperformance insulation. Furthermore, the integration of government policies, programs, and financial incentives would accelerate the adoption of NZEBs in Egypt.

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Introducing Biophilic Design into Orphanages' Built Environment

by Usama A Nassar and Sara Atwa

Suez Canal Engineering, Energy and Environmental Science Journal, 2025

Vulnerable orphans are significantly affected by their surrounding environment. Inconsistently de... more Vulnerable orphans are significantly affected by their surrounding environment. Inconsistently designed spaces can have detrimental short-and long-term effects on their well-being. Enhancing their built environment is essential for meeting the physiological, psychological, and cognitive functioning needs crucial for their developmental stages. This research aims to discuss an architectural tool that can create a healthy environment within orphanages-spaces where children spend a significant amount of timeintended to evoke positive sensations and behaviors. The study explores the interconnections among three pillars: biophilic design as a tool in architectural spaces, the well-being of orphaned children, and their mindbody systems, as well as their institutions. The research presents successful global examples that illustrate how to create better environments for children, highlighting significant strategies related to demographic, geographic, and economic factors. The findings conclude that well-designed environments positively influence children and that biophilic design strategies are effective tools for enhancing the environments of orphanages.

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Enhancing Urban Green Ambiances: An Examination of Public Green Areas in Ismailia City

by Usama A Nassar and Sara Atwa

5TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON AMBIANCES, 2024

Public green areas are vital for vibrant cities, influencing urban character and inhabitants' wel... more Public green areas are vital for vibrant cities, influencing urban character and inhabitants' well-being. Is-mailia, an Egyptian city, was designed as a garden city, incorporating greenery as a defining feature. However , these green areas have been neglected, leading to underutilization despite landscaping elements like greenery and benches. This study examines Ismailia's public green areas to understand the cause of their underperformance. The analysis examines not just the landscape elements but also the ambiance they create and their role in enhancing green spaces. For example, densely tall trees may offer shade in hot climates like Egypt but also dim ambiance by reducing light and scattering artificial lighting, creating a fearsome atmosphere that discourages use. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of sensory elements and social activities in these areas was undertaken to understand the physical framework that shapes their sensory experience and provide landscape design recommendations to enhance their overall ambiance.

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An Approach to Understanding Urban Green Ambiance

by Usama A Nassar and Sara Atwa

Suez Canal Engineering, Energy and Environmental Science Journal, Jul 30, 2024

This research paper delves into the intricate notion of ambiance, which can be characterized as t... more This research paper delves into the intricate notion of ambiance, which can be characterized as the inherent personality and the encompassing atmosphere of a given space, stands as a pivotal element that exerts a profound influence on human experiences and behaviors. Despite its significance, the discourse surrounding the concept of ambiance remains relatively nascent within the context of Egypt, particularly when considering green areas. This discussion underscores the necessity to delve into this new idea, examining antecedent successful case studies (Park with All Senses) and (Toa Payoh Sensory Park) to understand their approach and application of ambiance. The primary objective of this study is to unpack the various dimensions of ambiance, tracing its historical background and evolution. The research uncovers a range of factors that contribute to shaping ambiance, highlighting its consequential role in human-environment interactions. The research investigation culminates in a comprehensive discussion of the multifaceted aspects of ambiance and its main features, as well as recommendations for the design of muti-sensory parks, advocating for the integration of this concept into future scholarly inquiries and practical applications, to enhance our understanding and creation of green areas that resonate with individuals on a deeper level.

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Bringing Biophilic Architecture into Business Parks Design towards enhancing Users Experience

Journal of Engineering Research (ERJ, 2023

Recently, most people have spent much of their time at work, often in indoor office buildings tha... more Recently, most people have spent much of their time at work, often in indoor office buildings that are designed without regard to natural elements and workers` well-being. For these reasons, Business Parks are designed to improve the whole workplace environment. Bringing fresh air, green areas, and natural elements into workspaces could enhance the work environment and increase productivity by taking care of workers` physiological needs. On other hand, Biophilic design introduces some principles to create visually beautiful and spiritual places. By merging Architecture with nature and bringing outdoors greenery through indoor areas, a healthy workplace environment could be generated. Therefore, Biophilic design could be a solution towards more relaxed workspaces. Consequently, this study will elaborate a comprehensive framework towards combining principles, attributes, and elements of Biophilic design and design solutions of Business Parks. The study focuses on Business Park as a case study as the trend of Business Park can change the traditional concept of office buildings and reconnect the human with nature again, which lessens stress and negative impacts on health. So that, workers can get a work environment free from stress which will enhance the individuals` well-being. In this context, this paper will analyze international, local offices and Business Parks that were designed upon Biophilic design concepts. Eventually, the novelty aim of this manuscript is to create a contemporary tendency which concerns about blending the Biophilic design concept with Business Parks interior and exterior design spaces to create an efficient and healthy work environment, also to improve the whole users` experience.

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Understanding the Role of Architect in the Artificial Intelligence Era - “An Approach to AIA in Egypt”

MSA Engineering Journal

AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of us... more AI is a fast-emerging field and is becoming an essential part of our future. Recently, most of used technologies are somewhat artificially intelligent, where it still needs human involvement to carry out the main part of the task. AI has a significant impact on multiple fields and industries, like IT, cybersecurity, medicine, and manufacturing since it provides them with countless creative opportunities. Compared to the mentioned fields, the development of AI in Architecture is still not commonly used. The dominant idea related to Architecture is that designers will be replaced by smart robots to create art and design buildings. But on the contrary, the open-ended creative results are still preserved for humans only. AI can do endless tasks during Architecture design process requiring human intelligence such as decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the role, advantages, and disadvantages of this technology within the design process from the viewpoint of professionals. Consequently, a Questionnaire will be held to several Professional Designers, Architects, and Researchers, then a summary of their responses will be reported in this article. The aim is to recognize how AI techniques can affect the Architect`s attitude to the design project.

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Contemporary Trends in Landscape Design at Urban Parks ‫المو‬ ‫لتنسيق‬ ‫المعاصرة‬ ‫اإلتجاهات‬ ‫ا‬ ‫الحضرية‬ ‫المنتزهات‬ ‫في‬ ‫قع

by Sara Atwa and Essam Badran

Faculty of Engineering, Mattarya, 2015

Public Parks are an important aspect of the urban environment. Urban nature fulfils many social f... more Public Parks are an important aspect of the urban environment. Urban nature fulfils many social functions and psychological needs of citizens, which makes urban nature a valuable municipal resource, and a key component for the sustainable city. Lately, many new trends in landscape design process in urban spaces were appeared in order to be sustainable parks which response to social, economic and environmental changes. The paper`s main problem deals with the absence of applying sustainability aspects on Urban Parks in Egypt and there is no obvious and right methodology can be used in landscape design process to achieve sustainable aspects in open spaces. The main objective of the paper is to reach a comprehensive framework in order to achieve the sustainability of landscape design at urban parks in Egypt.

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Evaluation of Plantation Design Methodology to Improve the Human Thermal Comfort in Hot-Arid Climatic Responsive Open Spaces

Sustainable Cities and Society

Development of Sustainable Landscape Design Guidelines for a Green Business Park Using Virtual Reality

Sustainable Cities and Society

Green Business Parks Towards Sustainable Cities

Ecosystems and Sustainable Development XI

The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's ... more The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's human population. Cities are generally responsible for most of the global carbon emissions. The sustainability concept has continued to be a top priority on the governmental agenda across the world. Business parks are designed to be environmentally sustainable, which will help reduce air pollution and develop social health and lifestyle. Besides many ecological and environmental services, business parks provide significant social and spiritual benefits to human societies. Green business parks aim to decrease the huge negative effect of business on both nature and society. The main purpose of this paper is to address the importance of green business parks for employees' and users' well-being, and for the sustainability of the city they inhabit. The paper introduces an evaluative framework for the sustainability of green business parks in Egypt. Therefore, the paper discusses the idea of the sustainable city and the connection between human well-being and the constructed environment in business parks. It also studies some cases that have appeared in the Egyptian cities; to show whether they achieve the aspects of sustainability or need redesign and upgrading plans. The study shows a concrete relationship between the indoor environment of business parks and human well-being. This endorses the fact that the more sustainable the place of work, the less its tendency to impose bad health effects on the building's occupants. Highlighting the important role of green business parks for employees' well-being and for a healthy environment can be a step towards future sustainable green cities in Egypt.

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Green Business Parks Towards Sustainable Cities

The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world&#3... more The world cities have an increasing task to provide a convenient habitat for most of the world's human population. Cities are generally responsible for most of the global carbon emissions. The sustainability concept has continued to be a top priority on the governmental agenda across the world. Business parks are designed to be environmentally sustainable, which will help reduce air pollution and develop social health and lifestyle. Besides many ecological and environmental services, business parks provide significant social and spiritual benefits to human societies. Green business parks aim to decrease the huge negative effect of business on both nature and society. The main purpose of this paper is to address the importance of green business parks for employees' and users' well-being, and for the sustainability of the city they inhabit. The paper introduces an evaluative framework for the sustainability of green business parks in Egypt. Therefore, the paper discusses t...

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Sara Atwa

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