Interviste con Mohamed Yasser

I am a young architect and designer graduated in 2016, I have 4 years of experience worked on a number of projects locals and international, but one of my favorite projects is the Tafla Well Renovation Project I worked on the project with one of my mentors in the university and it was a helpful experience in such a big project.

when I was a child I always loved to draw and craft things, I started doing so since I was 5 years old, through my childhood and teenage age I drew hundreds of drawings and made a lot of crafts this was the turning point for me and decided to be a designer after I finished my high school I joined the faculty of engineering school of architecture and got my bachelor degree in architecture in 2016, then got my master's degree in 2020 in the building technology and application of nanotechnology in healthcare facilities.

when it comes to a project design I start the project with the briefing and data gathering that we can call studying the project, then after this the concept development process I start to link the data and studies with the ideas in my imagination, I usually use hand sketches to do that until I reach the desired concept, then with the help of software and digital tools I build up my design model and rendered scenes for the project and in some cases, I can make the physical model, and finally the final phase is the presentation in which I present my work according to the project requirements.

When I design any project or product I always feel happy and excited, and of course, the most exciting part is the final part when you see the project complete, but I personally enjoy all the stages of the design process and the concept development.

I think Architects and designers should have an innovative thinking mind, hand-drawing ability, creative problem solving and an imaginative character all of those characteristics are important to make a creative architect because the role of the architect is to think and innovate outside the box, design for the people and for the world, having these abilities can create a successful designer that nothing stops him and keep innovating in his designs achieving the balance between aesthetics and functionality. my parents have the most influential part of my design work. It was and still a hard journey there is a lot to learn I am still beginning my journey and I am sure I will prove myself as an influential designer one day. believe in yourself and work hard and you will reach the peak.

I plan to have my own architectural firm soon, I want it to be unique in its designs apply creative and innovative ideas in different design types that benefit people and the environment and provide comfort and happiness.

I start my day by watching the latest news in architecture and art while listening to some relaxing music, then check my list for the tasks of the day, then after I finish I spend some free time watching movies or playing computer games to get rid of any stress that may affect my thinking, I try to avoid routine in my day changing working time to feel the change and not repeating the day every time.

social media now make it easier to reach for the latest trends around the world, I usually look for the latest trends through architecture platforms and websites and mobile applications, also in galleries and exhibitions in my country. Design trends are important because trends to affect the people now quickly more than ever before, so architects and designers should keep up with the latest techs and trends to be updated and create new innovative ideas and solutions in design that benefit and enhance our lifestyle.

for any product or a project, there are some elements that are so important to be achieved function, quality, and aesthetics, those three should be integrated into the design to achieve balance and success to the project or the product and the users should be satisfied if those elements were applied. good design is the design that is full complete from the concept to the implementation by applying the design philosophy, materials choice, style and aesthetics

I like Mies van der Rohe's design school that applies the quote "less is more". If I were given the chance to talk to a dead designer it will be mimar Sinan and Frank Lloyd Wright. one of the most iconic designers of all time is the Mimar Sinan. I admire Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava, Oscar Niemeyer, and norman foster.

participating in such a big and influential competition gave me the motivation to challenge my self and prove the best of me in this competition, it gave me a huge experience in the world of design with the greatest designers in the world and after winning the silver award I plan to join again because I believe that good successful designer is the one who never stops improving himself to reach the peak and fight hard to keep this place. It can promote me in my work, make me proud of such an achievement and gave me a big step to the world of design and creativity, and improve my skills. I think they are important because they gave a huge experience and knowledge and make you engage the community of elite designers and successful persons and exchange of cultures and knowledge. I think its a wonderful feeling that gave you the energy to keep on and be a great designer one day.

The Square Housing Units. The design concept was based on research for the most common problem in developing countries which was how to afford proper housing especially for the poor and needy people. the main objective was to design a small economic and eco-friendly residential unit with the lowest cost possible, this is designed with the flexibility to add and subtract according to what you need and what you wish to design. The idea will use simple tools and materials with the ability of recycling, all of these units can be installed and furnished in the site according to the design.

The Main formation of the units is derived from the Tetris game that depends on a specific unit shape which has the features to create different formations from this unit. each unit is like an L shape and they are all fitted together to create a shallow cube with central court-inspired from Islamic and Arab traditional houses architecture which provides privacy and airflow for the units to provide a natural ventilation system

The main focus was to design a small group of housing units in a limited area without being crowded or not achieving privacy for each unit, I wanted to create a cozy housing environment that has its own privacy and design language, and this what I did in this project.

I plan to see this project being established in the future.

It took nearly about two months

The challenge of the design was to create the most efficient residential units with limited areas for the homeless and the poor living in the streets in developing countries, as some of these countries have the problem of slums that deteriorate the cities' architectural context. The Units are designed to be fitted together to create geometrical shapes in shifting positions to benefit from small spaces of land and creating the largest number of units. The Design was an inspirational project based on studies and regulations and planned to be established in the future.

I am planning to deal with companies or sponsors who can adopt my idea and make it come to reality

No, I developed the whole Idea from A to Z

Basically the homeless, street children, and refugees, but also the project can be designed as a modern house for people who love innovation and relaxation

The Square it's driven from many things, The Main formation of the units are derived from the Tetris game that depends on a specific unit shape which has the features to create different formations from this unit. each unit is like an L shape and they are all fitted together to create a shallow cube with central court-inspired from Islamic and Arab traditional houses architecture which provides privacy and airflow for the units to provide a natural ventilation system, and the name means and refers to the inner square court that should bring all the units together, creating a cozy small community.

first I used the hand sketches, then developed the concept on the google Sketchup, then the phase of the rendering I used the Twinmotion Engine to create the photos for the project.

The Optimal use of spaces and units formation and overlapping system

No, I only searched for the specifications of the shipping container unit then how I am going to apply the architectural design principles to make a sustainable design with the help of a number of shipping containers that will be fitted together to create the project.

in this design, I studied the ability to use the nanotechnology applications in architecture to design a sustainable housing unit, this unit is eco-friendly and have a low rate of energy consumption with the help of good design and latest technologies in coatings and finishing materials that are able to keep the units healthy, clean and smart.

The design is influenced by both, as during my master's research that was about the influence of nanotechnology in raising the healthcare buildings' efficiency, I got inspired by an idea that why shouldn't I try to design a small unit to be a house for many of homeless and refugees in different countries and apply what I studied about nanotechnology to be a sustainable house that could stay for years and won't be that expensive and also consider the aesthetics in design.

I decided to submit this project after I read about the A'design award competition and how it's an influential platform that will give me the chance to bring my project to the light and spread my idea about this design.

I learned How to design small spaces well and how to achieve what the user will need with the smallest areas possible, also how to recycle and use products and transfer them into other useful and helpful projects.

No, Thank you

I am an architect studied architecture and design in my faculty of engineering department of architecture from 2011 to 2016, then I got my master's degree in 2020 in the influence of nanotechnology applications in the medical and healthcare facilities

Evolution and development of communities to live a better life with helpful designs in each field, I always wanted to be a designer since I was a child because I love making things and crafting new physical models until I joined the architecture school, and practiced a lot to be a good designer in the future to help to make the world a better place.

I chose to be a designer

I am basically an Architect and Interior Designer, but I love to design some products and learning car designs too

A good design is the one that cares about the balance between form and function and applies the aesthetics principles, any design that follows those steps will be a good design. you can say this design is good when you feel comfortable when you use it, integrate with it, and makes you feel happy.

the value of good design isn't the money you spend on it but the quality that it gives back and how it can make people's life much easier and this applies in all fields of design, I think anyone should invest in good design for a long term because it will help the user to feel comfortable and reduce maintenance costs over time and the need to change whether the product or the design

I would like to design furniture pieces, design them for people to use it and feel comfortable

International Airport

self-confidence, keep with the trend, continuous learning, and innovation

in my field of architecture, I get inspired by Santiago Calatrava, Norman Foster, and Zaha Hadid, Renzo piano, and jean Novelle.

I love all the designs by Santiago Calatrava because they have a powerful simulating concept driven from nature and also a strong formation that has a unique look.

They have to keep learning from professional designers and study the trend to be updated, also searching and practicing new ideas are ways of improving design skills. I personally do this I keep learning and listening to gain sufficient data that qualifies me to design better

maybe an artist or nature explorer

Design is the link between imagination and reality, I always follow this role in my designs, all my ideas, and brainstorming come from my imagination then I turn them into sketches and scratches then it's time for the specs and technical design process.

My Parents are the biggest support in my life they keep pushing me forward and be a better person in my life and my work.

It depends on what you design and your field, but I believe that all designers must present their work in a professional way, taking care of small details is what makes your design a unique one.

I have a goal in my life to be a global architect and designer and have my own style, and this won't come without working hard and continuous learning.

design helps creates a better society because what is meant from the design is to help people and communities, we design for people, our community, and our world. Good design is what makes the world a better place if it aims to help mankind

The Square Housing Units, the project that I used to apply for the A'Design Award because this project I tried to make something new and different and a project to help the homeless and poor people who can't afford a living space.

design now is related more to the technology, every designer now integrates high tech applications in his designs in different fields, so the design now is paving the way to the future

it depends on the size and type of design project.

less is more, and design for life

using the latest software collections and with the help of latest upgrades in computer devices and digital design tools

I use Google SketchUp, Lumion 3D, Twinmotion, Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom

I will talk about my work in architecture, When I design the choice of colors is very important and have to be chosen wisely according to some roles in color schemes and physiological condition of the user, moving to the materials I like the natural look of materials to be used in interiors or exteriors it gives the sense of originality, the role of ambient depends on your design criteria and what you design and what types it belongs to.

what the concept and the philosophy of design

how this design was made and the concept behind the design

I have my close friend he is an architect too and we always talk about new designs and the world challenges that we live in and how we can make something that maybe one day be a helpful design that could provide comfort and joy for the users.

First book: Nanomaterials in architecture, interior architecture, and design, second book: Architecture magazines

I would like to meet with the world-leading and premier designers in the fields of architecture, car design, and furniture design

I feel so proud and happy to have such a big international award and it won't be the end of the road, yeah I think it's hard and tiring to reach the peak, I am still at the beginning to be a famous designer, I still need to work on myself more and more and one day I hope I will be a Global Architect and designer

my favorite color is black, Venice in Italy and Switzerland my favorite places, my favorite food is all the types of pasta with meat, my favorite season is winter, my personal computer is my favorite thing, and finally, my favorite brand is Addidas

when I finish anything I was doing this is a big moment for me, I motivate myself by believing in my abilities and I will be able to do anything just to have the will and power with imagination.

I think yes it was because since I was a child I loved drawing and making things such as small models from different materials and never get bored of it and still at the moment I love doing this in my free time.

My mother has an artistic background that I learned from her since I was a child. I loved drawing and crafting models, I started to draw since I was 5 years old, I spent many hours during the day holding my pencil and drawing everything I see, I remember drawing my first perspective for our home kitchen and I was only 5 years old. I entered and participated in too many drawing competitions and won a number of them. I loved art and Architecture this what made me join the architecture school in my town because I loved the design I always wanted to become a world-recognized architect and designer

After finishing college I always wanted to establish my own business, so I started to think about marketing my name as a brand and a new architectural studio through my work and participating in world-recognized competitions. Mohamed Yasser Designs is a start-up studio, I believe it will take time to be recognized, but hard work and talent always help the designer to prove himself and has his own character in his designs.

Design is a way of life, everything in our life has become a reality through good design. It is the secret ingredient of how people live, work, enjoy, and learn, so every detail in our daily life is a design process.

I like designing new and innovative ideas of small projects, I also like interior and product design

The Square Housing Unit, I love this project, because when I started to design it an inspiration came to me when I was searching for some applications of nanotechnology in architecture that could help me in my master's, "I told myself, there are lots of homeless and refugees, why I don't try to design a small housing unit with common materials "shipping containers" and fit it with technology and be a sustainable, healthy and smart unit and designed in a way that you can assemble a new residential group that also takes no place. The Main formation of the project units is derived from the Tetris game that depends on a specific unit shape which has the features to create different formations from this unit. each unit is like an L shape and they are all fitted together to create a shallow cube with central court-inspired from Islamic and Arab traditional houses architecture which provides privacy and airflow for the units to provide a natural ventilation system

It was a renovation for an old commercial center in Egypt

Virtual and Augmented Reality are my favorite technologies now

when I design I always balance between form and function both of them are essential elements for developing a good design

when I design I always feel enthusiast watching my ideas become reality even if they won't be physically implemented but I am happy to see them finished as a result of my imagination

I feel so happy and full of energy

I believe that successful design comes from a meaningful strong concept that applies in all the parts of the project beside consideration of aesthetics and functionality

From my architectural point of view, I always Judge the Design language first

I believe that a successful designer is the one who manages to integrate his design with the society and environment, which means when he designs he should think of the people and how they are going to benefit from such a design, also the environment should be the main element in his design, and this means his designs should be environment friendly and not to harm and destroy the nature.

Design is an evolving field every day there is something new and technology has gone so far in all the fields of design making our life easier and smarter. I think that the design field has a lot of impressions and potentials coming in the future.

I always get inspired by old civilizations and their fascinating architecture, I keep searching and learning new techniques and ideas of how they design during their time, I feed my creativity through searching, watching, and learning from the old and the new as well. Today our sources are countless but I usually get my inspirations from books, movies, videogames, documentary films, and magazines.

I live in Fayoum, in Egypt, there is a cultural heritage varies from ancient Egypt civilization to Islamic architecture and now the modernism style started to spread in new cities in Egypt, but Fayoum is an old city and one of the negative points is that the city suffers from the vanishing of architecture identity, this affects the design process and the architect needs a lot of effort not in design also on the human psychology.

design is a set of different processes starts with a briefing process in which I begin to search and analyze for the data that could help in the design, then comes the process of Ideation and concepts in this stage I begin to develop hand sketches of the idea until I reach a satisfying result of the idea, then becomes the design phase in which the details and technical part take place, and finally the presentation phase, in this process the project is presented in form of renders, animation or physical models, this depends on the project and the design type.

1- Project Model for my first project in 1st year in the architecture department

2- Marvel Characters Clay Models I made last year

3- Metal Model for Effiel Tower

4- The Ceramic Model of Historical Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was one of the wonders of the world.

5- Origami Crafts

I am still a young designer, but I believe in the power of innovation that comes through unstoppable learning and searching in the fields related to design, every designer should work on himself very hard to improve his skills and intellectual thinking.

the positives of being a designer are the renewal of ideas and innovation, a successful designer is the one who never stops to improve himself and keep up with the latest technologies and keep updated. the negatives I think that being a designer, not an easy way, it's full of obstacles and hardships and needs a lot of work, learning, and improving the intellectual thinking of a designer.

I love the quote "less is more" is a meaningful one

innovation, creativity, imagination, diligent and problem solving

I usually use my sketchbook, my pencils, and my markers to scratch some ideas not just architecture, sometimes fashion or car design. I use a collection of software like SketchUp, lumion, twinmotion, and lightroom those are my digital tools. I have a collection of Nat Geo magazines that help me learn new things that feed my brain also there are catalogs and books in architecture.

it depends on the type, size, and function of this object the bigger the project is the more time it takes

designing the Tafla Service Center in KSA for pilgrims, it's a multi-purpose project. it's a cultural, entertaining, and serving center that aims to provide the visitors with the historical view of this holy area.

- I like designing iconic projects that have their unique look and artistic touch because in such projects you can put your touch and imagination

- residential projects like villas and mansions, because there are challenges between form and function that make the designer unleash his design powers to create a masterpiece of work

- small projects or I call them small helping projects, ideas for projects that provide help for people and the community.

I hope in the future I will have my own firm, improve my design skills to have a unique identity and most of all to help make the world a better place through design ideas. Design is everything in our life

sometimes I work alone in most of the projects, and sometimes I work in a team in some projects.

they can contact me on my mobile number: +201067282085 - E-mail: myasser1793@gmail.com

no, thank you a lot

The concept of the geometric layout of the units is designed to form a hollow square configuration, with various sections intentionally removed to create openings that facilitate airflow throughout the entire project. This design not only enhances ventilation and natural light for residents in all areas but also ensures that air can access the courtyard from both the top and sides of the structure. Additionally, this geometric form is crucial in providing privacy for each unit, as it allows for individual private spaces free from external disturbances.

The use of nanotechnology coatings, such as self-cleaning glass and anti-bacterial surfaces, directly aligns with the goal of providing sustainable, low-maintenance housing for vulnerable populations by reducing both upkeep costs and environmental impact. For instance, self-cleaning glass coatings reduce the need for frequent washing by allowing rainwater to naturally clean the surfaces, which minimizes water consumption and reliance on cleaning agents. This feature is particularly beneficial in areas where water may be a limited resource and residents may lack easy access to cleaning services. Similarly, anti-bacterial surface coatings enhance the health and hygiene within these housing units by inhibiting bacterial growth on frequently touched surfaces. This reduces the spread of infections and lowers the need for harsh disinfectants, aligning with both sustainability and the well-being of residents. These low-maintenance innovations not only cut down on recurrent maintenance costs but also extend the lifespan of housing materials, resulting in longer-lasting structures that are more economically and environmentally sustainable.

The central courtyard in The Square Housing Units draws from the rich tradition of Islamic and Arab architecture, where courtyards historically serve as focal points for community interaction, privacy, and climate control. By integrating this cultural element, the courtyard becomes more than just an architectural feature, it fosters social cohesion, enhances safety, and supports communal resilience, especially important for vulnerable populations. This layout encourages social interactions, providing a familiar, inclusive environment where residents naturally meet, support one another, and build a sense of belonging. Such an arrangement addresses the isolation that vulnerable communities might face and instead nurtures a neighborhood atmosphere, which is critical for mental well-being and community resilience.

The Tetris game served as a significant source of inspiration for me, as its units and shapes interact in a harmonious and flexible manner, allowing for the formation of a diverse array of configurations. This concept highlights the immense potential for developing various architectural forms that can function both as individual units and as cohesive communities or neighborhoods. The project embodies the vision of future expansions, adhering to consistent design standards and a unified way of living.

The inspiration for the square primarily stemmed from the profound and often heartbreaking experiences of the homeless and war refugees. These individuals, who have faced unimaginable hardships, deserve a life characterized by dignity, safety, and respect. Their struggles and resilience served as the foundation for the square project, which seeks to create a space that not only acknowledges their plight but also actively works to improve their circumstances.This idea aims to strengthen connections among people from diverse backgrounds, encouraging dialogue and understanding between community members. By bringing together individuals from various walks of life, the square aspires to cultivate a stronger, more inclusive community that upholds humane living standards for all. It is a place where empathy and compassion can flourish, allowing people to share their stories, experiences, and resources.

The natural ventilation system in The Square Housing Units was carefully crafted to strike a balance between voids and solids, creating a highly functional, energy-efficient environment that enhances resident comfort. The arrangement of voids allows for cross-ventilation throughout the units. Air can flow through open spaces, entering from cooler areas and exiting from warmer ones. This consistent airflow cools interiors without relying on mechanical air conditioning, which reduces energy consumption and operational costs. The strategic placement of voids in relation to solid walls also minimizes direct sunlight exposure, reducing heat buildup in interiors and creating a more naturally comfortable indoor environment even during the hottest hours of the day.

This balance between privacy and community fosters an inclusive environment where residents can enjoy meaningful interactions with neighbors and a sense of shared identity, while still having the dignity of private, personal spaces for themselves and their families. The design of The Square Housing Units thus promotes a resilient, respectful community structure that empowers residents to feel connected without sacrificing their autonomy.

the use of shipping containers and innovative materials in The Square Housing Units provides a low-cost, durable, and flexible building approach that meets the affordability and sustainability needs of developing regions. These choices lower initial construction costs, reduce long-term maintenance and operating expenses, and ensure that the housing solution can be deployed efficiently and sustainably, ultimately improving accessibility to quality housing in these areas.

The Square Housing Units has the potential to grow into an adaptable, tech-enabled, community-centered housing model that can respond to future urban challenges. By combining resilience, sustainability, and social engagement, it could offer a scalable, long-term solution to urban housing issues, fostering sustainable growth in urban landscapes worldwide.

the central court and backyard spaces in The Square Housing Units are much more than just communal areas they are catalysts for daily connection, cultural expression, and collective empowerment. By fostering a space for interactions and shared activities, these areas encourage residents to build lasting relationships, transforming the housing complex into a close-knit, vibrant community that improves the quality of life for all.