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Project Ideation
Project Ideation
1- What sustainability-related problem or need does your project address? What were you inspired by? What is/are the SDG/s you are tackling in your project? Include images and videos of similar projects
1- What sustainability-related problem or need does your project address? What were you inspired by? What is/are the SDG/s you are tackling in your project? Include images and videos of similar projects
sustainability-related problem that my project will address
sustainability-related problem that my project will address
The project focuses on sustainability in the realm of art, heritage, and technology, specifically addressing the need to preserve and share cultural heritage while embracing modern technological methods. Through the use of recycled materials for constructing the interactive structure, the project encourages sustainable art practices by reusing and repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Additionally, the project will minimize energy consumption by using the LEDs or Neopixels compared to traditional lighting or display systems, contributing to environmental sustainability. The interactive nature of the project promotes engagement and education around sustainable practices, helping to raise awareness about the importance of conserving resources.
Inspiration came from:
Inspiration came from:
The primary inspiration for this project comes from the architectural and artistic beauty of the Imam al-Shafi'i district, as well as the rich traditions of Islamic art and geometric patterns. These designs are renowned for their intricate symmetry, which will be showcased in a modern, interactive way. The idea was also influenced by the intersection of heritage preservation and technological innovation
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Tackled:
throughout my deep research into SDG's goals and targets, I found out that my project could tackle these SDGs, especially the highlighted ones
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Target 4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
project directly addresses this target by highlighting the cultural and architectural significance of the Imam al-Shafi'i area. It seeks to raise awareness of its historical value and the importance of preserving such spaces, which are often overlooked in urban planning.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Target 5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
The project emphasizes the use of recycled, upcycled, and eco-friendly materials. This sustainable approach contributes to reducing waste and supports a circular economy.
Target 6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
project may not involve large corporations, it serves as an example for others, especially in the arts and design fields to adopt sustainable practices in their work.
Goal 4: Quality Education
Target 7: Ensure all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and appreciation of cultural diversity.
The interactive nature of your installation will educate visitors on the cultural importance of the Imam al-Shafi'i area and the value of preserving cultural heritage. It will also emphasize the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship through the choice of materials.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Target 3: Improve education, awareness, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and impact reduction.
project promotes awareness of environmental sustainability by integrating low-energy technology and sustainable materials. It also encourages a conversation around environmentally responsible urban development, implicitly tying the preservation of cultural heritage to broader climate action goals.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Target 6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
project indirectly supports the strengthening of local governance and institutions by raising awareness about heritage preservation, which can lead to more inclusive planning and better decisions regarding cultural and historical sites.
Why I Care About This
Why I Care About This
My passion for this project stems from my deep connection to heritage and cultural studies, particularly the rich yet often overlooked history of Cairo. The Imam al-Shafi’i area holds immense historical and spiritual value but is frequently dismissed as just a cemetery or neglected space. This neglect, coupled with urban expansion decisions, has put the site’s cultural treasures at risk of destruction.
Through this project, I aim to spotlight the significance of the Imam al-Shafi’i area and its Islamic art and architecture. I believe storytelling and interactive experiences can bridge the gap between the past and present, fostering appreciation and responsibility for preserving these narratives. The loss of such sites reflects a troubling trend of erasing cultural heritage in the name of modernization. My goal is to raise awareness about this area’s importance and inspire efforts to protect and celebrate its history before it’s too late.
The project incorporates sustainability by:
Use of Recycled and Eco-friendly Materials: The project will prioritize the use of recycled materials, such as reclaimed plywood for the structure and PLA plastic (a biodegradable plastic) for 3D-printed elements, and acrylic is a recyclable material. It can be melted down and repurposed into new products. or upcycled from other waste By using these materials, the project reduces the demand for new resources, minimizes waste, and supports a circular economy.
Low-Impact, Energy-Efficient Technology: The project will incorporate energy-efficient NeoPixels, which consume significantly less power than traditional lighting, reducing the carbon footprint of the project. These low-energy components ensure that the project is environmentally responsible while still achieving vibrant, interactive visuals.
Local Sourcing: By sourcing materials locally and avoiding international shipping, the project minimizes the environmental impact associated with transportation, helping reduce carbon emissions.(I don't know if that's right or not but I hope.)
Durability and Longevity: The design focuses on creating an installation that is durable and built to last, with the intention of minimizing the need for replacements or repairs. The goal is to create a long-lasting work of art that can continue to inspire for years to come, minimizing the environmental impact of short-term, disposable art installations.
Educational Aspect on Sustainability: Beyond the physical construction, the project also promotes awareness of sustainability through its interactive nature. By drawing attention to cultural heritage and the importance of preserving our history, the project encourages visitors to consider the environmental implications of urban development and the preservation of cultural spaces.
2- Conduct a feasibility/impact assessment using the standard template and attach it below. How do you think this assessment will guide your design?
2- Conduct a feasibility/impact assessment using the standard template and attach it below. How do you think this assessment will guide your design?
Explain your impact assessment on those four pillars: social, economic, environmental, and natural resources. And, explain how this assessment will influence your project concept and goals.
Social Impact:
1- Does your prototype directly address a specific need or improve the quality of life for its target audience?
2- Have you considered inclusivity or accessibility to ensure your solution benefits a diverse group of people?
Economic Impact:
1- Is your prototype designed to be affordable and cost-effective for its intended users?
2- Does your project contribute to local economic growth, such as supporting local manufacturing or jobs?
Environmental Impact:
1- Have you taken/going to take steps to use materials efficiently, reduce waste during production, or repurpose leftover materials from your prototype?
2- Does your solution promote environmental awareness or encourage sustainable practices in its intended use?
Natural Resources Impact:
1- Are you going to responsibly use sourced or recyclable materials in your prototype?
2- Does your solution help conserve essential natural resources like water or energy?
social impact
Does your prototype directly address a specific need or improve the quality of life for its target audience?
Yes, the project addresses a critical need for heritage awareness in Cairo, especially the Imam al-Shafi'i area, which is often overlooked or misunderstood. By raising awareness about its historical significance, the project helps the audience reconnect with their cultural identity and heritage. (I've marked this aspect as a first point indicated in green) as a concept, but I am still uncertain if this goal will be fully achieved. For the project to meet this need, it must engage a diverse audience beyond just Maker Diploma participants or exhibition visitors.
Have you considered inclusivity or accessibility to ensure your solution benefits a diverse group of people?
Yes, accessibility is a key priority in this project. To truly align with the main concept, it should aim to reach a wider and more diverse audience. While the initial showcase might be limited to specific groups, like Maker Diploma participants or exhibition visitors (that's why I’ve marked this aspect at a midpoint, indicated in yellow), the project has the potential to be more inclusive. Its design ensures it is approachable for people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of their prior knowledge, and also accommodates those with disabilities through its visual, auditory, tactile, and remote interaction features.
economic impact
Is your prototype designed to be affordable and cost-effective for its intended users?
While the prototype is intended for exhibitions rather than for sale or retail, its affordability is considered in terms of production costs and sustainability, not consumer pricing. The aim is to create a prototype that can be reproduced or adapted for different exhibition settings, ensuring the production process remains efficient, cost-effective, and impactful. The use of materials like acrylic sheets and electronic components helps keep costs low, while maintaining durability and visual appeal. Additionally, I plan to use recycled or upcycled materials wherever possible to minimize waste and cost. However,(I’ve marked this aspect at a midpoint indicated in yellow) because while I believe I can source local materials to reduce costs and support the local economy, I am not sure if it will be feasible for all the components.
Does your project contribute to local economic growth, such as supporting local manufacturing or jobs?
the project has the potential to contribute to local economic growth. The materials used in the project can be sourced from local suppliers, supporting local businesses and artisans. but i think the immediate impact might be small, the long-term potential for scaling the project and fostering local partnerships in the future could have a more significant impact on local industries. As the project evolves and gains traction in exhibitions, it could also inspire future initiatives that benefit local economic growth. that's why (I’ve marked this aspect at a last point indicated in red).
impact assment
environmental impact
Have you taken/going to take steps to use materials efficiently, reduce waste during production, or repurpose leftover materials from your prototype?
Yes, I plan to take steps to minimize waste and use materials efficiently throughout the production process. The project will make use of recyclable materials as possible, which can be repurposed and cut with precision to reduce waste. I’ll also explore the use of upcycled materials where possible, particularly for electronic components or wood and acrylic frames or supports, which could come from discarded items or leftover materials from previous projects. Additionally, I’ll adopt a design that prioritizes modularity, allowing parts to be reused or adapted for future prototypes or projects. This approach will help reduce the overall environmental impact and make the production process more sustainable.
Does your solution promote environmental awareness or encourage sustainable practices in its intended use?
My solution promotes environmental awareness by showcasing the importance of sustainable design and the potential of repurposed materials and everyday materials and how they can be reused or upcycled in creative ways. The project's focus on historical and cultural heritage can spark conversations about the value of preserving not only cultural landmarks but also the resources we use in their creation and maintenance. This can inspire a broader mindset toward sustainability and responsible consumption.
natural resources impact
Are you going to responsibly use sourced or recyclable materials in your prototype?
I plan to use recyclable materials in my prototype. I will prioritize using recycled and upcycled materials where possible to minimize the environmental impact, such as reclaimed wood and PLA plastic. These materials are eco-friendly, with PLA being biodegradable and produced from renewable resources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The electronic components will also be selected based on their durability and recycleability, ensuring that the project remains sustainable throughout its lifecycle. I aim to reduce the environmental footprint of the project
Does your solution help conserve essential natural resources like water or energy?
My solution aims to help conserve essential natural resources like energy. The prototype will be designed to be energy-efficient by using low-energy LED lights or NeoPixels, which require less power compared to traditional lighting. Additionally, the use of Arduino programming will allow for optimized control of the lighting system, ensuring that energy is used only when necessary, such as activating the lights in response to user interaction. By minimizing energy consumption, thereby lowering the carbon footprint. Although water usage may not be a major component of this project, its emphasis on resource-efficient practices directly contributes to the conservation of energy and reduction of waste in urban environments.
3- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
3- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
The project draws inspiration from the Lixie clock, but instead of numbers, it will display Islamic art patterns, particularly those derived from the Imam al-Shafi’i area and its architectural features . The system will utilize interactive parallax acrylic sheets, which create a layered, 3D effect. Through dynamic lighting and motion, the intricate patterns of the mosque’s architecture will be brought to life. These patterns will shift and move, much like a stop-motion animation (not exactly but i mean by that is like a frame by frame animation or layer by layer), it will make the project come alive.
How It Works:
The project will feature layered acrylic sheets arranged to create a parallax effect. for the user to interact with, these sheets will shift, revealing different layers of illustration details.
The dynamic movement of the layers, in combination with the lighting effects, will emulate the stop-motion concept, creating a sense of motion in the artwork.
LED or NeoPixel lighting will be used under the acrylic sheets to enhance the patterns, illuminating them in different colors and intensities. The lighting will change as the user interacts with the project, simulating motion or transitions between designs.
The user will control the motion of the parallax sheets and the lighting effects through a controller, such as a set of buttons This allows users to explore different designs, change the speed of the animation, or switch between patterns.
The interactivity of the project, particularly using Arduino, will play a crucial role in bringing the dynamic Islamic patterns and designs to life, while allowing users to engage with the project in an intuitive way
The project will include educational content, so as users interact with the illustrations, they will also learn about the historical significance of the patterns or features they’re seeing, including information about the Imam al-Shafi'i area and its cultural importance.
the same concept as the old disney animation method
4- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
4- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
Project Planning
Project Planning
5- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
5- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
Construction Parts
Multiple layers of Acrylic Sheets : Each layer features laser-engraved part of the illustration.
wooden enclosure Housing (optional) :Holds the acrylic sheets securely and provides a structure for the lighting system especially in outdoor exhibits
LEDs or NeoPixels : Provides dynamic lighting to illuminate and enhance the illustrations
Base box: it will be under the project parts to Supports the entire structure and houses electronic components and House the user interface components such as the controlling buttons
Input
(Sensing, Tactile Input, and/or Graphical Input)
Tactile Input: Buttons : Turning the system on/off - Adjusting the brightness and patterns of the LEDs - Rotating or shifting patterns on the display- Switching between different visual modes
Motion Sensor (Ultrasonic) optional : could be integrated to trigger actions when the user is nearby, such as activating the display or starting motion patterns automatically upon detection.
Action
(Physical and/or Graphic)
Physical and graphic Actions:
The installation will use LEDs or NeoPixels to create visual actions to display or shifting illustrations based on user input. When the user presses a button, the patterns on the display will respond by moving, changing colors, or transforming into new configurations.
Brain
(Arduino Uno Board )
The Arduino will be programmed to interpret the user’s inputs and translate those commands into appropriate actions.
Button presses to control the patterns
Timing sequences to adjust the motion of the display
Responding to sensors (optional)
Power Management
Power Supply:
A DC power adapter or USB power can be used
Battery Option (Optional):
For temporary needs, a rechargeable battery could be integrated, allowing the installation to be mobile or used without constant access to electrical outlets.
6- How will you use tools like the laser cutter and 3D printer with sustainable materials to make your project eco-friendly? What materials will you use, and why are they sustainable choices?
6- How will you use tools like the laser cutter and 3D printer with sustainable materials to make your project eco-friendly? What materials will you use, and why are they sustainable choices?
Describe how your project will leverage maker tools like laser cutters or 3D printers to reduce waste, and increase maintainability. Also, explain your choice of materials such as fabric, plastic filament, or recycled plastic sheets to support green innovation. Select materials with low environmental impact, and explain their relevance to your project.
Laser Cutter
Laser Cutter
A laser cutter is ideal for creating precise cuts in materials such as acrylic, wood, and cardboard. It can minimize waste during the production process by using vector-based designs, ensuring that the cuts are exact and efficient.
Material Choice:
Acrylic Sheets (Recycled or upcycled): recycled acrylic sheets will reduce the demand for virgin plastic production, decreasing overall plastic waste. Some acrylic manufacturers even offer sheets made from post-consumer recycled plastics, which are sustainable choices.
recycled plastic sheets:
Wood (plywood): plywood is made from layers of wood veneer and can often be sourced sustainably.
Cardboard (recycled): For non-structural components or prototyping, recycled cardboard can be used as an eco-friendly, low-cost material.
3D Printer
3D Printer
3D printers offer flexibility in creating custom parts and components for the project. Using 3D printing allows for the use of sustainable materials, reducing waste, and enhancing the overall design’s adaptability.
Material Choice:
Plastic (PLA) filament: PLA is an eco-friendly thermoplastic made from renewable resources, such as cornstarch or sugarcane. It is biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, making it a more sustainable choice compared to traditional plastics like ABS. PLA is perfect for creating intricate details or small structural components for the project, like mounts, connectors, or housing for electronics.
7- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
7- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
8- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
8- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
Minimum Features: are the least amount of features that would demonstrate the coverage of all the technical modules and their complete integration
Complete Features: are the set of features that will complete your original project objective and vision
Nice-to-have Features: are the extra set of features that will make the project cooler, yet they need extra time, effort, and/or resources to finish
Minimum User Features
Static, simple illustrations of Islamic patterns and motifs are displayed on acrylic sheets through layered designs.and include educational content where users can learn about the Imam al-Shafi’i area via embedded QR codes
Action: press the on/off button, then LED or NeoPixel lights illuminate the acrylic sheets to create dynamic lighting effects.
take a picture of the QR code
Input Components:
Basic on/off button for user control.
QR codes
sensing: none
Complete User Features
Smooth transitions or animations (like stop-motion effects) between layers of Islamic patterns for an interactive experience.
Action: The system lights up or activates animations only when motion is detected nearby.
Input Components: none
sensing :
PIR motion sensor or ultrasonic sensor to detect user presence.
Pattern Switching via Controller
Action: Users can switch between different Islamic patterns or animations using a button-based or rotary encoder controller.
Input Components:
Push buttons or rotary encoder for pattern selection.or joystick
sensing:none
Interactive Educational Feature
Action: Include educational content where users can learn about the Imam al-Shafi’i area via interactive audio and sounds
Input Components: none
sensing:PIR motion sensor or ultrasonic sensor to detect user presence.
Nice-to-have User Features
Users can interact with the display by touching specific points, triggering animations or lighting effects
Input Components:
touching specific points
sensing:
Capacitive touch sensors or touch-sensitive acrylic coating.
Customization via App
Action: Users can control lighting, patterns, and animations via a mobile app or a web interface.
Input Components:
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module
sensing: none
Sound-Activated Visualizations
Action: Lighting and patterns respond dynamically to ambient sound or music, creating a synchronized visual effect.
Input Components: none
sensing:
Sound sensor or microphone module.
PIR motion sensor or ultrasonic
9- How will you incorporate Arduino programming, sensors, and actuators to enhance the sustainability features of your project?
9- How will you incorporate Arduino programming, sensors, and actuators to enhance the sustainability features of your project?
Describe how you’ll use Arduino programming, along with sensors and actuators, to create functions that improve your project’s efficiency, reduce resource use, or monitor environmental impact.
To integrate Arduino programming, sensors, and actuators into the project, the focus will be on energy efficiency and interactivity. Motion sensors can be used to detect when someone approaches the installation, activating the lights and illustrations only when needed to minimize unnecessary power consumption. Arduino will control the LED sequences and animations, ensuring energy is used efficiently by dimming or shutting off the lights during periods of inactivity. A timer can also be programmed to limit operation to specific hours, reducing energy usage further.
Instead of running all components continuously, sensors and actuators will ensure that only necessary parts of the display are activated. For example, user interaction through buttons or other inputs will trigger specific sections of the display to light up or animate, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and wear on materials.
Additionally, incorporating solar energy cells into the design can make the installation even more sustainable. Small, efficient solar panels can power the Arduino system and LED components, enabling the project to rely less on traditional electricity sources. This approach supports the goal of creating a self-sustaining installation while promoting the use of renewable energy.
Photocells or light sensors can be utilized to adjust LED brightness according to ambient lighting conditions, ensuring the display isn’t unnecessarily bright during daylight hours. Additionally, temperature and humidity sensors can be integrated to monitor environmental conditions. These sensors can automatically reduce LED brightness or deactivate specific features when needed, preventing overheating and extending the system’s lifespan while optimizing energy efficiency.
10- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
10- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
Component/Material
Amount
Link
constraction parts
Acrylic sheets (3 mm) 15*20 cm each
min: 16 sheets per module
extra 18 sheets for testing 4*6 cm
max: 64 sheets for 4 modules
plywood sheets (3mm) 30*50 cm
min: 2
max: 4
screws and nuts
multiples
adhesives (superglue or glue gun)
1
Core Components (Essential for Basic Functionality)
arduino uno
1
available
breadboard
1
available
dc adaptor 5v or 9v depends on which led componants to use
1
available
DC power connector
1
available
voltage regulator
1
available
resistors
depends
available
switch on/off button
1
available
jumper wires
multiple
available
HM-10 Bluetooth Module
1
available
LDR light sensor
1
available
Optional Features & Their Components
buzzer
1
available
for manual usage components
for automatic usage components
motion sensor (ultrasonic)
1
available
Optional components
11- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
11- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
Task
Sub-Tasks
From:
To:
prepare engraved designs
research ( Imam al-Shafi’i heritage )
collecting data (elements to draw )
Sketch and plan the design
draw different designs in Adobe Illustrator for vector lines
slice each design to 16 frames to make a 3d parallel effect
testing on a smaller scale
1-feb
10-feb
17-feb
10-feb
15-feb
17-feb
design on fusion
Design a base box to house the acrylic panels and NeoPixels.
design acrylic panels to imagine how everything joins together
Design a panel to hold Neopixel strips
Design an enclosure for the project (for an outdoor exhibition)
18-feb
21-feb
fabrication
cut acrylic sheets
engrave the designs on acrylics
cut the wooden pieces
21-feb
21-feb
electronics test
designs electronic circuits on thinker cad
design it in life with real components and test it
18-feb
22-feb
coding phase
searching for the similar codes
write my own codes
test in thinker cad
test in arduino
22-feb
26-feb
assempling
selecting and sourcing
assempl the base box
put electronic componants
put acrylic sheets
turn on the device
testing final project
26-feb
27-feb
decumentation
documenting design phase on illustrator
documenting design phase on fusion360
documenting electronics cuircut design
documenting coding phase
documenting assemply
documenting final project working
18-feb
1-march
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