I am Mina Ishac, I’m an architect and computational building physics expert. I obtained my doctorate of engineering in building performance from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. I have work experience and advanced qualifications with a solid background in building physics and computational design, and hands-on experience working on 3 applied research projects. I worked in daylight modeling and energy simulations for 9 years. With a developer level of experience in Grasshopper, Python and computational design, I developed 5 tools that evaluate performance of buildings systems, including Grasshopper plugin development. As a researcher, I worked on research project ‘Ziezo’ with TNO Nederland, and 2 research projects with Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences. I have practical work experience in physical measurements of light, validation, data acquisition, calibration. I contributed to writing research grants, publications and authored a book in building performance evaluation of school buildings in Cairo. Alongside research work, I have teaching experience as a teaching instructor in 4 architecture schools in Cairo and Berlin.

I’m expert in parametric and computational design. I have work experience in Radiance, Rhino + Grasshopper developer, diva daylighting, honeybee/ladybug, energyplus, design builder, climate studio – Revit modeling and implementation, coordination and troubleshooting. I developed tools using Python, C#, Visual Studio, Matlab, and I used optimization, machine learning and image processing in modeling 3D features from 2D images.

As an architect, I practiced architecture for 10 years in architecture and consultancy offices.I specialized in concept design, design development and construction detailing with special expertise in building facades. I developed adaptive building skin facades, experienced working on facade cladding detailing for precast concrete and aluminum claddings in international projects. I have experience with supervision on construction and architecture works, and leadership supervising junior architects. I also have experience presenting design proposals to clients and stakeholders.

Software development of tools
1- 3D BSDF tool, based on Klems-full angle basis (Grasshopper development, Python, Radiance)
2- Ziezo software tool (freeware, for Pilkington Nederland B.V. company- Visual Studio)
3- Grasshopper plugin of Ziezo window components (Grasshopper development in C#)
4- classification algorithm for light raytracing (Grasshopper, Ladybug)
5- shading performance tool (Grasshopper, Python)

Key Qualifications

• Engineering Doctorate in building performance – Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands

• Hands-on practical experience on 3 applied research projects

• solid background in theoretical and applied research of daylighting modeling and simulation

• experience in writing research grants and proposals

• authored 8 research publications and a book

• expertise level of software development in computational design in Grasshopper development

• teaching Instructor in building technology department – German University in Cairo

• teaching experience of 11 years in building technology in 4 architecture schools in Cairo and Berlin

• Practiced architecture and licensed architect for 10 years

• Provide companies with training and advising in: 1) daylight and energy in building performance, 2) parametric and computational design, 3) Revit Implementation