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X+1 Studio · research / tools

Reading the built environment before drawing it.

X+1 develops research and practical tools at the intersection of architecture, urban analysis, GIS, and computational design. The work moves in both directions: research produces methods and software, while design problems expose new research questions.

01Published research
Publication · ASCAAD 2024

Decoding Gray Urban Spaces

A space-syntax approach to detecting and identifying underutilized urban areas. The research combines configurational analysis with contextual spatial layers to move from an abstract network reading toward a more complete interpretation of neglected urban space.

The published case study examines Al Darb El Ahmar in Cairo and is co-authored by Mariam Maged, Ahmed Ismail, Engy Elsayed, and Nabil Mohareb.

Read and exploreConference proceedings
Research contribution
  • Defines gray urban space as an analytical and design problem.
  • Connects space-syntax measures with contextual urban information.
  • Translates a research workflow into an interactive browser explorer.
  • Makes the method inspectable beyond the paper itself.
02Research directions
Urban configuration

Space syntax and network analysis

Street networks are studied as systems of access, choice, centrality, and potential encounter. The aim is not to reduce a city to one metric, but to use multiple measures as evidence alongside land use, morphology, and observation.

Spatial evidence

GIS for architectural decisions

Site analysis becomes more useful when open data, project geometry, and clear assumptions can be inspected together. X+1 investigates lightweight GIS workflows that support early decisions without hiding the underlying layers.

Design computation

Concept modelling and measurable constraints

Early design tools can connect form-making with explicit quantities such as footprint, floor area, FAR, height, sun, and shadow. The purpose is rapid iteration with visible assumptions—not automated authorship or a replacement for professional verification.

Interoperability

Browser-to-desktop workflows

Web tools become more credible when their data can continue into established professional software. GEOX Bridge experiments with reversible exchange between browser GIS, QGIS, and Rhino while preserving geometry, attributes, and georeferencing.

03Tools emerging from the research
Browser GIS · Beta

GEOX

A spatial-analysis application for importing, drawing, styling, routing, analysing, and exporting geospatial data. It is designed for planners, architects, researchers, and students who need an accessible path into real GIS workflows.

Open GEOXDesktop plugins
Architectural concepts · In development

Y+ Studio

A browser studio connecting visual references, site studies, conceptual massing, sun and shadow, and early project communication. The application keeps moodboard and form-finding inside one project workflow.

Explore Y+ StudioView the workflow
04Research principles

Methods should remain visible.

X+1’s computational work is intended to support judgement rather than conceal it. Inputs, assumptions, transformations, and outputs should be understandable enough to question, reproduce, and improve.

  • Original work grounded in real design questions.
  • Open formats and inspectable spatial data.
  • Clear limits on precision and professional use.
  • Tools that connect rather than isolate workflows.
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