Following a learning by doing methodology, the Introductory Studio gives students the opportunity to fully explore and apply the various tools and techniques assimilated during their 1st term at IAAC. From the examination of space, understood as layers of activities and their interaction, to the design and simulation of behaviours, animated through performative models; or the profound understanding of mechanisms of local energy, food and bio-material production in dense urban environments, contributing to the urban morphogenesis of contemporary cities; all developed with the support of digital fabrication and parametric design.
In the era of rapid urbanisation, cities have evolved into central hubs of human activity, yet they frequently lag behind in terms of sustainability. It’s imperative to grasp the profound impact of human settlements on the health of ecosystems. We find ourselves at the vanguard of a pivotal battle, as the products and structures we conceive bear a significant responsibility. They account for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, originating from two primary sources.
Firstly, the ongoing operation of buildings, which encompasses heating, hot water production, air conditioning, and lighting, collectively contributes to a staggering 28% of global CO2 emissions. Secondly, there’s the carbon footprint associated with building materials themselves. This encompasses their fabrication, transportation, assembly, and even recycling processes. Astonishingly, this latter aspect alone represents 11% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. As stewards of architectural design and construction, we hold the key to addressing these pressing environmental challenges through innovative and sustainable practices.
In light of these imperatives, we must forge new paradigms and embrace architectural design strategies that not only acknowledge but actively respond to the formidable challenges posed by our current climate conditions.
Furthermore, with the integration of computational technologies into architecture and advanced simulation tools, architects now possess the capability not only to anticipate external forces within a digital realm but also to develop design workflows that offer continuous feedback on building performance. This facilitates the optimization of architectural interventions’ ecological impact.
By crafting a novel design language and methodology that harnesses the power of computational intelligence, including AI and computational design, alongside physical and digital modelling, and text-to-image processes, we can unlock the potential to delve into uncharted territory. This transformative workflow enables the discovery of possibilities that transcend conventional boundaries, propelling us beyond the limits of what was once deemed achievable.
The design process methodology will be treated as a computer algorithm, where different functions work in a programmed loop with rules and conditions that create a constant output responding to the ever-changing variable inputs. Form informs function at the same time that the program will inform the design, creating a closed circuit where each part of the project collaborates in both directions of the design process embedded as architectural algorithms.
This studio’s primary focus is on the creation of multipurpose building infrastructures in underutilised and disconnected spaces within Barcelona. These structures will integrate programs designed to benefit the surrounding community, with a keen emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly urban development. The central research challenge involves reevaluating the relationship between user needs and spaces, thereby transforming how users interact with their surroundings.
The studio course adopts a collaborative think tank approach, involving invited guest tutors who will participate in desk crits to provide insights related to their respective areas of expertise. This dynamic exchange will continuously question and refine each project, enriching key aspects of the investigation.
Exploring the symbiotic relationship between design form and functionality will lead to the development of a language applicable to architectural projects. This studio’s core mission revolves around an investigation that forges stronger connections between the designer, computer representation, sustainability, and biobased materials.
At course completion the student will:
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“First Life, then Spaces, then Buildings, the other way around never works” – Jan Gehl The proposal is an intervention at the site situated in Diagonal Mar, neighborhood, inspired from the fundamental idea of Placemaking. The intervention goes beyond development, aiming to activate the site and create a vibrant community. Grounded in functionality, the approach … Read more
‘The Vallcarquians, in a parenthesis born of destruction, symbolize persistence against speculation.’ Verde Vallis aims to reappropriate flora as a tool for reclamation and regeneration in Vallcarca. Learning from Vallcarquian panarchy and the dynamics of this complex ecosystem in response to disturbance and change and taking advantage of the abundance of flora on site, Verde … Read more
PERE IV, SANT MARTI41.410461, 2.203936 MANIFESTO In the heart of Barcelona’s ecological transition, the project at Carrer de Pere IV, 380, embodies a vision of regenerative design that breathes life into the site, offering a diverse array of ecological services. It’s a living showcase of ecological culture, an oasis in the heart of cities where … Read more
