Within the current global context of rapid change, integrated with the potentials of digital technologies, IAAC’s Master in Advanced Architecture (MAA) is committed to the generation of new ideas and applications for Urban Design, Self Sufficiency, Digital Manufacturing Techniques and Advanced Interaction.
In this context IAAC works with a multidisciplinary approach, facing the challenges posed by our environment and the future development of cities, architecture and buildings, through a virtuous combination of technology, biology, computational design, digital and robotic fabrication, pushing innovation beyond the boundaries of a more traditional architectural approach.
a BIOCHAR BASED concrete WITH A negative carbon footprint BARA is an opportunity to build negative carbon constructionsystems by rethinking concrete and methods used in the buildingindustry. Using on-site 3D printing and casting, entire buildings can beconstructed with reduced cement while storing and capturing carbon. The focus is on optimizing and improvingstructural performance, enhancing carbon … Read more
Generating the Optimal Pavilion Design through Sunlight-Driven Evolutionary AlgorithmsLocation: Poblenou, Barcelona This project explores a generative design workflow applied to pavilion architecture in Poblenou, Barcelona, where sunlight is a critical environmental factor. Using evolutionary algorithms, we generate an optimized pavilion form that responds to solar exposure, ventilation, and material efficiency. Inspired by the natural selection principle from John Holland’s genetic … Read more
Located in Poblenou, this student housing project comprises 25 modular units organized through solar optimization. Using Galapagos, the massing evolved through iterative simulations based on incident radiation, calibrating orientation and spacing to maximize winter sunlight while mitigating summer heat gain. The result is a compact, climate-responsive structure where environmental logic shapes architectural form—balancing solar access, … Read more
DomusX is a modular pavilion designed using the Assembler plugin in Grasshopper, exploring parametric assembly systems for adaptive architecture. The structure consists of interlocking components that can be easily reconfigured or expanded, allowing flexibility in design and use. DomusX promotes sustainable, site-responsive design through modularity and digital fabrication. DomusX leverages Assembler’s generative capabilities to create … Read more
GENETIC OPTIMIZATION OF THE STRUCTURAL WARDROBE ELEMENTS Project Abstract The structural wardrobe is reimagined as the primary vertical load-bearing core in a compact architectural system ( From the Data Informed Structures 2024-2025). Acting as both a partition and a support, this wardrobe spans between floor and ceiling, bearing compressive and tensile loads while housing essential … Read more
This project explores the climatic optimization of modular student housing units located in Barcelona, each with dimensions of 5m x 4m x 7.5m. The focus is on developing comfortable, energy-efficient living spaces by strategically analyzing and refining the positioning of openings, enabling effective cross ventilation, and incorporating humidity-absorbing esparto material as part of the building … Read more
Optimizing Student Housing with Sunlight-Driven Computation This project uses Ladybug and Galapagos within Grasshopper to optimize the form and massing of a student housing complex based on solar performance. Ladybug was used to run radiation and sun-hour analyses, helping evaluate how different configurations received sunlight throughout the year. Galapagos, a genetic algorithm solver, was applied … Read more
CONCEPT This project proposes a wavy perforated facade system designed to respond to solar orientation and ecological integration. The undulating form of the facade is not only an aesthetic gesture, but a performative skin that regulates sunlight exposure. Facing the south-west, the convex and concave surfaces of the facade deflect direct solar rays, creating self-shaded … Read more
As an extension to our Digital Matter studio project, KINXA, developed the computational design portion utilizing Grasshopper to combine both the use climate analyses and optimizing tools to help us generate the most suitable design iteration for our project. PROJECT CONTEXT KINXA’s Mission: KINXA aims to bring vernacular construction back into contemporary architecture by systemizing … Read more
Project by Saad Khan and Sai Mohan Satwik Introduction- Evolution In nature, evolution is the quiet engineer — iterating lifeforms through adaptation, selection, and mutation to thrive in ever-changing environments. From the spiral of a seashell to the branching of trees, nature doesn’t design — it evolves. Inspired by this process, computational design tools now … Read more
Our goal for this Computational Design assignment was using Karamba along with Wallacei to optimize the mass and deformation of the timber frames of our construction system called KINXA. It is a modernized version of the vernacular technique used in Latin America called “Quincha” which consists of the use of a wood or cane frame, … Read more
Concept The twisting geometry of the tower was developed through parametric modeling and generative design, where Wallacei was used to evaluate and optimize multiple iterations. The goal was to identify the twist angle and floorplate rotation that would maximize unobstructed view corridors for surrounding buildings, while maintaining functionality and architectural integrity. Objective: To design a … Read more
