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.

TREE WISE

TIMBER SENSING TECHNOLOGY A material system combining timber and graphene, replacing traditional sensors through graphene’s sensing capabilities. This innovative approach allows first, real-time tracking of deformations inside the wood. Second, creating a digital twin that improves maintenance efficiency in the operational phase. Third, providing a detailed service life passport, this system supports reuse and reduces … Read more

Tiny Topographies

Optimizing Bar Buildings for Sunlight and Pathways The aim of this project was to design a typology of housing is needed that resembles small, artificial terrains. The Bar Building typology will have set of long, dense buildings that will mimic the form of a topography. The forms will need to be optimized to allow for all the … Read more

SWARM_FACADE

SWARM_FACADE investigates using swarm intelligence principles (separation, alignment, and cohesion) in architectural design and façade construction. By employing multi-agent-based swarm intelligence algorithms, a conceptual design method was introduced. Evolutionary optimization and parametric control were applied to define solid-void elements in the building façade. The resulting façade variations were optimized and evaluated based on relative daylight … Read more

PHYLLOTACTIC TOWER

PHYLLOTAXIS The arrangement of leaves or floral parts around a stem or axis is called phyllotaxis. The term comes from the Greek phullon – ‘leaf’ and taxis – ‘arrangement’. The model was first proposed by Wilhelm Hofmeister in 1868. IMPORTANCE: The objective of the phyllotaxis is to avoid overcrowding. So that all leaves get maximum … Read more

RETHINKING URBAN FORESTRY

Through a meticulous analysis of data extracted from the site and a comprehensive understanding of Barcelona’s climatic conditions, our visionary project sets its sights on the future, envisioning Barcelona in the year 2050 as a harmonious blend of urban living and natural serenity. At the heart of our exploration lies the theme of urban forestry, … Read more

OptiPlay

This term’s Computational Design Seminar focused on leveraging optimization tools to explore and refine architectural designs. Our project aimed to generate a diverse catalogue of design iterations, systematically optimizing each iteration to meet specific performance criteria. Utilizing plugins such as Wallacei for optimization and Karamba3D for structural analysis, we developed a Play Area located in … Read more

TwistedTexture

Optimization process TwistedTexture is designed to minimize direct radiation on slabs and facades, optimizing energy efficiency. It uses sunshades and ventilated facades to reduce heat gain while maintaining natural light. The building blends with its surroundings, responding to Santiago’s climate. Advanced optimization algorithms explore various forms, balancing design complexity, compactness, and shading. The final configuration … Read more

Uintah and Ouray Music and Performing Arts Center

SITE The Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation DESIGN PROCESS Form Finding and Computational Elements FORM FINDING Massing FORM FINDING Perforations FORM FINDING Decorative Perforation – Spikes FORM FINDING Columns FORM FINDING Split Columns FORM FINDING Mezzanine FORM FINDING Interior Space SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION FINAL PROPOSAL FINAL FABRICATION FINAL RENDERS

EVA

Statement In extreme summer heat, our bodies work overtime to regulate how we feel. It takes massive amounts of energy to maintain a normal and consistent body temperature. All this energy use can cause us to feel tired and sluggish.It makes it important to have a COOLING system in high temperatures. What is a possible … Read more

RAINWATER FILTRATION TOWER

GENETIC OPTIMIZATION THROUGH COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN This work aimed to genetically optimize through computational design of a rainwater filtration tower. The tower is part of the design developed for the Digital Matter Studio. The group proposes to create a landscape structure that can collect and filter rainwater through chitosan, a bio-based material made from mussel shells … Read more

Form Follows Availability

Genetic Optimization: Assignment 3 The project aims to provide the most optimal solution to maximize the shading of this housing project. The algorithm reflects the process of natural selection where each individuals are selected for the reproduction in order to produce descendant of the next generation. Through the exploration of Ladybug and Galapagos, we can … Read more

Genetic Optimisation- Pixel District

Abstract In the current era the “future” becomes an increasingly uncertain question. Huge projects are being built right now all over the world supported mainly on the interests of Real Estate speculation. This capitalist driven urban expansion relies on a specific typology: the Skyscraper. Simultaneously, the world population continues to increase, focusing on the urban. … Read more

Genetic Optimization

Project Manifesto The project explores three main topics that represent a global concern within the present times: growing population, climate crisis and food production. Following these concepts, the main intervention is based on designing a city of the future, located in the actual site of Copenhagen’s North Harbor. In the past 10 years, the population … Read more

Wire Wonders

wire wonders

WELCOME TO THE WIRE WONDERS MANUAL! We are excited to have you onboard, we will help you to fabricate a lamp with the help of augmented reality. This technology will allow you to overlap digital information into physical spaces, making it easy to visualize and analyze the steps to follow the fabrication process. To get … Read more