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.

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THE HORIZON

The Horizon is an open space, spanning 110m x 37m (length of a whole block of Barcelona) that guides human behaviour around changing shadow patterns, which are driven by the sun’s heat. It rests on the top of the student housing building, housing all the communal areas.  Communal activities around the Horizon shift, with moveable … Read more

Re:New

UP-CYCLING CDW THROUGH RAMMED EARTH TECHNIQUE The project promotes a circular economy for construction demolition waste (CDW), focusing on concrete and brick materials. It investigates the creation of a material system that integrates data-driven demolition mapping, innovative material reuse, robotic manufacturing and a meticulous approach to designing the life-cycle of the material. It uses the … Read more

Decharbonization

From exterior soil remediation to interior acoustics enhancement The goal of this project is to create a non-cementitious geopolymer, using as the main component biochar, an worldwide abundant material, and amplify its qualities to sequester carbon in order to make carbon sink architecture. Through the process of material engineering and testing, it was possible to … Read more

ChromaEnergon

ChromaEnergon represents an innovative approach to student housing architecture that transcends conventional design paradigms tapping the potentials of climatic energy and thermochromic pigments. This concept leverages verticality, slenderness, and dispersed tower structures to create dynamic living environments. By strategically mapping energy into various spaces through the skin which the facade, ChromaEnergon aims to generate unique … Read more

Very Many

Design References Design Simulations Cladding Composition The Sandwich Panel is a combination of a top 6mm Polycarbonate Sheet with Dry Insulation and Cork forming our inner layers and to finish it off with a 6mm thk Polycarbonate Sheet at the bottom. Fabrication Process Using plywood as a base for dowels, which would serve as lateral … Read more

ChromaEnergon

Energy Phenomena In the machine room model, Convection serves as the primary mechanism for transferring heat from the hot plate to the tubes containing thermochromic fluids. This convective process affects the temperature of the thermochromic liquid within the tubes, which in turn changes the chroma i.e, color intensity of the room, thereby influencing the circadian … Read more

SpaceFlex

Balloon-Driven Spatial Alteration Phenomenon: What is Pressure? Pressure and Volume are inversely relatable. When one quantity increases, the other decreases proportionally. If the volume of the space is increased, the pressure inside the volume is decreased. This is applied in pneumatic structures and building environments to balance the indoor environment and structural stability.  Our project … Read more

SHELL-ter

Concept We aim to design an environmental responsive facade that provides shelter for users in public spaces. Our facade aims to explore different materials that will behave differently based on the sensory information that the weather conditions of the city or location provide. It will be reacting to local light, rain, temperature and weight levels, … Read more

Platefold Prefab

Design Approach Folded Structure System Folded plate surfaces, architectural marvels with interconnected planar elements, gain further dynamism through linear additions. These straight elements seamlessly integrate with the folded structure, enhancing both aesthetics and structural efficiency. The result is a visually striking and functionally optimized design, showcasing the harmonious blend of form and function in contemporary … Read more

DIGITAL FABRICATION

Laser Cutting | Folded Flakes Laser cutting, a precision-focused technique, revolutionizes the art of crafting by using a high-powered laser to precisely slice through various materials with immaculate accuracy. Whether it’s intricate designs on wood, metal, acrylic, or fabric, laser cutting brings imagination to life with clean, sharp edges and detailed patterns. This technology merges … Read more

Exploration into Vertical Elements

This term, the exploration of three fabrication techniques—Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, and CNC Milling—led to the creation of three vertical facade prototypes. Drawing inspiration from organic movements and waves, our laser-cut design explores the interlocking techniques with Polypropylene and acrylic.The 3D printed geometry also explores the interlocking, this time as a mobility tool, creating a … Read more

DIGI FAB

LASER CUTTING I INTERACTIVE FACADE An interactive facade system crafted using the precise technique of laser cutting. This project is a testament to the harmonious blend of creativity and technology. Our journey began with a vision to create a facade system that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also interactive, adding a dynamic element to … Read more

Introduction to Digital Fabrication

Group Z.2 Origami – LASER CUTTING Taking inspiration from light-filtering facade systems such as that of the SDU Campus Kolding by Henning Larsen, Al Bahr Towers by AEDAS, and the Japan Pavilion for Expo 2020 by Yuko Nagayama and Associates, ORIGAMI is a facade prototype composed of a grid system to host panels or ‘flowers’ … Read more

Digital Fabrication

Group Y1 A series of experiments, to reflect on internality, movements away from the outside and to look upon it. A swift movement which engulfs you, a series of lines to project your light through, an open face held in deep space by many arms.  There is nothing outside to look at, if you don’t … Read more

The Way Of Water

As an underlying theme we chose to explore the various movements of water, as a catalyst that drives each of our fabrication process. Laser Cut – Oscillation | 3D Printing – Coral Growth | CNC Milling – Ripple Effect   LASER CUTTING | OSCILLATION The concept behind this design gets its inspiration from oscillating waves … Read more

VERTICAL SYSTEMS

Over the span of the Digital Fabrication course, we actively explored and examined the possibilities and constraints inherent in the three fabrication methodologies concerning both design and manufacturing. Throughout this process, we conducted experiments involving various materials and machines, employing CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, and 3D Printing techniques. Our aim was to gain a comprehensive … Read more

Introduction to Digital Fabrication

MOVEMENTSThe ideation revolved around exploring the nature of movements, as they express themselves in environment, forms, dimensions and spaces. Humans perceive this notion as a bridge to liveliness & entropy. The studio, ‘Introduction to Digital Fabrication’, aimed at understanding fabrication dialogues through the technology of Laser Cutting, 3D Printing & CNC Milling, where these projects were developed. … Read more

Material Waves – Digital Fabrication

In this class we were introduced to three fabrication techniques, Laser Cutting, 3D printing and CNC milling. In each technique we were tasked with creating prototypes of vertical facade elements that could be used in architectural applications. Every two weeks of the course we learned how to use each technology and then fabricated our own … Read more