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.
The kinetic façade dynamically responds to natural light through adaptive panels that modulate openness and shading, creating a living skin that breathes with the environment. As daylight fades, the integrated buzzer activates, signaling the transition from day to night transforming the façade into an expressive architectural interface between nature and technology. Pin-mount suspension system The … Read more
A sun-chasing system is a mechanism that automatically tracks the movement of the sun across the sky to maintain the optimal angle for capturing sunlight. When applied to solar panels, this technology can increase energy efficiency by up to 30–40% compared to fixed panels, as it maximizes exposure throughout the day. Beyond energy generation, the … Read more
Hasan Hirji The Light Reactive Aperture Device – LRAD facade system uses light to control two motorized arms, extending and contracting a taut wire frame. This prototype could offer a number of scalable and modular uses. One of these for instance could be creating a light reactive, repeating facade system that expands light shades when … Read more
The goal of this project is to design a smart light maze that reacts to the movement or presence of people. In this system, the paths and walls of the maze are made of colorful LED strips (such as NeoPixel), which light up dynamically and interactively as participants move through the maze. When a person … Read more
All seats in public areas are typically uniform in height; however, individuals differ in stature. When a seat is elevated, a child may find it challenging to access, whereas a low seat could cause discomfort for a taller individual. The optimal proportion is that the chair’s seat height should be approximately 25% of your total … Read more
by Francisco Pinel on October 26, 2025 The Quiet-o-Meter is an interactive sound awareness prototype designed to promote mindful noise behavior in shared environments. Inspired by the need for greater awareness of how our collective sound levels can affect others, this project transforms ambient noise into visual and auditory cues that encourage quieter, more considerate spaces. Built on … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Seminar This project focuses on developing a smart air quality monitoring system using a Seeed Lotus microcontroller, an MQ-135 air quality sensor, a 0.96” OLED display, a buzzer, a small motor or fan, and a panel with three LEDs to indicate air quality levels. The system continuously measures CO₂ … Read more
Rainwater Harvester The project proposes a regenerative infrastructure for runoff water collection, treatment, and reuse within the built environment. Conceived as a responsive system embedded in architecture, it seeks to transform excess rainwater often perceived as waste into an active resource within a closed ecological loop. During episodes of heavy rainfall, the system captures surface … Read more
Concept What if our façades could react to sunlight? This project explores how architecture can respond to changing light conditions through simple automation. Using Arduino, it translates light intensity into movement, mimicking the adaptive behavior of a brise-soleil, and highlighting how design can respond to environmental change. REFERENCES – BRISE SOLEIL Schematics The Arduino code … Read more
