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.
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
Responsive Living——Underwater Coral Residence
Background Self-sustaining growth patterns of coral ecosystems can provide sustainable underwater living environments. Pseudocode Influencing Factors Surface Type Generate Coral Optimal lighting Surface Type (Optimal lighting) Responsive Structure The structure of the coral residence changes shape with sunlight. During the day, corals expand to maximize photosynthesis, and at night, they contract to conserve energy. Responsive … Read more
On how lopsided pyramids might emerge
“Ready Player One,” portrays a dystopian future where ‘people stopped to try to fix problems and instead try to outlive them’. The movie plays out in an informal urban landscape of juxtaposed favela-like settlements forming organic superstructures, as well as in a virtual environment supported by a virtual reality headset. These worlds exist in symbiosis, … Read more
Ultra-thin elements
The project Optimizing ultra-thin Concrete elements Spacing for Maximum Visual Access experiments the impact of ultra-thin concrete elements in a built space particularly in the realm of visual access. With the help of computational tools like ladybug Vision analysis its impact on Performance is evaluated. Spider webs are one of the best inspiration for various structural … Read more
A FISHERMAN’S TALE 渔夫的故事
Harmonising Coastal Futures, Restoring Balance in China’s Maritime , A Speculation of Communal Synergy in the context of Houtouwan THE PROBLEM // RESOURCE EXPLOITATION | OVER FISHING China’s over fishing crisis looms large, statistics revealing a stark reality of declining marine resources. With the majority of the worlds fishing resources coming from China, the country has … Read more
Microbial Influence on Building Decay
Our project investigates how bacteria living in historical buildings contribute to decay. We aim to enhance resilience of architectural elements and harness microbial interactions to create sustainable and self-repairing building materials.
Data Informed Trophic Cascade : a wetland recreation at Parc Diagonal Mar
Keywords : TROPHIC CASCADE – A trophic cascade occurs when a change at one level of the food web (often due to the addition or removal of a keystone species) causes a series of indirect effects on lower trophic levels. This can lead to significant and widespread changes in ecosystem structure and nutrient cycling. KEYSTONE … Read more
Glulam, Joints & Segments
This term, we concentrated on learning new fabrication techniques. From our previous site, we selected the Keeper’s Lodge as the focus for reimagining with timber structures. Our goal was to design a structure that would envelop and enhance the existing Keeper’s Lodge. The section below was selected to be fabricated at a 1:2 scale. The … Read more
“Classic” / Pinned Glulam Blank (WOODCRAFT)
This square building was designed by Elies Regent in neo-Gothic style. From thi lodge the reservoir keeper controlled water levels and managed the opening and closing of the dam gates. This building has been restored as ,faithfully as possible to the original. At present the ground floor hosts an exhibition of the reservoir’s history and … Read more
Microhome-garden colony
In response to the exponential population growth in large cities and the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, this proposal explores the genetic optimization of constructing minimal habitable units of 25 m² using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), inspired by the annual Microhome competition. The objective is to maximize the integration of microhomes, green areas, and exterior-facing … Read more
Optimizing green spaces
Optimizing green spaces is a project that aims to spot potential areas (plazas) around the cities, that are “dry” spaces, meaning that are composed mainly by pavement, and transform them into green areas, to enhance the quality of life who lives around and who is walking by, taking in consideration how people occupy the space … Read more
