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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NEX.GEN. RETROFIT

NexGen Retrofit Facades leverages AI-driven design to retrofit existing buildings in Barcelona with second skin facades, drastically improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. buildings & energy systems The building energy systems emit 771,623 tons of co2 PROBLEM Barcelona’s residential buildings, many of which were constructed before modern energy standards, significantly contribute to the city’s … Read more

Xstream

Xstream is an AI-based plugin in Grasshopper for engineers and architects designing modular research stations in extreme cold environments. The project focuses on developing a Graph Neural Networks system that learns from the geometric data of the modules and the climatic data of the sites to get instant analysis and evaluation of the Environmental and … 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

TempleBar

The selected elements from my catalog serve as the foundation for this exploration, culminating in a volumetric design that integrates various features. Key characteristics include a facade excavation for natural airflow, an exposed staircase spanning the building’s length, and a core ‘fish bone’ structure, reminiscent of the Pedregulho Housing Complex, enclosed by a curtain glass … Read more

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

Optimizing City Design through Brain Coral Growth Patterns

Coral growth exhibits fascinating features, particularly in the way it forms patterns that effectively delineate occupied and unoccupied spaces. As the global population and urban areas continue to expand, leveraging these natural growth patterns can provide innovative solutions for urban planning. This project aims to optimize urban zoning by drawing inspiration from brain coral growth … 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

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

Certainly Uncertain, The MIL – Spec Fortress

Today, the earth faces two looming threats: ecological collapse from resource depletion and widespread unemployment due to automation. Although these concerns are seemingly opposites, they share a common root – inequality. Both contributing heavily to the future of labour, and humanity. The skyscraper,stands as a testament to this inequality. Its very existence codifies the power … Read more

TRAILS SHADES PATHS

// COMPUTATIONAL OPTIMISATION STRATEGY // An exploration to connect entry points in a plot for means of access, in a urban setting offering shades, across visibility, optimised for trails adapting to the existing landscape DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Mushroom Façade

Facade optimization based on Sunlight   Two layers of the facade: one is stable, and the other layer grows based on the points that are warmer or receive more  sunlight to reduce heat and sunlight. The design objectives Environmental Sustainability Energy Efficiency: Reduce energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting. Climate Adaptation: Design to adapt to … Read more

F1 Horizons

This optimization uses computational design to achieve the best placement of the Grand-Stand around a predefined F1 racetrack and topology for maximum visibility for spectators using Grasshopper and Galapagos Evolutionary solver.

Karambug

Design optimization strategy of a garage in London based on Karamba and Ladybug Sensitivity Analysis Total (average) fitness iterations Catalogues load distribution in ceiling in different iterations