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.
This project explores how human motion in space may be sensed, interpreted, and recorded with physical computing. The project integrates digital sensing with spatial interaction. With three ultrasonic sensors, LEDs, a servo motor, and an OLED display, the system not only senses but also displays directional flow — i.e., whether people are coming or going … Read more
Problem Tersa is a public company that runs a waste incineration plant in Sant Adrià del Besòs, serving much of the Barcelona metropolitan area. Over the years, local associations and residents have raised concerns that the plant may exceed emissions limits of toxic substances and caused pollution. Despite all the concerns, the investigating judge archived … 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
This project explores how technology can transform everyday architectural spaces into interactive environments. The concept focuses on an alarm system that reacts to human presence through light and sound, creating a sensory dialogue between the user and the space. This experiment merges architecture, design, and electronics to question how spatial security can also become an … Read more
Concept This project features a dynamic façade that responds to joystick movements, allowing users to control the orientation of its panels toward the north, south, east, or west. Each direction activates a different sound and colored light, providing both auditory and visual feedback that complements the tactile control. For example, a high-pitched tone and red … Read more
ABSTRACT Crisis mitigation runs in the roots. Hailing from earthquake prone regions of Assam and Gujarat in India, we understand that the need for humane awareness amidst chaos of natural anguish is the most important element in the context of survival. The Portable Earthquake Detector a low-cost earthquake detection system to enhance local safety as … Read more
CONCEPT Cymat-E explores the concept of an acoustic radar, a device that can detect and visualize the ideal audible range, or the distance where sound is heard most clearly and comfortably. The idea takes inspiration from how radar systems map physical space, but instead, we are mapping sound space. Using microphones and sound analysis, the … 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
A prototype for an interactive floor system that transforms human movement into light. The prototype consists of buttons representing movable floor tiles equipped with sensors that detect when someone steps on them.Each activated tile triggers an individual light source, creating a unique and dynamic composition that changes with every step.As people move across the surface, … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Seminar Leonard A. Rieck CONTEXT Ultrasonic Counter System – Explanation This system uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect when an object passes in front of it.Every time something comes closer than x cm, the Arduino counts one pass and lights up fewer red LEDs, showing how many passes … 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
Autonomous Plant is a project that explores how non-human beings can actively respond to the built environment. The central idea is that human and plant needs do not necessarily conflict; instead, they can be aligned to create mutual benefit. While humans inside buildings often prefer shade, plants seek sunlight. A dynamic façade system can satisfy … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Faculty: Daniel MateosFaculty Assistants: Adai Suriñach, Antoine Jaunard Conceptual Narrative Water is our most stressed urban resource, yet we spill it daily through irrigation. Sprinklers run on timers, not need; water evaporates on hot surfaces, overspray sidewalks, and runs off compacted soil. Without feedback from the ground, we irrigate … 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
