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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ferrofluids

Natural Behavior Simulation | Computation Design Level 1 Final | MAA01 – Term II – 2023/24 | Professors: Oana Taut and Lora Fahmy A visit to Cosmo Caixa Science Museum in Barcelona introduced me to the ferrofluid substance and its reaction to magnetic forces. I took this video on my visit, and it inspired the … Read more

Differential growth of brain coral

This project aims to investigate the pattern and growth behavior of brain coral, showcasing its fascinating interaction with the environment through its unique patterns and colors. The study utilizes scripting in Grasshopper to optimize and replicate the coral’s behavior, mirroring its life influences. Starting with the brain coral life cycle, its differential growth algorithm could … Read more

FLOW

Flow aims to investigate the intricate relationship between fabric materials and wind flow dynamics. Utilizing computational design tools, it seeks to create a shaded area on the rooftop of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). The design endeavors to establish a semi-covered space where individuals can unwind, enjoy meals, and relax. By offering … Read more

Natural Behavior : Root Branching System

Utilizing Grasshopper scripting on natural behaviour, the project replicates tree root growth, emphasizing endless bifurcation at random branch endpoints. Informed by scientific research on root behaviour, this computational model simulates the stochastic nature of root growth, offering insights into complex root architecture and interaction with the environment.

Slime Molds Simulation

Natural Behavior This exercise focuses on exploring and understanding the behavior of Physarum polycephalum, a slime mold organism, through digital simulations. Different configurations and parameters will be investigated to observe how they affect the movement, reproduction, and growth of this organism. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions of Physarum polycephalum … Read more

Sami’s Sound Hub

Music and Cultural Center Sami’s Sound Hub in Karasjok, Norway, innovatively blends Sami culture with avant-garde design. Inspired by catenary arches and hyperbolic forms, the Main Hall features strategically designed perforations and a central opening following hyperbolic geometry, playing with light and shadow. The walls showcase fractal snowflake patterns, influenced by the region’s cold temperatures. … Read more

BuildLens.XR

BuildLens.XR: An application that combines innovative fabrication techniques with augmented reality (AR) technology to simplify the construction of non-standardized building forms. By harnessing the capabilities of AR, this tool provides precise guidance for various layers of structural reinforcement and other service-related components, ensuring accuracy and efficiency throughout the fabrication process. With BuildLens.XR, users receive real-time … Read more

Atacama Cultural center

The music performance and cultural center located in Colchane will act as a bridge. The center contains both music performance and recording spaces, as well as textile production capabilities. This allows shared use of the space to maximize utility for the community, to encourage cross-generational interaction, and allow the Aymara people to grow and share … Read more

Scissor: Adaptive to Different Roof Spans and Orientations

The performance of a structure is judged by its ability to support applied loads with a minimum of material and a balanced stress distribution that avoids excessive overloads and underloads.playing with different materials, tension, and rotation of elements. OUR GOALS DESIGN STRATEGY STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS 2D utilization comparison Utilization provides measurement of the performance of a … Read more

Shelves as Structure

The objective of this presentation was to explore the shelves as structure in order to transform an existing garage in London (Clissold Crescent, Hackney) into a workshop space. Through this seminar we understood the various opportunities and the potential of adapting shelves into roof structures. We made various grids by moving the positions of shelves … 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

Fold.AR

Fold.AR: Unleash the magic of paper folding Discover intricate geometries in augmented reality. Explore the possibilities. Folding paper holds significant relevance in elevating the senses of space and design in architecture due to several factors as its versatility, adaptability, expressiveness, tactility, and cultural significant. In essence, folding paper serves as a powerful design tool in … Read more

Shelf-Scape

At the request of STORE STORE in London, we developed a proposal for a timber structure roof for an existing garage located specifically in Clissold Crescent, Hackney. The objective is to transform the space into a workshop. The project presented a unique challenge as it is planned in phases, necessitating a demountable design that can … Read more

BLOCK HOUSE

Matter & WasteIntroducing Cork | General Information Matter & WasteIntroducing Cork | Chemical Composition Matter & WasteIntroducing Cork | Physical Properties, Source: ISCURO https://suropedia.icsuro.com/disseny/ Building a System of PartsShaping the Block | Assembly Details Building a System of PartsManufacturing Experiments | Experiment Catalogue Building a System of PartsManufacturing Experiments | Positive Iterations Building a System ... Read more

Beyond Verticality

An Exquisite Corpse Report on Urban Form ABSTRACT IntroductionWith our work in this term we produced a multitude of drawings and images, watched and analyzed multiple movies, read multiple texts and came up with iterations and speculations. The common through line of all of these was the exploration of the nature of beyond-vertical forms of … Read more

Forces of Nature

Self-organized Structure 00 CONCEPT Nature chooses the most economical design, Form finding through an apparatus which settles into form according to the weights and forces and orientations it sets the desired model against gravity. The design is inspired by Frie otto. The word locally means that if we look in a small region around any … Read more