During the second year of the Master in Advanced Architecture + Thesis Project (MAA02), students have the unique opportunity to work for a period of 1 year on an Individual Thesis Project, focused on the development of a research or pilot project based on the student’s interest, and the learnings of the first year. IAAC supports the student in selecting their Thesis Project topic in order to better orient them according to their future career interests and opportunities. Each student, according to their specific topic, is assigned one or more Thesis Advisors that follow the development of the work throughout the year.
In parallel to the development of the Individual Thesis Project, the second year of the MAA02 offers a series of seminars enhancing the theoretical, practical and computational skills of the students.
Directional Strength: Glulam Components in Force-Responsive Design
This research explores the optimization of glulam in architectural design by aligning material grading and grain orientation with force trajectories. Combining glulam offcuts and higher-grade timber, the study minimizes waste while maximizing structural efficiency. Computational workflows and generative algorithms are used to design force-aligned components for scalable applications. Prototypes demonstrate enhanced performance and sustainability, offering … Read more
EcoNodes
Introduction: Transforming Urban Junctions for a Sustainable Future Urbanization has drastically increased impervious surfaces in cities, leading to environmental challenges such as urban heat islands, stormwater runoff, and reduced access to green spaces. Junctions and intersections, often overlooked, are some of the most impervious and environmentally stressed areas in urban landscapes. This project aims to … Read more
FLOOR 0
This proposal addresses the challenges of real estate valuation and optimization for retail properties by leveraging advanced technological tools and tailored datasets. The project introduces a platform that integrates environmental, market, and demographic data to provide dynamic and data-driven insights for valuation and optimal property usage. The methodology incorporates machine learning, mapping, and regression analysis … Read more
GENERATIVE A.I. PHY-GITAL 3D
The research envisions to develop work on the existing artificial intelligence models inclined for development of images through prompts and related tools to generate images which can be further leveraged into 3D translation of geometry to offer an aid for designers and creatives to develop their concept
Living Frames
Contemporary architecture often prioritizes humans at the expense of ecological balance, distancing us from nature and other species. This thesis envisions a future where buildings evolve into living, adaptive frameworks that foster interspecies mutualism. By integrating third-order cybernetics, machine learning, and AI, architecture can become a mindful mediator, enhancing relationships between humans and other species. … Read more
Mining La Mina
I. FRAMING THE RESEARCH Jan Gehl’s Types of Interactions (graphic adapted from Gehl’s Life Between Buildings) II. RESEARCH CONTEXT: La Mina Neighborhood La Mina: a Well-Connected, Well-Located Neighborhood with Much to Offer Stigmatization through the Perpetration of an Exaggerated Negative Image in Media History of the Creation of La Mina La Mina Transformation Plan: 2000 … Read more
Transient Plastics
The plastic crisis has reached staggering proportions. If all the plastic waste on Earth were laid out, it would be enough to cover the entire surface of Argentina ankle-deep. Every year, we produce 300 million tons of plastic globally. Yet only 10% remains in use, while more than 80% is discarded. Of this discarded plastic, … Read more
Designing Empathy
Through Human-Centered Spaces and Experiences In a world that is rapidly urbanizing itself, architecture holds immense power to shape the lives of individuals and how they experience the public space. Yet, architectural design often neglects the various needs of the community it is supposed to serve, leading to alienation and exclusion, particularly for marginalized populations. … Read more
Go with the Flow
Computational Fluid Dynamics for Naturally Ventilated Systems Research Question In my research I believe that by looking and understanding ancient vernacular passive systems and working with computer aided design and cfd wind analysis, we will be able to create a system that can manipulate airflow to cool a space. This data can then inform modernized … Read more
Reconnecting Urban Fragments
“Reimagining Urban Corridors: From Rigid Infrastructure to Inclusive Green Networks” “Urban environments today face critical challenges—population growth, rapid urbanization, and the fragmentation of ecological systems. As cities evolve, their rigid infrastructure often alienates natural systems and creates barriers to inclusivity and sustainability. This thesis focuses on reconceptualizing rigid urban environments by integrating transportation and ecological … Read more
URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT: Simulating biodiversity recovery in Urban Barcelona
URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT: Simulating biodiversity recovery in Urban Barcelona
Machine learning Based GIS Tool for urban development consensus in Taipei, Taiwan.
How can machine learning-based tools support the application of rule-based urban consolidation to promote a public-oriented city in Taipei, Taiwan? This project aimed to provide a computational consensus that collect urban essential data, and using machine learning to generate out put that are easy to read and access for stakeholders to comprehand. Taipei, Taiwan is … Read more
FLOOD RESILIENCE TOOLBOX
FLOOD RESILIENCE TOOLBOX FOR ADAPTIVE URBAN DESIGN IN COASTAL CITIES Flooding is the most frequent natural disaster worldwide. By the report from The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), floods cause more than 38 billion euro in damages worldwide per year. Due to climate change, floods are becoming more extreme and frequent. Coastal areas … Read more
Optoppen (City above the city )
AIM The housing crisis in Spain stems from rising prices, stagnant construction, and growing demand, leaving many unable to afford housing, highlighting the need for urgent, sustainable solutions. Spain Time line of the Housing crisis Long Term trend Housing crisis AFFORDABLE HOUSING by 2035 Material comparison Homeless people Data Site documentation Typology – I Joint … Read more
Recycled Mussel Shells as a Building Material in Mitigating Water Stress
how can the implementation of recycled mussel shell tiles/bricks in the design and planning of public space and infrastructure help mitigate water stress in costal regions undergoing increased drought? Many of these costal regions have an under utilized byproduct: mussel shells. The above diagram shows the existing waste lifecycle of mussel shells and a potential … Read more
Tensile Soft Membrane
Reconfigurable Soft Membrane Architecture:Designing tensile installations from natural & bio- materials for versatile spatial applications
Bio Build
this thesis project is part of a collaboration with Finsa, an industrial partner of IAAC. Together, we are working on developing innovative composite materials that can be processed using cutting-edge pressing technology provided by another industrial partner. This technology relies heavily on the presence of cellulose, as its functionality is directly tied to the cellulose … Read more
