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.
Dynamic Casting of Functionally-Graded Geopolymers Using Urban Excavation Waste Thesis Abstract It is estimated that in the next 15 years, the world will generate over 3 billion tonnes of waste; in the European Union alone, 35% originates from the construction sector due to demolition, excavation, and dredging (“28 Incredible Statistics About Waste Generation,” 2021). These … Read more
Turning time-tested vernacular intelligence into scalable, multi-hazard self sufficient building INTRODUCTION See this image above? yes, its comparison between two structures that survived a 6.8 rector scale earthquake in year 2005. The ironic part is , that these vernacular structures hold the carbon friendly intelligence responding towards climate adaptation and structural resistance against earthquakes, yet … Read more
Exploring Low-Tech, Sustainable Construction Methods and Manual Strategies for Community Empowerment The use of bamboo in construction is emblematic of an ongoing tension between traditional knowledge and the global imperatives of sustainable development. Despite its traditional use in many regions, the potential as a resilient, self-sustaining construction material remains largely underexplored in the contemporary architectural … Read more
Bio-Receptive Interfaces is a performative multi-material clay-based system for indoor environments, integrating hydrogel vascularity to host an ecosystem of cryptogams and vascular plants. Fusing biological intelligence with embedded sensors and AI, it sustains a prolonged hydration cycle, purifies air, sequesters carbon, and reintroduces ecological presence into synthetic indoor worlds—transforming sealed spaces into living, responsive, multi-species … Read more
Upcycled Timber Retrofit Strategies for aClimate-Conscious Transformation of the VenusBuilding. Context Why Retrofitting MattersBuildings account for nearly 30% of global carbon emissions, with most of today’s housing stock expected to remain in use beyond 2050. In this context, the built environment becomes both a challenge and an opportunity for climate action. Retrofitting allows us to … Read more
Computational Fluid Dynamics for Natural Ventilated Systems primarily located within the United States The Problem within Context: Sears Catalogue from 1930s to 1950s United States. The American Dream is a phrase that has taken meaning in the ownership of a home with a white picket fence. The phrase was popularized in the 1930s after WWI … Read more
An exploration of Root Architecture and Material Study By uniting Ecological Restoration techniques with an adaptable architectural system, this project envisions a scalable, self-sustaining model that harmonises with natural ecosystems. Although the approach is contextualised within specific urban challenges, it offers a flexible framework adaptable to various environmental conditions and site-specific needs, ensuring its broader … Read more
Introducing Corteza, the innovative solution to noise problems in buildings. Corteza is a line of 3D-printed cork furniture designed to reduce indoor noise levels. Traditional sound-absorbing materials can be unattractive and bulky, but with Corteza, you can have both form and function. The unique texture and design of cork make it an ideal material for … Read more
