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.
A Methodological Approach to Urban Morphology and Hybrid Energy Systems in the Global South Project Statement: “Even as we advance in Energy Innovation, our cities continueto grapple with deep inequalities. In this research, I proposerethinking Urban Morphology—not merely as the physicalform of our settlements, but as a strategic lever for equitableenergy solutions. The conceptual Energy-Morphology … Read more
An Exploration of Root Architecture and Material Study | TERM-2 EFFECTS OF EROSION CAUSES OF EROSION CURRENT SOLUTIONS AND PROBLEMS: THESIS OBJECCTIVE (WHAT IS NEEDED) POTENTIAL SITES STATE OF THE ART 3 MAIN TYPOLOGIES BIOLOGICAL ( ROOT AND SOIL STUDY), STRUCTURAL (SOIL COMPOSITION AND PRINTABILITY), DESIGN (SITE AND SPECIE SPECIFIC DESIGN EXPLORATION) BIOLOGICAL TYPOLOTY – … Read more
Analog End Effector Explorations Mechanical End Effector Explorations Final Robotic Jig Design | Facade Iterations
Context How? Where? Workflow Outputs
Research Question Context Why Natural Fibers? Possible Impact Typologies State of Art Material Research Methodology Design Workflow
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
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
Introduction The course was an intensive, five-day workshop dedicated to calculating the carbon impact and exploring innovative solutions for the upcoming IAAC building. The goal was to present a proposal that could reduce the emissions in 40%. Location The design for the new IAAC building has already been approved and is now awaiting construction. Located … Read more
STATE OF ART Part to Whole HG-A, South Korea – 2014 Building Traditions with Digital Research Rui Oliveira, Jose Pedro Sousa – 2016 Columns are analyzed as primary element of Ferreira’s designs. Columns, traditionally crafted through meticulous layering of bricks, are viewed both as structural and visual elements in his designs. RESEARCH QUESTION; “In what … Read more
Carbon Based Design | Designing Circularity in the Built Environment SITE EXISITING WAREHOUSE POINT CLOUD MODEL Material Flow Analysis PROPOSAL
Bringing Producers, Consumers and Nature Together This project aims to connect local food producers, consumers, and nature in a symbolic way. The metaphor of a “table” represents unity and sustenance, gathering people across different genders, ages, and social classes. This installation, built from waste materials and invasive plants like Pontederia Crassipes, doubles as an ecosystem, … Read more
ReCitying is a Workshop hosted by IAAC and Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat to explore sustainable design and creative recycling in rural spaces. The first phase of the Workshop, in October 2024, focused on developing proposals for an installation using waste from Parc Agrari and planting crops to integrate into the project. We explored initial … Read more
From parts to purpose – embracing circularity by redefining furniture composition Problem In contemporary furniture markets there is a problem of the environmental impact caused by inefficient design, excessive waste generation, and unsustainable consumption. Results are overproduction, resource depletion, and high carbon emissions during production processes. Additionally, limited design solutions don’t fully meet user needs, … Read more
