The MAA is a visionary master program with an innovative and open structure, mixing diverse disciplines, shaping professionals capable of producing theoretical & practical solutions towards responsive cities, architecture & technology.
The rising incidence and intensity of wildfires represent a pressing issue. Driven by climate change, prolonged droughts, and poor land management, these fires are no longer isolated incidents but massive, destructive events that regularly surpass human control. Given the scale and speed of these megafires, traditional response methods are often too slow. We must shift … Read more
Abstract Environmental conditions are more often than not invisible and something that is felt rather than visually perceivable. The ClimaCode provides our spatial surroundings with their own language that enables them to better communicate with us as humans. By translating climatic conditions, such as temperature and humidity, into light, the device communicates its climatic ‘mood’ … 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
Programmed Shading devices for humans 1 > References 2 / The integration of interactive architecture and responsive technology opens new frontiers in design, as exemplified by the Hylozoic Ground installation and its envisioned evolution into autonomous systems. Hylozoic Ground serves as a reference point, showcasing an immersive spatial installation that mimics nature’s behaviors. Through architectural … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing The Smart Desk is an innovative workspace designed to enhance productivity and comfort through intelligent automation. Equipped with light level detectors, it monitors ambient lighting and adjusts room brightness to create an optimal work environment. Integrated motion sensors track the user’s proximity, activating a small propeller fan to provide … Read more
PHYSICAL COMPUTING & PROGRAMMING Ultrasonic Sensor with Alarm, LCD and Temperature CONCEPT This project gives me the info I need about the water level in a water tank. When the level is low, the green LED is ON. When the level is medium, the yellow LED is ON. When the level is HIGH the red … Read more
Keys have become obsolete. With the exponential growth of technology there has come a time for new alternatives. Some exist such as fobs, cards or keypads, but those still come with the same issue: the opportunity for them to be stolen or lost. So how about a solution that requires ownership of absolutely nothing, but … Read more
Problem: During the hot summer months, urban buildings face challenges with overheating, leading to excessive energy consumption for cooling systems like air conditioning. Additionally, dense urban areas lack sufficient green spaces, which could help mitigate the heat island effect and improve air quality. Solution: A motorized facade system, like the one proposed, addresses these challenges … Read more
. A spectre is haunting the world — the spectre of the divide between imperial and metric measurement systems. Where is an architect that hasn’t faced the effect of these conflicting measurements? Where is the building design that hasn’t been critiqued for using the “wrong” system, whether by rivals, clients, or critics? Two things result … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Student – Saad Khan INTRODUCTION– ORIGINS AND THE USE OF SOUND IN ARCHITECTURE Cymatics is the study of how sound vibrations create visible patterns on a medium such as sand, water, or a solid surface. Coined by Swiss scientist Hans Jenny in the 1960s, cymatics builds on earlier discoveries … Read more
The Rain Catcher System Prototype is a smart, automated solution designed to simplify rainwater collection and monitoring. By leveraging advanced sensor technology, the system detects rainfall using a DHT11 humidity sensor and measures water levels with precision through integrated water level sensors. A servo motor intelligently manages the lid’s movement, ensuring optimal rain capture while … Read more
INTRODUCTION | Harnessing Kinetic Energy from the Ground for Sustainable Energy Production Every step applies a mechanical force to the ground. Kinetic floor tiles are designed to convert this force into electrical energy. The energy generated can be stored in batteries or capacitors or directly used to power nearby systems, such as lighting, displays, or … Read more
This project explores the fusion of technology and design through the creation of an interactive wall utilizing physical computing principles. Designed to engage users with dynamic visual and mechanical responses, the system is powered by an Arduino Uno microcontroller and integrates an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor to detect motion. When motion is detected within the sensor’s range, the system initiates a sequence … Read more
Light Tunnel is a light installation that offers individuals an immersive experience that varies as the day progresses. The goal of this space is to create a unique experience for each person that walks through it, while making use of the environment around it. The LEDs that make up the interior of this tunnel installation … Read more
Modern architecture is increasingly focused on enhancing user comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability. “Adaptive Aura” is an innovative smart lighting system that combines motion and ambient light detection to create a dynamic and responsive lighting solution for architectural spaces. This project integrates physical computing to provide a prototype of a system that optimizes energy use … Read more
