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.
Advanced Manufacturing Cluster – T01
Research Question Context Why Natural Fibers? Possible Impact Typologies State of Art Material Research Methodology Design Workflow
TERRANOVA: Organic Waste to Ecological Wealth
Located in the quiet community of Sant Adria De Besos lies the Besos Power Station. This waste to energy power plant is responsible for providing power to over 10 municipalities of Spain and takes care of nearly half of the waste that comes into Barcelona. While this factory proves to be highly effective, several negative … Read more
BACK TO ZERO
NARRATIVE Back to Zero is a regenerative concept that targets oil refineries and other aging infrastructures that pollute our world. The narrative is inspired from the “skin in the game” concept, and calculates lifetime co2 emissions for high emitting “hosts”, which then becomes a target for that same “host” to sequester through the carbon sequestration … Read more
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
Bio-Digital Hybrid
The project aims to addresses 3 key problems, by creating a system that brings together anthropogenic mass and bio-mass, sequesters carbon and purifies the air within it’s immediate context. The project is envisioned as an adaptive system, that can be aligned towards solving different problems through biological and digitally integrated structures that can impact it’s … 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
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
BUSINESS INNOVATION
Introduction The global housing crisis highlights the urgent need for affordable, sustainable, and inclusive housing solutions worldwide, Rapid urbanization, rising costs, and unequal access to resources have left millions without adequate housing. A lack of affordable housing options is deepening social inequality in cities across the globe. How Global Housing prices have changed since 2010 … Read more
Bespoke/F
PERSONA PARABOLOID
How can we map the confluence of humans and architecture? concept sketches design flow bill of materials arduino schematic code trial: distance / angles open position closed position
.WAVE LIGHT.
“When light scenography meet architecture” .Manifesto. This pavilion is conceived as an immersive scenographic installation that merges architectural geometry, lighting design, and environmental interaction. At its core, the project explores the dynamic relationship between form, light, and water, transforming the structure into a performative space that engages visitors through a carefully choreographed visual experience. The … Read more
The green cone_
Future landscape The Green Cone is an experimental environmental project designed to isolate a landscape area within a translucent cone, simulating a winter garden effect. The objective is to raise the internal temperature by 1.5°C, mimicking the predicted global temperature increase expected by 2050 due to climate change. By recreating these conditions, the Green Cone … Read more
ROTATIONAL COLUMN – CIRCULAR WOOD DESIGN
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
