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.


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Beam of Fragments

Structural Design Essentials Workshop Introduction The primary objective of the workshop was to explore innovative ideas in structural engineering by experimenting with materials and their compositions to create components. Specifically, the aim was to engineer a structural beam designed for integration into the case study structure, the Aravena Building, and to evaluate its structural strength … 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

MORPHO RESIDENCES

DESIGN STRATEGY & TYPOLOGY The “Morpho” Residences originated from the a top down approach, this means that the algorithm behind it uses predefined sets of rules to create its geometry. The “Morpho” Residences originated from the a top down approach, this means that the algorithm behind it uses predefined sets of rules to create its … Read more

Adaptive Modular Housing

An Automated Design Solution for Earthquake-Prone Regions How can an machine learning-enhanced parametric design tool develop localized, seismic-resilient low-cost, low-rise modular housing by intelligently integrating material constraints, structural performance, and architectural aesthetics?

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

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

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

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

ADAPTIVE WINDOW BLINDERS

INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING AND PHYSICAL COMPUTING CONCEPT This innovative prototype is designed to automatically adjust the angle of shading in response to changing ambient light conditions, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency. The project is focused on enhancing energy efficiency, comfort, and usability in architectural spaces by effectively harnessing and optimizing natural light. This approach … 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

Mimosa Panels

Mimosa Panel is an innovative architectural solution that combines biomimicry, sustainability, and responsive design. Inspired by the movement of the Mimosa pudica plant, commonly known as the “touch-me-not,” the panel features dynamic flaps that autonomously open and close in response to the sun’s movement. This behavior mimics the plant’s natural folding mechanism, creating a visually … Read more

THF // MICRO-CITY

The proposed vision for Tempelhof is articulated as a ‘city within a city’ arranged along the two airstrips of the former airport, extending perpendicularly to emphasise a dual directionality. Buildings are conceived as flexible micro-communities built on organic/biodegradable materials, with the possibility of growing or ‘de-growing’ through time.The design strategy aims to trigger a need … Read more

Neuroimmersive Space: User-Centric Adaptive AI-Generated Virtual NeuroArchitecture

Our surroundings influence our cognitive-emotional processes and shape our physical, psychological, and social well-being in a variety of ways every day. Can neurotechnology and VR technology help us in conceiving user-centric adaptive spatial experiences, where both the space and the user are in a constant mutation—a continuous feedback loop and the space itself becomes an active … Read more

Tiny Topographies

Optimizing Bar Buildings for Sunlight and Pathways The aim of this project was to design a typology of housing is needed that resembles small, artificial terrains. The Bar Building typology will have set of long, dense buildings that will mimic the form of a topography. The forms will need to be optimized to allow for all the … Read more

From butterfly wing to buildings.

The shapes of butterfly wings is a product of genetic programming, developmental biology, and evolutionary adaptations. Variations in wing shape among different species result from adaptations to their ecological niches, predation pressures, and other environmental factors. Different butterfly species have evolved wing shapes adapted to their specific ecological niches. For example, some species have wings … Read more

Vertical Vitality

Integrating Recreation and Sustainability in Urban Landscapes “Vertical vitality” revolutionizes urban architecture by integrating vertical jogging tracks, rainwater harvesting, and green walls into a unified, multi-functional structure tailored for densely populated cities. This innovative design re imagines the efficiency of vertical parking structures for recreational and environmental purposes. Location: Barcelona, Spain In response to the … Read more

OPTIMIZED WELLNESS

harnessing genetic algorithms for better living In a neighborhood where high-rise buildings are becoming more prevalent, can we still prioritize and design for wellbeing? In an exploration of the interplay between architecture, the environment and human wellbeing, this project utilizes genetic algorithms to optimize the design of mixed-use residential towers, based on key environmental factors … Read more

Gardens of Tempelhof

Project Objective: Provide sustainable urban regeneration, and equal access to public spaces in dense cities, and create sunlit gardens while providing shade on the ground floor for public squares and corridors. Project Goals: •Maximizing sunlight exposure on gardens •Maximizing green space •Finding the optimized height with respect to the views. •Creating pocket gardens in between … Read more