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.
FLOOD RESILIENCE TOOLBOX FOR ADAPTIVE URBAN DESIGN IN COASTAL CITIES Flooding is the most frequent natural disaster worldwide. By the report from The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), floods cause more than 38 billion euro in damages worldwide per year. Due to climate change, floods are becoming more extreme and frequent. Coastal areas … Read more
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
What if a structure could adapt its shape in response to environmental inputs? inputs : light value . water value outputs : movement of the canopy/roof adopy [noun]: an adaptive architectural structure that dynamically responds to environmental conditions using sensor-driven inputs. The canopy system uses light and water sensors to adjust its shape for … Read more
Concept and Workflow A living bioreactor panel that produces music is a fascinating concept that merges biology, technology, and art. This innovative system features transparent bioreactor panels filled with algae that respond dynamically to environmental changes such as sunlight, pH levels, and temperature. These responses are captured as bio-signals and then translated into sound frequencies, … Read more
How can we use irregular elements of reclaimed offcut-timber to challenge the methodology of using planar, Interlocking and stacking techniques which can then be utilized in the design of forms ? Data CollectionThis first starts with a collection of materials and the creation of a database. This database serves as a resource for the planning … Read more
One step for Homelessness Around the world, almost 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute. If all of the plastic bottles sold in 2018 were gathered in a pile, it would be higher than the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. What we are going to do with the Plastic bottles? Deposit … Read more
a harmonious integration of natural processes, technological design, and human (dis)comfort. The Location
ChromaEnergon represents an innovative approach to student housing architecture that transcends conventional design paradigms tapping the potentials of climatic energy and thermochromic pigments. This concept leverages verticality, slenderness, and dispersed tower structures to create dynamic living environments. By strategically mapping energy into various spaces through the skin which the facade, ChromaEnergon aims to generate unique … Read more
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
_performative design Optimization : “The action of making the best or most effective use of a situation or resource.” Design optimization: “The process of finding the best design parameters that satisfy project requirements.” Design Objective: Design an optimized dense urban occupation plan that follows a fractal pattern grid. Optimization Goals of the project: _designing the … Read more
Fractals are commonly found within nature. They are self-similar structures, where one aspect of the fractile is identical to the rest. This allows it to be scaled up or down while fitting within itself. Within trees, fractalization is found in the way the branches are grown from each other, always yielding smaller and smaller versions … Read more
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
Through a meticulous analysis of data extracted from the site and a comprehensive understanding of Barcelona’s climatic conditions, our visionary project sets its sights on the future, envisioning Barcelona in the year 2050 as a harmonious blend of urban living and natural serenity. At the heart of our exploration lies the theme of urban forestry, … Read more
Optimization process TwistedTexture is designed to minimize direct radiation on slabs and facades, optimizing energy efficiency. It uses sunshades and ventilated facades to reduce heat gain while maintaining natural light. The building blends with its surroundings, responding to Santiago’s climate. Advanced optimization algorithms explore various forms, balancing design complexity, compactness, and shading. The final configuration … Read more
Keywords: Mass timber city, Sustainable forest management, smart cities, Vernacular, Local species wood ABSTRACT: The capital city of Nepal- Kathmandu, like many urban cities globally, is undergoing uncontrolled urban expansion, neglecting its natural-based construction heritage, particularly timber. This research advocates for a paradigm shift towards mass timber, particularly multispecies Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), to address environmental … Read more
Reimagining a Human Settlement on the Red Planet Envisioning a self-sustained colony on Mars, our primary focus is on revolutionizing transportation within the red planet. Sustainability is our guiding principle as we design an efficient transportation system that seamlessly connects habitats across various clusters. Incorporating Tensegrity moving parts, Inflatable lightweight structures, and a Hexagonal Grid framework, our approach embraces a Kit-Of-Part methodology. Following … Read more
Envisioning a self-sustained colony on Mars, our primary focus is on revolutionizing transportation within the red planet. Sustainability is our guiding principle as we design an efficient transportation system that seamlessly connects habitats across various clusters. Incorporating Tensegrity moving parts, Inflatable lightweight structures, and a Hexagonal Grid framework, our approach embraces a Kit-Of-Part methodology. Following … Read more
Energy Phenomena In the machine room model, Convection serves as the primary mechanism for transferring heat from the hot plate to the tubes containing thermochromic fluids. This convective process affects the temperature of the thermochromic liquid within the tubes, which in turn changes the chroma i.e, color intensity of the room, thereby influencing the circadian … Read more
Balloon-Driven Spatial Alteration Phenomenon: What is Pressure? Pressure and Volume are inversely relatable. When one quantity increases, the other decreases proportionally. If the volume of the space is increased, the pressure inside the volume is decreased. This is applied in pneumatic structures and building environments to balance the indoor environment and structural stability. Our project … Read more
In the realm of architectural design and presentation, visualization plays a pivotal role in conveying ideas, concepts, and designs to clients and stakeholders. With advancements in technology, architectural visualization has evolved tremendously, offering architects and designers a multitude of tools and techniques to bring their visions to life. Among these tools, Lumion stands out as … Read more
