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.
Ostara
SITE CONTEXT Ballina Methodist Church in Ballina in County Mayo. It was built in 1857 originally as a school. The old Methodist Church in Ballina was built in 1839. In 1983 the Methodist Church in Ballina relocated to this building. INSPIRATION Irish rock wall stacking is a centuries old dry stone technique characterized by carefully … Read more
Fractal 25
Located in Poblenou, this student housing project comprises 25 modular units organized through solar optimization. Using Galapagos, the massing evolved through iterative simulations based on incident radiation, calibrating orientation and spacing to maximize winter sunlight while mitigating summer heat gain. The result is a compact, climate-responsive structure where environmental logic shapes architectural form—balancing solar access, … Read more
RESPIRA
This project explores the climatic optimization of modular student housing units located in Barcelona, each with dimensions of 5m x 4m x 7.5m. The focus is on developing comfortable, energy-efficient living spaces by strategically analyzing and refining the positioning of openings, enabling effective cross ventilation, and incorporating humidity-absorbing esparto material as part of the building … Read more
DIGITAL WOODCRAFT
After spending some time learning about timber joinery last term, this term was all about implementing these logics onto a larger and more complex system: a small chunk of a bird observatory. We designed and made all of the beams that comprised the chunk, which were all unique to one another. Some were straight, others … Read more
Thermocrest – Heat as a spatial design tool
This Project explores how reflective, vernacular materials—such as ceramics—can be utilized in construction to manage infrared radiation and influence microclimates. By reflecting rather than absorbing heat, these materials contribute to passive cooling, reducing urban heat island effects and enhancing thermal comfort. We analyze the physical properties of ceramics, their historical applications in traditional architecture, and … Read more
Cascara
RICE PRODUCTION AROUND THE WORLD METABOLIC DIAGRAM OF RICE HUSK IMPLICATIONS IN SEVERAL INDUSTRIES STATISTICS OF RICE HUSK PRODUCTION PROPOSAL RICECRETE Rice Husk has good thermal insulation and is lightweight, and due to its high silica content, it is water resistant. Rice Crete is a natural building material from rice husks and natural binders. This … Read more
Optoppen
Optoppen refers to the concept of adding prefabricated structures on top of existing rooftops to maximize space efficiently. Myy project focuses on addressing housing demand challenges by exploring lightweight housing extensions on existing buildings. My project focuses on addressing housing demand challenges by exploring lightweight housing extensions on existing buildings. Housing Shortage History Why are … Read more
Angels’ Games – Collaborative Design Studio
The Master’s in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities (MAEBB) program at Valldaura Labs features the Collaborative Design Studio in its first term, also known as the Introduction to Self-Sufficiency. In recent years, the Collaborative Design Studio has engaged students in designing for and with diverse groups, working across various age groups, from school children to … Read more
Styrofoam Beam
Case Study CYCLOPEAN HOUSE Constructed in 2015, this project was designed by Ensemble Studio and resides in Brookline, Massachusetts. “Cyclopean House is built, using the vigor of the builder, and the ingenuity of the engineer, to start a journey from the place of its manufacture –Madrid- to the place where it can definitely lie … Read more
Advanced Manufacturing Cluster – T01
Research Question Context Why Natural Fibers? Possible Impact Typologies State of Art Material Research Methodology Design Workflow
Data Driven Vertical Living
Optimising Modular Skyscrapper design through environmental and spatial intelligence
