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.
An exploration of root structures and material study 70% of the world’s population lives along coastlines and rivers, out of which, thousands of people get affected yearly due to erosion. However, our marine ecosystems such as mangroves and soils have the capability of storing large amounts of CO2 and provide a barrier amongst erosion. CAUSES … Read more
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
Upcycled Timber Retrofit Strategies for aClimate-Conscious Transformation of the VenusBuilding. Context Why Retrofitting MattersBuildings account for nearly 30% of global carbon emissions, with most of today’s housing stock expected to remain in use beyond 2050. In this context, the built environment becomes both a challenge and an opportunity for climate action. Retrofitting allows us to … Read more
MODULAR PODS VERTICAL EXTENSIONS To address urgent urban housing needs, this thesis explores modular rooftop pods using Digital Twins, CNC fabrication, kerfing, and timber joinery—enabling precise, low-waste, minimum tool required for assembling and sustainable expansion of aging urban buildings through scalable and prefabricated Modular systems Why Vertical extension required ? What’s the purpose of the … Read more
SecondMatter upcycles 85% construction and demolition waste into low-impact building units using a hybrid ramming-jamming technique. With 9 MPa strength and 7% lower carbon emissions, it forms walls, panels, and columns. Integrated into municipal waste systems, its compaction method adapts to unpredictable debris, turning urban waste into resilient, structural architecture within existing material cycles. What if … Read more
From Farm to Form It’s estimated that around the world we could create up to 2 billion tones of agricultural waste each year. The EU produces 700 million tones of agricultural waste annually The key point I want to emphasize here is the upcycling of rice husks to unlock greater value. While converting rice husks … Read more
Project by Saad Khan , Sai Mohan Satwik and Baran Koc INTRODUCTION Our group was assigned to study the TMDC building, focusing on its material composition, spatial qualities, and potential for on-site material reuse. The goal is to explore how the existing structure can become a source for recycled construction materials, which we would then … Read more
A Methodological Approach to Urban Morphology and Hybrid Energy Systems in the Global South Project Statement: “Even as we advance in Energy Innovation, our cities continueto grapple with deep inequalities. In this research, I proposerethinking Urban Morphology—not merely as the physicalform of our settlements, but as a strategic lever for equitableenergy solutions. The conceptual Energy-Morphology … Read more
What is Infrastructure Justice? Rio’s Context State of the Art Rio Maps Sao Goncalo Proposal Thank you!
An Exploration of Root Architecture and Material Study | TERM-2 EFFECTS OF EROSION CAUSES OF EROSION CURRENT SOLUTIONS AND PROBLEMS: THESIS OBJECCTIVE (WHAT IS NEEDED) POTENTIAL SITES STATE OF THE ART 3 MAIN TYPOLOGIES BIOLOGICAL ( ROOT AND SOIL STUDY), STRUCTURAL (SOIL COMPOSITION AND PRINTABILITY), DESIGN (SITE AND SPECIE SPECIFIC DESIGN EXPLORATION) BIOLOGICAL TYPOLOTY – … Read more
ROLE FINAL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS TEAM ROLES AND COMMUNICATION STREAMS COMMUNICATION COLLABORATION REFLECTIONS CARBON FOOTPRINT OBJECTS TRACKER APP We imagined a smarter way to design façades—one that doesn’t just generate new materials but maximizes the potential of what already exists. That’s why we developed a custom parametric tool that helps architects and designers track, organize, … Read more
SecondMatter challenges architecture’s extractive processes and wasteful material cycles by upcycling Construction Demolition Renovation Waste (CDRW) into structural and non-structural applications. It blends ramming, which compacts granular materials into high-strength forms, with jamming-inspired interlocking of irregular aggregates. Large concrete waste pieces form a reinforced core, wrapped in a rammed mix of fine brick and concrete … Read more
Analog End Effector Explorations Mechanical End Effector Explorations Final Robotic Jig Design | Facade Iterations
KINXA aims to bring vernacular construction back into contemporary architecture by systemizing traditional “quincha”. At the same time, through a redesigned material system, KINXA seeks to take advantage of local resources and lower even more its precedent carbon footprint. Quincha is a technique prevalent in Latin America which consists of the use of a wood … Read more
