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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PORTAL FRAME

Introduction — Intent Building a portal frame from reclaimed timber, focusing on splicing and shuffling techniques to adapt irregular pieces into a stable, structurally working system. Material Intelligence — Understanding the Stock Structural Logic — Portal Frame System Methodology — Overlay & Splice Strategy FABRICATION — Digital vs Physical The workflow was driven by existing … Read more

After Gaudi – Facade ll

Site and Key Viewpoint Site and Key Viewpoint Core Project Keywords References FORM FINDING Final Form – Sketch Form Logic Variations and Catalog – Side Profile Form Finding Catalog Base Variation Catalog Convex concave Variation Catalogue Final Form – Levels OPENING & PLANTERS Opening’s Logic – Diamond Shape Opening’s Logics Catalog of Opening Opening Logic … Read more

Robotics for Ecological Buildings

The Living Fibers MAA/MRAC, Studio Term 2, 2025/2026 Group 1: Brooklyn Edsall, Elias El  asmar, Leonard elias Böker, Nikolaos  Kalaitzidis, Nisanth Anil Menon Abstract:This project challenges the hyper-standardization of modern construction by investigating the architectural potential of raw, locally sourced Catalan wool. Our research elevates wool from a passive insulation material into an active, rigid, … Read more

Brick Flow

Robotic Disassembly & Reassembly with Spatial AI Abstract The project explores a circular construction workflow that integrates robotic systems with Spatial AI to automate the disassembly and reassembly of brick structures. Utilizing a Gemini Vision-Language Model (VLM) pipeline, the system performs autonomous material evaluation, identifying surface damages such as chipping, spalling, and staining, as well … Read more

Fa(ça)de

Fa(ça)de explores robotic clay fabrication as a method for producing expressive, materially efficient façade modules. Starting from a 2D patterned surface, the project develops a parametric workflow that transforms mesh-based geometries into 3D printed clay elements with controlled relief, wave amplitude, and module rotation. Through iterative prototyping, the design responds to fabrication limits such as … Read more

The Cellular Dune

Project Brief Forces of Nature explores how architectural form can emerge from the interaction of natural forces rather than being predefined. Using computational simulations, the project allows tension, gravity, and equilibrium to shape spatial structures. The installation translates invisible physical behaviors into visible design, creating a form that is discovered through force-driven processes and realized … Read more

Reciprocal Canopy

Designed for the IAAC rooftop, this pavilion merges computational design with advanced robotic fabrication. The geometry originates in Grasshopper, where a basic mesh is transformed into an optimized vault using Kangaroo’s physics-based dynamic relaxation. A reciprocal frame pattern is then applied, translating the continuous shell into short, mutually supporting timber pieces. Because every interlocking element … Read more

Relaxed tectonics

This research explores the intersection of physics-based form-finding and multi-objective evolutionary optimization to design a high-performance architectural pavilion. Utilizing Kangaroo2 for structural mesh relaxation and Wallacei for the genetic optimization of seating. The result is a topologically optimized structure where complex geometry is not merely aesthetic, but a direct manifestation of environmental data and structural … Read more

the Proxy Pods

a Rooftop Lounge for Staff and Students Concept A series of digitally fabricated modular timber egg pods surrounded by physics-simulated tensile elements. A hexagonal structural system supports intimate enclosures, a suspended hammock, and a tensile canopy, forming clear gradients of privacy within one cohesive framework. Pseudo-code Parameter Playground Catalogue Pod Options Testing polygon scale options … Read more

Large Scale 3D Printing with Bio-Based Materials

Our project for the Large-Scale 3D Printing with Biomaterials workshop focuses on the transition from conventional, high-emission construction to a circular, bio-based architectural model. Utilizing a 6-axis robotic arm, we have developed an acoustic envelope system composed of a cork-based bio-composite sourced from recycled stoppers. The research prioritizes a “File-to-Factory” workflow where computational geometry is … Read more

Casa Tosquella: The Mending of the Commons

Heritage is not memoryHeritage is Production + Community In the dense urban fabric of Sant Gervasi, Casa Tosquella sleeps a Modernista jewel originally conceived as a summer retreat, now stranded in a city grappling with permanent heat. This project explores the tension between heritage preservation and climatic urgency. The proposal views the building not as … Read more

THE MANUFACTURED VERNACULAR 

Image of comparison between a vernacular structure and a modern structure

Turning time-tested vernacular intelligence into scalable, multi-hazard self sufficient building INTRODUCTION See this image above? yes, its comparison between two structures that survived a 6.8 rector scale earthquake in year 2005. The ironic part is , that these vernacular structures hold the carbon friendly intelligence responding towards climate adaptation and structural resistance against earthquakes, yet … Read more

Digital Fabrication Library

In today’s architectural landscape, digital fabrication has significantly expanded the way we design and construct building elements—offering unprecedented accuracy, efficiency, and formal freedom. Techniques such as laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing, and robotic manufacturing each bring distinct advantages in terms of material behavior, geometric complexity, and performance potential. RE:CELL Concept The Re:Cell is a … Read more

Tectonics of Digital Craft

Digital fabrication enables designers to explore geometries that go beyond traditional construction constraints. The exercise focuses on translating complex geometries into constructible systems that integrate material behaviour, joinery logic, and mass customisation. Each technique allows experimentation with unique fabrication constraints, informing the evolution of the vertical element design. The outputs serve as material and geometric … Read more

Digital Fabrication

THE W-E SERIES WALL-E 3D PRINTING DESIGN INSPIRATION OBJECTIVE To create a modular vertical element that explores the capabilities of 3D printing and is simultaneously architecturally attractive, is structurally strong whilst using minimal material. DESIGN OPTIONS FINAL DESIGN CONCEPT By blending elements from previous prototypes, the final piece combines 2D and 3D forms to exploit … Read more