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.
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
KINXA
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
COLOCHO
Drawing inspiration from the Central American term “colocho” meaning curl or loop, we developed a robotic printed clay column, while experimenting with non-uniform extrusions. In this seminar we explored the geometric possibilities that can be created with the incorporation of non-uniform rotations and movements in the robot while printing with clay. At the same time, … Read more
Bio-Digital Hybrid
The project aims to addresses 3 key problems, by creating a system that brings together anthropogenic mass and bio-mass, sequesters carbon and purifies the air within it’s immediate context. The project is envisioned as an adaptive system, that can be aligned towards solving different problems through biological and digitally integrated structures that can impact it’s … 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
Go with the Flow
Computational Fluid Dynamics for Naturally Ventilated Systems Research Question In my research I believe that by looking and understanding ancient vernacular passive systems and working with computer aided design and cfd wind analysis, we will be able to create a system that can manipulate airflow to cool a space. This data can then inform modernized … Read more
Tetuan Tranquility
FOR INSPIRATION Pseudo Code Forming the plane and base surface for Pavilion Grasshopper Code Iterations
TerraSol
Before creating a whole facade on four faces of a building, we experimented on one wall, parameterizing only the Mesh Vertex Offsets and Perforation Sizes
Saline Manifolds
Thesis Statement Poor quality health services is an emerging phenomenon in low, middle and even high income countries. The situation is worse in low and middle-income countries where 10 percent of hospitalized patients can acquire an infection during their stay, as compared to seven percent in high income countries. Moreover, the situation is even more dire … Read more
The Chromo Tower
(I) Vaporization of water (2)Thermal inertia ELECTRONIC FOUNDATION. MAKE ENERGY VISIBLE MAKE ENERGY FLOW. CONTROL THE EXTREMES MATTER MATTERS Scalability Thermal inertia Phase shift Dampening ROOM 1 ROOM 2 THE PROCESS
FRICKS: CDW Bricks Foamed Geopolymer
SMART AM
Multi-material Additive Manufacturing solutions. CONTEXT The synergy between clay additive manufacturing and computational design has revolutionized construction, bridging the gap between project design and production. This integration has established a direct-design-build system, facilitating seamless translation of intricate designs into physical structures with precision and speed. This transformative approach enables complex geometries, customization, and cost-effective sustainability … Read more
