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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Optoppen (City above the city )

AIM The housing crisis in Spain stems from rising prices, stagnant construction, and growing demand, leaving many unable to afford housing, highlighting the need for urgent, sustainable solutions. Spain Time line of the Housing crisis Long Term trend Housing crisis AFFORDABLE HOUSING by 2035 Material comparison Homeless people Data Site documentation Typology – I Joint … Read more

BUSINESS INNOVATION

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

PERSONA PARABOLOID

How can we map the confluence of humans and architecture? concept sketches design flow bill of materials arduino schematic code trial: distance / angles open position closed position

ROTATIONAL COLUMN – CIRCULAR WOOD DESIGN

STATE OF ART Part to Whole HG-A, South Korea – 2014 Building Traditions with Digital Research Rui Oliveira, Jose Pedro Sousa – 2016 Columns are analyzed as primary element of Ferreira’s designs. Columns, traditionally crafted through meticulous layering of bricks, are viewed both as structural and visual elements in his designs. RESEARCH QUESTION; “In what … Read more

ROBOTIC FABRICATION SEMINAR

The environmental impact of the construction industry is a pressing concern. As architects, it’s essential that we shift from a linear model of consumption and production to a circular economy. In recent years, there has been notable progress in upcycling various construction materials and replacing high-emission materials like concrete with more sustainable alternatives, such as … Read more

Irregular Modularity

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

LivIn

STATE OF THE ART ANALYSIS Using this set of aims, we evaluated various state of the art references, and extracted relevant information.

TREE WISE

TIMBER SENSING TECHNOLOGY A material system combining timber and graphene, replacing traditional sensors through graphene’s sensing capabilities. This innovative approach allows first, real-time tracking of deformations inside the wood. Second, creating a digital twin that improves maintenance efficiency in the operational phase. Third, providing a detailed service life passport, this system supports reuse and reduces … Read more

ChromaEnergon

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

WOOD ID mockups

Site The city of Porto Alegre in Brazil has faced recently the largest flood in the recorded history. The 2nd place happened 80 years ago across the span of 22 days. This year, this record was broken in 4 hours. As for now, only for the city of Porto Alegre, more than 242 thousand homes … Read more

Very Many

Design References Design Simulations Cladding Composition The Sandwich Panel is a combination of a top 6mm Polycarbonate Sheet with Dry Insulation and Cork forming our inner layers and to finish it off with a 6mm thk Polycarbonate Sheet at the bottom. Fabrication Process Using plywood as a base for dowels, which would serve as lateral … Read more

Woodcraft | Column-Beam Connection

CONTEXT STRUCTURE This project focuses on the Column-Beam Connection within the larger post-and-beam frame structure. While seemingly simple, these connections require intricate detailing to seamlessly resolve multi-element node connections. Our design involved integrating two perpendicular columns into a monolithic L-shaped column, securing two additional beams in the process. Through digital modelling, we adopted a multilayered … Read more

Segmented Blank

Developing visions of a future forest architecture, in Valvidrera Reservoir; a landscape that provides accesibility to, flora, fauna and open space to surrounding communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES To gain an understanding of digital modelling of complex timber structures. To demonstrate an understanding of design-to-fabrication workflows and principles. To demonstrate an understand of digital fabrication methodologies for … Read more

SALVAGED WOOD

WHY USE RECLAIMED WOOD RESEARCH Reclaimed wood is a sustainable and unique material that can be used in almost any project. It offers strength, character, and originality that you cannot find with any other building material. It helps preserve the past while upcycling materials that would otherwise go to waste. TYPE – WOOD-PALLETS Mapping the … Read more

ARBOREALITY | Advancing sustainable urban development through mass timber and vernacular root

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