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.
Hasan Hirji The Light Reactive Aperture Device – LRAD facade system uses light to control two motorized arms, extending and contracting a taut wire frame. This prototype could offer a number of scalable and modular uses. One of these for instance could be creating a light reactive, repeating facade system that expands light shades when … Read more
CONCEPT Creating a dynamic relationship between the building and its environment A responsive façade design inspired by the concept of living architecture The geometric logic and panel behavior were first modeled in Grasshopper, where the movement angles and facade modules were tested digitally. Then, through Arduino’s control, this virtual logic was physically prototyped turning environmental … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Seminar This project focuses on developing a smart air quality monitoring system using a Seeed Lotus microcontroller, an MQ-135 air quality sensor, a 0.96” OLED display, a buzzer, a small motor or fan, and a panel with three LEDs to indicate air quality levels. The system continuously measures CO₂ … Read more
Concept What if our façades could react to sunlight? This project explores how architecture can respond to changing light conditions through simple automation. Using Arduino, it translates light intensity into movement, mimicking the adaptive behavior of a brise-soleil, and highlighting how design can respond to environmental change. REFERENCES – BRISE SOLEIL Schematics The Arduino code … Read more
Introduction Urban traffic congestion is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a global challenge tied to pollution, stress, and wasted time. While cities are turning to AI-driven systems to ease the gridlock, the question remains: Do these technologies actually perform better than traditional methods?Flow – SIGHT is a comparative research project that investigates traffic systems across … Read more
Analog End Effector Explorations Mechanical End Effector Explorations Final Robotic Jig Design | Facade Iterations
Research Question Context Why Natural Fibers? Possible Impact Typologies State of Art Material Research Methodology Design Workflow
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
What if a structure could adapt its shape in response to environmental inputs? inputs : light value . water value outputs : movement of the canopy/roof adopy [noun]: an adaptive architectural structure that dynamically responds to environmental conditions using sensor-driven inputs. The canopy system uses light and water sensors to adjust its shape for … Read more
A study held this year by the American Bird Conservancy showed that building collisions kill more than a billion birds a year only in the US. Therefore, to prevent this BirdShield serves as a responsive facade that opens and closes with servo motors based on the ultrasonic distance to flying birds. References Schematic Made with … Read more
Concept The Smart Home and Facade Automation System aims to enhance home comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency by enabling remote control of both interior and facade lighting, as well as facade panel movements using Arduino hardware and software. This project focuses on developing a system where users can remotely switch interior and exterior lights on … Read more
In the hustle and bustle of urban life, outdoor lighting has become an indispensable part of our daily landscape. However, the unintended consequences of excessive lighting, particularly at night, have taken a toll on the natural world. Migratory birds, nocturnal animals, and delicate insects such as fireflies have been adversely affected by the pervasive issue … Read more
“A futuristic, yet, simple approach to cooling down…” Concept While working in the office in the terrible heat of the summer, the air conditioner was rapidly cooling the small room and we had to constantly turn it on and off. For this reason, I bought a desktop fan, but to turn it on, I had … Read more
