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.
Structura X is a low-cost structural health monitoring system that tracks vibration patterns and foundation shifts to detect early signs of instability in buildings. Using a 3-axis accelerometer and ultrasonic distance sensing, the device provides real-time feedback through visual and acoustic alerts, enabling proactive maintenance and long-term structural safety. Why This Matters Buildings appear static, … Read more
A sun-chasing system is a mechanism that automatically tracks the movement of the sun across the sky to maintain the optimal angle for capturing sunlight. When applied to solar panels, this technology can increase energy efficiency by up to 30–40% compared to fixed panels, as it maximizes exposure throughout the day. Beyond energy generation, the … Read more
Imagine a classroom or clinic that doesn’t just shelter us but truly watches out for us. Ubuntu Sense is about letting spaces join the conversation: when noise, heat, or crowding gets too much, small signals lights, moving vents, real-time displays push back, help us notice, and restore comfort.This project is less about tech for tech’s … Read more
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 In the modern urban life, people constantly move between work, travel, and rest — often ignoring the plants that bring vitality and warmth to their homes. When we are away, these plants silently endure the risks of dryness and decay. This Auto-Irrigation Plant System offers a gentle solution to that small but meaningful concern. … Read more
The goal of this project is to design a smart light maze that reacts to the movement or presence of people. In this system, the paths and walls of the maze are made of colorful LED strips (such as NeoPixel), which light up dynamically and interactively as participants move through the maze. When a person … Read more
All seats in public areas are typically uniform in height; however, individuals differ in stature. When a seat is elevated, a child may find it challenging to access, whereas a low seat could cause discomfort for a taller individual. The optimal proportion is that the chair’s seat height should be approximately 25% of your total … Read more
Abstract Environmental conditions are more often than not invisible and something that is felt rather than visually perceivable. The ClimaCode provides our spatial surroundings with their own language that enables them to better communicate with us as humans. By translating climatic conditions, such as temperature and humidity, into light, the device communicates its climatic ‘mood’ … Read more
by Francisco Pinel on October 26, 2025 The Quiet-o-Meter is an interactive sound awareness prototype designed to promote mindful noise behavior in shared environments. Inspired by the need for greater awareness of how our collective sound levels can affect others, this project transforms ambient noise into visual and auditory cues that encourage quieter, more considerate spaces. Built on … 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
Rainwater Harvester The project proposes a regenerative infrastructure for runoff water collection, treatment, and reuse within the built environment. Conceived as a responsive system embedded in architecture, it seeks to transform excess rainwater often perceived as waste into an active resource within a closed ecological loop. During episodes of heavy rainfall, the system captures surface … Read more
In today’s collaborative work environments, open and shared workspaces have become the norm. Yet while they promote connection and creativity, they also introduce a significant challenge: noise. This project seeks to address the problem of excessive noise in shared workspaces while maintaining flexibility and openness. The Concept – The project is inspired by the shared … 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
Creating Charismatic and Safer Public Spaces through Light RESEARCH QUESTION: How can experiential lighting features — ones that create interactive, changing, and flexible environments– be used in public spaces in order to create senses of community, safety, and improved mental and emotional health? HYPOTHESIS: If we integrate interactive lighting solutions as permanent fixtures in public … Read more
Bio-Receptive Interfaces is a performative multi-material clay-based system for indoor environments, integrating hydrogel vascularity to host an ecosystem of cryptogams and vascular plants. Fusing biological intelligence with embedded sensors and AI, it sustains a prolonged hydration cycle, purifies air, sequesters carbon, and reintroduces ecological presence into synthetic indoor worlds—transforming sealed spaces into living, responsive, multi-species … Read more
