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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Air-Guard Pro

Safeguarding your air, one breath at a time Project by Saad Khan Introduction In Self sufficient building studio, we were instructed to take an old, functional electronic object and customize it to affect the climate on a micro scale and positive note using arduino circuitry and its components. The electronic object selected for this project … Read more

Towards Energy Justice in Informal settlements

A Methodological Approach to Urban Growth and Hybrid Energy Systems in the Global South Why Global South ? Urbanization in the Global South is a defining trend of the 21st century, with over 90% of urban growth expected to occur in low- and middle-income countries by 2050. This rapid expansion has led to a surge … 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

Extending Habitats: Biotic Hut

Our studio project is focused on reinventing this site near the Bésos Rivermouth as a biodiverse public space. To approach this project, we started by studying the site through the lens of multiple species, both human and non-human. In understanding what the flora and fauna of this area look like we began posing specific questions … Read more

Interactive Shadow System

Programmed Shading devices for humans 1 > References 2 / The integration of interactive architecture and responsive technology opens new frontiers in design, as exemplified by the Hylozoic Ground installation and its envisioned evolution into autonomous systems. Hylozoic Ground serves as a reference point, showcasing an immersive spatial installation that mimics nature’s behaviors. Through architectural … 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

Kineflux

Imagine a building that breathes with the rhythm of day and night! During the sunny hours, our facade elegantly opens up, inviting warm rays of sunlight to fill the interior with natural light.As dusk falls, our facade gracefully transitions to a closed position, wrapping the structure in a protective embrace.This dynamic interplay between openness and … Read more

SENTRA

Keys have become obsolete. With the exponential growth of technology there has come a time for new alternatives. Some exist such as fobs, cards or keypads, but those still come with the same issue: the opportunity for them to be stolen or lost. So how about a solution that requires ownership of absolutely nothing, but … Read more

rainCatcher

The Rain Catcher System Prototype is a smart, automated solution designed to simplify rainwater collection and monitoring. By leveraging advanced sensor technology, the system detects rainfall using a DHT11 humidity sensor and measures water levels with precision through integrated water level sensors. A servo motor intelligently manages the lid’s movement, ensuring optimal rain capture while … Read more

CLIMATECH

The project envisions a thermal and data hub in Barcelona’s 22@ district, transforming IT infrastructure into a sustainable heat source. Inspired by Roman baths, the design uses underground server racks as modern-day “columns” in a hypocaust system. Waste heat from servers is collected through metallic pipes, directing it to heat floors and supplement the Llevant … Read more

adopy

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

Fragment

Concept Draw inspiration from the lighting effects in David Bowie’s live performances, mainly the stuttering, fragmented, and dynamic atmosphere they created. My design concept seeks to amplify this spatial experience, crafting a shattered, mosaic-like sense of space that immerses people in a unique and transformative environment. Prototype I created a mirrored wall installation composed of … Read more

Fab-twist

Introduction to Programming andPhysical Computing An intelligent and adaptive facade system that dynamically responds to environmental light intensity and human proximity, creating an ever-changing architectural surface that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. The facade integrates kinetic elements that rotate based on two key parameters: Light Intensity: The system uses sensors to monitor sunlight or artificial … Read more

Water Light Canvas Maze

An interactive art installation that combines  water and light to create an ephemeral experience. It consists of a maze with walls embedded with panels of LED lights that are activated upon contact with water. When water is applied to the surface the LEDs light up, allowing participants to “draw” or write with water. Depending on … Read more

BIRDSHIELD

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

Smart Envelope

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

SensoryGlow

Interactive Motion & Sound-Based Dynamic Lighting System CONCEPT SCHEMATCIS Flowchart Hardware Components: Arduino Integration: Functionality: Output: Circuit Diagram Final Prototype

AcouTerm

The facade system I designed transforms sound into movement, creating a dynamic and interactive architectural element. Inspired by the form of a speaker, the design mimics the vibrations of sound waves through kinetic motion. Using parametric modeling and sound analysis, the facade responds to sound frequencies in real-time, producing an ever-changing aesthetic of light and … Read more

The Interactive LED Color Atlas

The Interactive LED Color Atlas maps movement in a space using a sound sensor to detect noise variations as a proxy for activity. Combined with temperature readings from a DHT11 sensor, the system translates environmental data into dynamic RGB lighting. The LEDs change brightness based on sound levels (indicating movement) and color based on temperature, … Read more

Chromo Sense

Concept Chromo Sense is an interactive lighting system designed in park like spaces , where there is an interaction between humans and non-humans, in which there is efficient amount of lighting that doesn’t disturb the wildlife but also to respond to human presence. Motion sensors are incorporated into the project to activate lights as people approach … Read more

ALGAE WALL REACTOR

Algae Wall Reactor

Concept and Workflow A living bioreactor panel that produces music is a fascinating concept that merges biology, technology, and art. This innovative system features transparent bioreactor panels filled with algae that respond dynamically to environmental changes such as sunlight, pH levels, and temperature. These responses are captured as bio-signals and then translated into sound frequencies, … Read more

Ignis Bloom

Concept A public installation that combines lampposts with benches, creating a multifunctional space where people can rest during the day amidst lush greenery. The installation is powered by solar panels that track the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, ensuring optimal energy capture. The design offers shelter from the elements, and at night, the … Read more

ADAPTIVE WINDOW BLINDERS

INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING AND PHYSICAL COMPUTING CONCEPT This innovative prototype is designed to automatically adjust the angle of shading in response to changing ambient light conditions, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency. The project is focused on enhancing energy efficiency, comfort, and usability in architectural spaces by effectively harnessing and optimizing natural light. This approach … Read more