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.
Case Study CYCLOPEAN HOUSE Constructed in 2015, this project was designed by Ensemble Studio and resides in Brookline, Massachusetts. “Cyclopean House is built, using the vigor of the builder, and the ingenuity of the engineer, to start a journey from the place of its manufacture –Madrid- to the place where it can definitely lie … Read more
Research Question Context Why Natural Fibers? Possible Impact Typologies State of Art Material Research Methodology Design Workflow
Overview of the three variations Diagrams Option selected Beam design options Beam design selected Karamba Assembly diagrams Assembly + Physical model Failure moment Collapse of the installation Karamba analysis Improvement option Embodied CO2 Personal conclusions
FABRICATION PROCESS BEAM TEST -Beam test with interlocking shear panels positions at splice in bottom and top flanges. -Failure is located in the shear panel where the bottom splice is located. -The physical beam test differs with the Karamba analysis due to the screws location and the wood quality. The karamba analysis does not have … Read more
Stability Split project explores sustainable construction using scavenged materials and recycled wood for a structural beam. In the first phase, a case study of the Google headquarters in London was analyzed using Karamba software to explore structural efficiency and redesign its system. Two design options—arched and stacked—were proposed as alternatives to improve structural performance and … Read more
For the creation of our recycled beam we chose to repurpose parts of a wooden pallet that we found on the street, transforming discarded material into a functional structural element. This approach not only demonstrates the potential of upcycling in construction but also highlights sustainability by reducing waste and giving new life to materials that … Read more
CASE STUDY – GOOGLE HQ Exploration from the Case Studies.` Diagram Analysis Set up – Load & Mass Distribution Beam Test Design Investigation Truss with blocks (Vierendeel) using reclaimed hardwood exploring amount of overlap, number of blocks and impact of gaps between blocks. Beam Test Design Reclaimed Timber Block Truss Beam Fabrication Testing Videos The … Read more
Structural Design Essentials Workshop Introduction The primary objective of the workshop was to explore innovative ideas in structural engineering by experimenting with materials and their compositions to create components. Specifically, the aim was to engineer a structural beam designed for integration into the case study structure, the Aravena Building, and to evaluate its structural strength … Read more
TRANSFORMING WASTE INTO SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL RESOURCES The goal is to convert various types of waste into sustainable resources, establishing a circular economy that enhances environmental benefits by repurposing waste, promoting renewable energy, and encouraging innovation in bioproducts. This site, like many others around the world, holds the memories of a different time. What happens when … Read more
This project seeks to transform La Fira, an industrial zone in Barcelonès, into a sustainable insect farming hub. By embedding insect farming within the existing infrastructure, it will leverage local resources to efficiently produce high-protein insect products. Traditional agriculture faces growing pressures including water scarcity and limited space, especially in urban areas like Barcelona. Insect farming … Read more
Automated Fire compliance assessment tool Fire safety in buildings isn’t just about alarms and sprinklers—it’s about designing spaces that prevent tragedies before they happen. Imagine if architects could assess the fire safety of their designs with just a click, ensuring compliance with global standards during the early stages of construction. Sounds futuristic? Not anymore. In … Read more
An Automated Design Solution for Earthquake-Prone Regions How can an machine learning-enhanced parametric design tool develop localized, seismic-resilient low-cost, low-rise modular housing by intelligently integrating material constraints, structural performance, and architectural aesthetics?
Renaturalized Pathways SITE ANALYSIS ECOTONES AND BIOMES FLORA AND FAUNA Hypothesis & Concept THE DESIGN THE VISUALS HUMAN INTERACTION
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
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
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
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
Site : Plaça Universitat Bamboo is often misunderstood as an invasive species, associated with uncontrolled growth and ecological harm. However, this perception overlooks its incredible versatility, sustainability, and capacity to regenerate without depleting resources. Our project challenges this narrative, reimagining bamboo not as a problem but as a solution—a material that embodies resilience and potential. … Read more
This proposal envisions a pavilion at Plaça Nova, inspired by the interplay between structured grid systems and fluid, organic pathways. Designed to adapt to the dynamic needs of its users, the pavilion offers a versatile space that fosters connection and individual expression. With its modular design and open, flexible layout, the pavilion encourages movement and … Read more
The objective of this assignment is to design a parametric facade that incorporates movable panels. This innovative approach aims to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the building, allowing for adaptability to various environmental conditions. By exploring the principles of parametric design, we can create a dynamic exterior that responds to changing light, … Read more
Urchin Pavilion is located at Sant Pere plaza in Barcelona. Between the trees and the statue, the empty space is used for the pavilion. Entrance points of the pavilion are determined based on the pathways, location of the center dot is the statue at the plaza. Inspirations Sea Urchin Pavilion : Louis Vuitton Pop-Up Analysis … Read more
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
