Within the current global context of rapid change, integrated with the potentials of digital technologies, IAAC’s Master in Advanced Architecture (MAA) is committed to the generation of new ideas and applications for Urban Design, Self Sufficiency, Digital Manufacturing Techniques and Advanced Interaction.
In this context IAAC works with a multidisciplinary approach, facing the challenges posed by our environment and the future development of cities, architecture and buildings, through a virtuous combination of technology, biology, computational design, digital and robotic fabrication, pushing innovation beyond the boundaries of a more traditional architectural approach.
PHYSICAL COMPUTING & PROGRAMMING Ultrasonic Sensor with Alarm, LCD and Temperature CONCEPT This project gives me the info I need about the water level in a water tank. When the level is low, the green LED is ON. When the level is medium, the yellow LED is ON. When the level is HIGH the red … Read more
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
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
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
Problem: During the hot summer months, urban buildings face challenges with overheating, leading to excessive energy consumption for cooling systems like air conditioning. Additionally, dense urban areas lack sufficient green spaces, which could help mitigate the heat island effect and improve air quality. Solution: A motorized facade system, like the one proposed, addresses these challenges … Read more
Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing Student – Saad Khan INTRODUCTION– ORIGINS AND THE USE OF SOUND IN ARCHITECTURE Cymatics is the study of how sound vibrations create visible patterns on a medium such as sand, water, or a solid surface. Coined by Swiss scientist Hans Jenny in the 1960s, cymatics builds on earlier discoveries … Read more
Cycle Navigation Aid – A Safer, Hands-Free Solution Arduino – Based Navigation Device for Cyclists NavBand is a compact navigation aid for urban cyclists, combining an 8×8 LED matrix display with a tactile vibration feedback system to provide clear, hands-free directional guidance. Designed to attach to a bicycle handlebar, it visually displays arrows for navigation … Read more
INTRODUCTION | Harnessing Kinetic Energy from the Ground for Sustainable Energy Production Every step applies a mechanical force to the ground. Kinetic floor tiles are designed to convert this force into electrical energy. The energy generated can be stored in batteries or capacitors or directly used to power nearby systems, such as lighting, displays, or … Read more
Design and implementation of a modern vertical plant wall with an integrated automated water dripping system for sustainable indoor greenery REFERANCE : Hydroponic Drip system This project involves designing a simple automated water drip system using an Arduino, a servo motor, and optional sensors. The servo motor controls the release of water by pinching or … Read more
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
The responsive facade panel system combines solar tracking and environmental monitoring for sustainable design. Using two LDR sensors, the system captures sunlight data to control panel movements, ensuring optimal alignment with the sun’s path for improved energy efficiency and lighting. Integrated planters feature soil moisture sensors that display a green or red light, indicating whether … Read more
Robotic mushroom picker The project focuses on developing an automated mushroom harvesting system that combines precise height sensors with an intelligent robotic arm. The sensors measure the mushrooms’ height in real-time and compare the data to a predefined optimal harvesting height. When a mushroom reaches the desired height, the system activates an LED light, signaling … Read more
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
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
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
Concept Cities today often face lighting issues: some facades are overly bright, while others are too dim. This creates discomfort for residents. Moreover, such lighting results in inefficient energy use and increases light pollution, negatively affecting the environment, public health, and the quality of urban life. An adaptive lighting system addresses these challenges by adjusting … 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
Interactive Motion & Sound-Based Dynamic Lighting System CONCEPT SCHEMATCIS Flowchart Hardware Components: Arduino Integration: Functionality: Output: Circuit Diagram Final Prototype
Genesis_001 explores the dynamics of sound in urban environments, focusing on noise pollution, distribution, its sources, and its impact on public and private spaces. The work integrates data visualization, mapping, and architectural concepts to analyze and reimagine soundscapes within an urban grid. Key elements include diagrams of sound sources (daytime, nighttime, and traffic), a superimposed … Read more
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
Introduction Design and Inspiration Setup and Implementation Circuit Diagram Visual Renders
