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.
Ostara
SITE CONTEXT Ballina Methodist Church in Ballina in County Mayo. It was built in 1857 originally as a school. The old Methodist Church in Ballina was built in 1839. In 1983 the Methodist Church in Ballina relocated to this building. INSPIRATION Irish rock wall stacking is a centuries old dry stone technique characterized by carefully … Read more
Fractal 25
Located in Poblenou, this student housing project comprises 25 modular units organized through solar optimization. Using Galapagos, the massing evolved through iterative simulations based on incident radiation, calibrating orientation and spacing to maximize winter sunlight while mitigating summer heat gain. The result is a compact, climate-responsive structure where environmental logic shapes architectural form—balancing solar access, … Read more
RESPIRA
This project explores the climatic optimization of modular student housing units located in Barcelona, each with dimensions of 5m x 4m x 7.5m. The focus is on developing comfortable, energy-efficient living spaces by strategically analyzing and refining the positioning of openings, enabling effective cross ventilation, and incorporating humidity-absorbing esparto material as part of the building … Read more
DIGITAL WOODCRAFT
After spending some time learning about timber joinery last term, this term was all about implementing these logics onto a larger and more complex system: a small chunk of a bird observatory. We designed and made all of the beams that comprised the chunk, which were all unique to one another. Some were straight, others … Read more
Thermocrest – Heat as a spatial design tool
This Project explores how reflective, vernacular materials—such as ceramics—can be utilized in construction to manage infrared radiation and influence microclimates. By reflecting rather than absorbing heat, these materials contribute to passive cooling, reducing urban heat island effects and enhancing thermal comfort. We analyze the physical properties of ceramics, their historical applications in traditional architecture, and … Read more
Cascara
RICE PRODUCTION AROUND THE WORLD METABOLIC DIAGRAM OF RICE HUSK IMPLICATIONS IN SEVERAL INDUSTRIES STATISTICS OF RICE HUSK PRODUCTION PROPOSAL RICECRETE Rice Husk has good thermal insulation and is lightweight, and due to its high silica content, it is water resistant. Rice Crete is a natural building material from rice husks and natural binders. This … Read more
Styrofoam Beam
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
ChromaEnergon
ChromaEnergon represents an innovative approach to student housing architecture that transcends conventional design paradigms tapping the potentials of climatic energy and thermochromic pigments. This concept leverages verticality, slenderness, and dispersed tower structures to create dynamic living environments. By strategically mapping energy into various spaces through the skin which the facade, ChromaEnergon aims to generate unique … Read more
GAUDI’S CAT
GAUDI’S CAT pavilion is inspired by the geometry of Antonio Gaudi – famous Catenary arches. The structure of the pavilion consists of a central space under the canopy and an open part above. Catenary arches are located in three parts of the pavilion, serving as entrances to it, and elements of Catenary arches are also … Read more
Assembled Architecture
GROUP 2 ASSEMBLAGE 1 – Components design Component A Component B Component C 2 – Custom assemblage method Component A Component B Component C 3 – Custom evaluation criteria 4 – Building the dataset Component A Component B Component C Assemblage comparison Component A Component B Component C 5 – Assemblage selection 6 – Architectural … Read more
The Rooftop Playground
A Place to enjoy the sun, play, hide and chill The Rooftop Playground proposes, as the name suggests, a leisure (playground) space on the given rooftop of IAAC building. This attempt is derived from the current lack of character, the needs in alternating qualities of spaces (privacy, light, etc.), as well as the need of … Read more
ThermalAxis
Vertical structure responsive to temperature changes CONCEPT The project proposes a vertical system that responds to temperature differences to visualize these changes interactively. Its main objective is to create diverse interactions with users through the response to temperature changes. The foundation of the system relies on the use of flexible membranes that expand and compress, … Read more
EVA
Statement In extreme summer heat, our bodies work overtime to regulate how we feel. It takes massive amounts of energy to maintain a normal and consistent body temperature. All this energy use can cause us to feel tired and sluggish.It makes it important to have a COOLING system in high temperatures. What is a possible … Read more
