Thermo-Char
“Carbon-breathing panels: a regenerative material system for climate-adaptive architecture.”
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.
Reciprocal Canopy
Designed for the IAAC rooftop, this pavilion merges computational design with advanced robotic fabrication. The geometry originates in Grasshopper, where a basic mesh is transformed into an optimized vault using Kangaroo’s physics-based dynamic relaxation. A reciprocal frame pattern is then applied, translating the continuous shell into short, mutually supporting timber pieces. Because every interlocking element … Read more
Recursive Shell
This project, titled Recursive Shell, is located at Plaça del Pi. The pavilion explores form-finding through inverted arch logic and modular timber shells. Using a Kangaroo Bouncy Solver, the design optimizes structural stability via parameters like pressure, edge lengths, and vertex loads. The system consists of interlocking triangular panels and joint discs extracted from a … Read more
Cano(Pi)
A dynamic forest pavilion. Plaça del Pi, Barcelona, Spain Design Concept Form Finding Psuedo Code The script relies on the organic undulation of sine and catenary curves to reflect the organic nature of our inspiration as well as provide a real-life simulation of the suspended fabric forming the canopy reacting to gravitational logic in both … Read more
SOMA LOOM
This project introduces an environmental sculpture, up to 1.5 meters tall, placed in the garden of Ballina Methodist Church in Ballina, Ireland. The column acts as a multifunctional architectural element supporting local biodiversity—attracting insects, bees, butterflies, and small birds—while blending harmoniously into the public landscape. Constructed from a geopolymer made with crushed seashells and biochar, … Read more
Carbon Envelopes
a BIOCHAR BASED concrete WITH A negative carbon footprint BARA is an opportunity to build negative carbon constructionsystems by rethinking concrete and methods used in the buildingindustry. Using on-site 3D printing and casting, entire buildings can beconstructed with reduced cement while storing and capturing carbon. The focus is on optimizing and improvingstructural performance, enhancing carbon … Read more
EntoNest
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
Roots & Routes
BIODIVERSE PUBLIC SPACECollaborative Design with Humans and Non-humans The Besòs River in northeastern Spain flows through Catalonia from the Montseny mountains to the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona, covering about 17 kilometers. Once heavily polluted by industrial waste and urban runoff, it has undergone significant environmental restoration, improving its water quality and accessibility for wildlife and … 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
Solar Symphony
a harmonious integration of natural processes, technological design, and human (dis)comfort. The Location
Decharbonization
From exterior soil remediation to interior acoustics enhancement The goal of this project is to create a non-cementitious geopolymer, using as the main component biochar, an worldwide abundant material, and amplify its qualities to sequester carbon in order to make carbon sink architecture. Through the process of material engineering and testing, it was possible to … Read more
SALVAGED WOOD
WHY USE RECLAIMED WOOD RESEARCH Reclaimed wood is a sustainable and unique material that can be used in almost any project. It offers strength, character, and originality that you cannot find with any other building material. It helps preserve the past while upcycling materials that would otherwise go to waste. TYPE – WOOD-PALLETS Mapping the … Read more
The Chromo Tower
(I) Vaporization of water (2)Thermal inertia ELECTRONIC FOUNDATION. MAKE ENERGY VISIBLE MAKE ENERGY FLOW. CONTROL THE EXTREMES MATTER MATTERS Scalability Thermal inertia Phase shift Dampening ROOM 1 ROOM 2 THE PROCESS
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
