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.
Located in the quiet community of Sant Adria De Besos lies the Besos Power Station. This waste to energy power plant is responsible for providing power to over 10 municipalities of Spain and takes care of nearly half of the waste that comes into Barcelona. While this factory proves to be highly effective, several negative … Read more
NARRATIVE Back to Zero is a regenerative concept that targets oil refineries and other aging infrastructures that pollute our world. The narrative is inspired from the “skin in the game” concept, and calculates lifetime co2 emissions for high emitting “hosts”, which then becomes a target for that same “host” to sequester through the carbon sequestration … Read more
Reference : “Sami Frashëri” School by SOA Architecture Deconstructing the logic behind the facade This building facade uses a parametric design after an initial climatic analysis of the place, conducted in the early stages of the project to archive an annual summer and winter strategies for indoor and outdoor environments. Pseudocode Workflow Animations Script Renders
a harmonious integration of natural processes, technological design, and human (dis)comfort. The Location
TIMBER SENSING TECHNOLOGY A material system combining timber and graphene, replacing traditional sensors through graphene’s sensing capabilities. This innovative approach allows first, real-time tracking of deformations inside the wood. Second, creating a digital twin that improves maintenance efficiency in the operational phase. Third, providing a detailed service life passport, this system supports reuse and reduces … Read more
Optimizing Bar Buildings for Sunlight and Pathways The aim of this project was to design a typology of housing is needed that resembles small, artificial terrains. The Bar Building typology will have set of long, dense buildings that will mimic the form of a topography. The forms will need to be optimized to allow for all the … Read more
SWARM_FACADE investigates using swarm intelligence principles (separation, alignment, and cohesion) in architectural design and façade construction. By employing multi-agent-based swarm intelligence algorithms, a conceptual design method was introduced. Evolutionary optimization and parametric control were applied to define solid-void elements in the building façade. The resulting façade variations were optimized and evaluated based on relative daylight … Read more
PHYLLOTAXIS The arrangement of leaves or floral parts around a stem or axis is called phyllotaxis. The term comes from the Greek phullon – ‘leaf’ and taxis – ‘arrangement’. The model was first proposed by Wilhelm Hofmeister in 1868. IMPORTANCE: The objective of the phyllotaxis is to avoid overcrowding. So that all leaves get maximum … Read more
Through a meticulous analysis of data extracted from the site and a comprehensive understanding of Barcelona’s climatic conditions, our visionary project sets its sights on the future, envisioning Barcelona in the year 2050 as a harmonious blend of urban living and natural serenity. At the heart of our exploration lies the theme of urban forestry, … Read more
This term’s Computational Design Seminar focused on leveraging optimization tools to explore and refine architectural designs. Our project aimed to generate a diverse catalogue of design iterations, systematically optimizing each iteration to meet specific performance criteria. Utilizing plugins such as Wallacei for optimization and Karamba3D for structural analysis, we developed a Play Area located in … Read more
Optimization process TwistedTexture is designed to minimize direct radiation on slabs and facades, optimizing energy efficiency. It uses sunshades and ventilated facades to reduce heat gain while maintaining natural light. The building blends with its surroundings, responding to Santiago’s climate. Advanced optimization algorithms explore various forms, balancing design complexity, compactness, and shading. The final configuration … Read more
SITE The Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation DESIGN PROCESS Form Finding and Computational Elements FORM FINDING Massing FORM FINDING Perforations FORM FINDING Decorative Perforation – Spikes FORM FINDING Columns FORM FINDING Split Columns FORM FINDING Mezzanine FORM FINDING Interior Space SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION FINAL PROPOSAL FINAL FABRICATION FINAL RENDERS
Energy Phenomena In the machine room model, Convection serves as the primary mechanism for transferring heat from the hot plate to the tubes containing thermochromic fluids. This convective process affects the temperature of the thermochromic liquid within the tubes, which in turn changes the chroma i.e, color intensity of the room, thereby influencing the circadian … Read more
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
Non planar 3D printing cork based biomaterial CORK.CATENATION employs the novel methodology of non-planar 3d printing using Cork as the bio-material. The final outcome is a connection of interconnected lattice structures- broken down into modules that can be assembled to form a building skin that can morph according to the surface topology and solar radiation results.
Pluripotent (‘capable of multiple tasks‘) stem cells are cells that can divide indefinitely. These cell layers are the fundamental tissues that give rise to all the different types of cells and tissues found in the adult organism. Given this property, stem cells are potentially able to recreate any tissue or organ found in the body. … Read more
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
Natural Behavior This exercise focuses on exploring and understanding the behavior of Physarum polycephalum, a slime mold organism, through digital simulations. Different configurations and parameters will be investigated to observe how they affect the movement, reproduction, and growth of this organism. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions of Physarum polycephalum … Read more
G4-STUDIO, KIN INFRASTRUCTURE ABSTRACT: The Red Sea 2050 Architectural Project presents an innovative and sustainable approach to coral reef conservation. Focused on education and design interventions, the project addresses the urgent need to safeguard coral ecosystems. The conceptual framework involves the creation of modular panels—both large and small—deployed as coral farming plates. This approach allows … Read more
UK PAVILION AT SHANGHAI EXPO-2010 INTRODUCTION The UK pavilion at Expo 2010, colloquially known as the Seed Cathedral, was a sculpture structure built by a nine-member conglomeration of British business and government resources directed by designer Thomas Heatherwick. It referenced the race to save seeds from round the world in banks, and housed 250,000 plant … Read more
