Re Rio: Infrastructure Justice
What is Infrastructure Justice? Rio’s Context State of the Art Rio Maps Sao Goncalo Proposal Thank you!
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.
Tierra Potencia
A space for human driven by human On a planetary scale, these dynamics of solar heating, infrared cooling, and moisture transport create global patterns in climate. This study explores how temperature and humidity generated through human exertion at different activity levels can be passively regulated to create adaptive microclimates tailored to occupant circadian rhythms and … Read more
SecondMatter
SecondMatter challenges architecture’s extractive processes and wasteful material cycles by upcycling Construction Demolition Renovation Waste (CDRW) into structural and non-structural applications. It blends ramming, which compacts granular materials into high-strength forms, with jamming-inspired interlocking of irregular aggregates. Large concrete waste pieces form a reinforced core, wrapped in a rammed mix of fine brick and concrete … Read more
Re-Rio: Ecological Justice
This project explores ecological justice through the lens of waste inequality in Rio de Janeiro. Focusing on the Gamboa neighborhood and the repurposing of the historic Moinho Fluminense silos, we propose a decentralized recycling system connected to local waste streams. By integrating informal and formal actors—such as catadores and recycling industries—we aim to reduce landfill … 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
BaRa
The objective of BARA is to connect to the current wide usage of concrete in the industry and present an alternative concrete for decarbonization, providing a catalog of structural architectural elements. By incorporating biochar and silica fume into the concrete mixture, potential typologies unfold according to the employment, structural or non structural adding acoustic, insulative … 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
KINXA
KINXA aims to bring vernacular construction back into contemporary architecture by systemizing traditional “quincha”. At the same time, through a redesigned material system, KINXA seeks to take advantage of local resources and lower even more its precedent carbon footprint. Quincha is a technique prevalent in Latin America which consists of the use of a wood … Read more
H/Rooftop?
Kangaroo Inflation / Reciprocal Framework Referential Work / Component and Parameters Form Finding Render / Immersion Animation / Process
Vaulted Canopy Pavilion of Pl. de Sant Pere
Project by Saad Khan and Gustavo Calderone The final task for the term was to design a 100-square-meter pavilion in Plaça de Sant Pere, Barcelona, using computational design logic through Grasshopper. This project explores generative design strategies to create an adaptable pavilion using parametric methodologies, ensuring a responsive and dynamic architectural intervention within the urban … Read more
Tensegrate
Computation Design Seminar-Term II The project envisions a dynamic tensile structure on a terrace, integrating tensegrity to create a lightweight yet structurally efficient space for public interaction. Designed as a multifunctional hub, the pavilion provides a space for relaxation, lunch breaks, social gatherings, and contemplation. By leveraging computational design tools such as Kangaroo, we explore … Read more
Constellation
Site: Pl. de Sant Jaume Plaça de Sant Jaume, located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, is a historic and political hub, home to the City Hall and Palau de la Generalitat. As a central urban space, it offers a dynamic blend of civic activity, tourism, and cultural events. The square’s rectilinear layout, flanked by neoclassical façades, … Read more
Root Roof
The industrial warehouse building what was renovated and adapted to be a school with a variety of classrooms, offices, workshops and exhibition area. The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) is a globally recognized research and educational institution based in Barcelona, Spain. It focuses on the future of architecture, design, and technology, with a … Read more
Computational Design Seminar: Maze Pavillion
The project explores computational design through a pavilion in Plaza de Cataluña, Barcelona, inspired by the works of Marc Fornes. Pedestrian flow analysis defined the pavilion’s anchor points, generating three structural elements using the Kangaroo plugin in Grasshopper. Subsequently, Ivy and the Kruskal algorithm were used to develop an optimized panelization pattern, facilitating digital fabrication. … Read more
Computational Design Seminar: BOSQUIA
In this project, we explore computational design tools within Grasshopper to design a pavilion in Plaça de la Universitat, here in Barcelona. This plaza is located in the Eixample District and it gets its name from its close proximity to the historic building of the University of Barcelona. Additionally, we develop the methodology for the … Read more
