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.
Bringing together structural design and thermal performance! Section 1 : Introduction to Hempcrete Hempcrete has excellent insulating properties, providing thermal regulation by allowing the building to breathe and reduce moisture build-up. The thermal conductivity of hempcrete is typically in the range of 0.06 to 0.07 W/mK, which is about half the thermal conductivity of concrete. … Read more
Concept The design concept for the Spiritual Retreat Center draws inspiration from Antoni Gaudí’s profound integration of nature in the Sagrada Família. Just as Gaudí translated organic forms into architectural elements, we aim to go beyond mere inspiration by incorporating natural elements—sunlight filtering through dynamic openings, water features that enhance tranquility, lush indoor gardens fostering … Read more
The idea of ‘craft’ for us is a blend of traditional hands-on skills and modern digital techniques. The experience reinforced that craft is an evolving dialogue between hand and machine, where both bring unique strengths to the process. PROCESS – JOINT PROTOTYPES JOINT 1 (CNC) JOINT 2 (CNC) JOINT 3 (CNC) JOINT 4 (MANUAL) JOINT … Read more
Hybrid Joints explores the line between craft and art through a collection of digitally and manually crafted joints. Using Grasshopper instead of CAM software, we modeled directly in 3D and iterated quickly. We found that digital woodcraft is a craft itself, requiring not just technical knowledge but also strategy, adaptability, and problem-solving. Machines alone weren’t … Read more
We began by understanding the context around the site of our project. More specifically, we dove into understanding the Sagrada Familia and what a sacristy is and entails. During our visit, we started analyzing the geometries found inside the basilica and how they connect to each other. Additionally, we studied the connections between different elements … Read more
. ABSTRACT . For our concept; we decided to used different level In opposition with the current sacristy. During the visit of the building we were a bit disappointed to see that this elegant shape composed of 12 parboloid was divided in 4 different floor that canceled kinda the benefit that the shape brought to … Read more
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
STRUCTURAL DESIGN ESSENTIALS WORKSHOP Manja van de Worp Matteo Attanasio Ritu Vora Nina Avdalyan Yetkin Demir Kruti Ajaykumar Ghariwala Ragini Chakrawarti Google HQ , London We are exploring alternative structural systems for the Google HQ building in London. As part of this process, a beam from the proposed system is designed to meet performance standards. … Read more
Safeguarding your air, one breath at a time Project by Saad Khan Introduction In Self sufficient building studio, we were instructed to take an old, functional electronic object and customize it to affect the climate on a micro scale and positive note using arduino circuitry and its components. The electronic object selected for this project … Read more
Case Study People’s Pavilion – Overtraders Iterations Option 1 Option 2 Displacement Analysis Utilization Analysis Roof Load Analysis Scavenged Timber BEAM TEST DESIGN – BUILDING 3D-Exploration Fabrication Beam Test Load – Deflection Analysis Failure + Improvements Beam Test v/s Karamba Analysis Karamba Analysis Summary Grasshopper Script Embodied Carbon Detail
INTRODUCTION As part of the Structural Design Essentials Workshop, our team explored alternative beam designs for Alejandro Aravena’s Quinta Monroy project. Using reclaimed timber, we designed and analyzed a castellated beam to support vertical growth. Both digital simulations with Karamba3D and physical tests were conducted to evaluate its structural performance and sustainability. SKETCHES Quinta Monroy … Read more
FABRICATION PROCESS BEAM TEST -Beam test with interlocking shear panels positions at splice in bottom and top flanges. -Failure is located in the shear panel where the bottom splice is located. -The physical beam test differs with the Karamba analysis due to the screws location and the wood quality. The karamba analysis does not have … Read more
Stability Split project explores sustainable construction using scavenged materials and recycled wood for a structural beam. In the first phase, a case study of the Google headquarters in London was analyzed using Karamba software to explore structural efficiency and redesign its system. Two design options—arched and stacked—were proposed as alternatives to improve structural performance and … Read more
For the creation of our recycled beam we chose to repurpose parts of a wooden pallet that we found on the street, transforming discarded material into a functional structural element. This approach not only demonstrates the potential of upcycling in construction but also highlights sustainability by reducing waste and giving new life to materials that … Read more
CASE STUDY – GOOGLE HQ Exploration from the Case Studies.` Diagram Analysis Set up – Load & Mass Distribution Beam Test Design Investigation Truss with blocks (Vierendeel) using reclaimed hardwood exploring amount of overlap, number of blocks and impact of gaps between blocks. Beam Test Design Reclaimed Timber Block Truss Beam Fabrication Testing Videos The … Read more
