Advanced Manufacturing Cluster – T01
Research Question Context Why Natural Fibers? Possible Impact Typologies State of Art Material Research Methodology Design Workflow
During the second year of the Master in Advanced Architecture + Thesis Project (MAA02), students have the unique opportunity to work for a period of 1 year on an Individual Thesis Project, focused on the development of a research or pilot project based on the student’s interest, and the learnings of the first year. IAAC supports the student in selecting their Thesis Project topic in order to better orient them according to their future career interests and opportunities. Each student, according to their specific topic, is assigned one or more Thesis Advisors that follow the development of the work throughout the year.
In parallel to the development of the Individual Thesis Project, the second year of the MAA02 offers a series of seminars enhancing the theoretical, practical and computational skills of the students.
Directional Strength: Glulam Components in Force-Responsive Design
This research explores the optimization of glulam in architectural design by aligning material grading and grain orientation with force trajectories. Combining glulam offcuts and higher-grade timber, the study minimizes waste while maximizing structural efficiency. Computational workflows and generative algorithms are used to design force-aligned components for scalable applications. Prototypes demonstrate enhanced performance and sustainability, offering … Read more
Transient Plastics
The plastic crisis has reached staggering proportions. If all the plastic waste on Earth were laid out, it would be enough to cover the entire surface of Argentina ankle-deep. Every year, we produce 300 million tons of plastic globally. Yet only 10% remains in use, while more than 80% is discarded. Of this discarded plastic, … Read more
ROOTED ECO-SCAPES
An exploration of Root Architecture and Material Study By uniting Ecological Restoration techniques with an adaptable architectural system, this project envisions a scalable, self-sustaining model that harmonises with natural ecosystems. Although the approach is contextualised within specific urban challenges, it offers a flexible framework adaptable to various environmental conditions and site-specific needs, ensuring its broader … Read more
Optoppen (City above the city )
AIM The housing crisis in Spain stems from rising prices, stagnant construction, and growing demand, leaving many unable to afford housing, highlighting the need for urgent, sustainable solutions. Spain Time line of the Housing crisis Long Term trend Housing crisis AFFORDABLE HOUSING by 2035 Material comparison Homeless people Data Site documentation Typology – I Joint … Read more
Bespoke/F
Target customers need to be innovators who can envision future facades and understand the affordability and need for it.
ROTATIONAL COLUMN – CIRCULAR WOOD DESIGN
STATE OF ART Part to Whole HG-A, South Korea – 2014 Building Traditions with Digital Research Rui Oliveira, Jose Pedro Sousa – 2016 Columns are analyzed as primary element of Ferreira’s designs. Columns, traditionally crafted through meticulous layering of bricks, are viewed both as structural and visual elements in his designs. RESEARCH QUESTION; “In what … Read more
ROBOTIC FABRICATION SEMINAR
The environmental impact of the construction industry is a pressing concern. As architects, it’s essential that we shift from a linear model of consumption and production to a circular economy. In recent years, there has been notable progress in upcycling various construction materials and replacing high-emission materials like concrete with more sustainable alternatives, such as … Read more
GeoCabin
The Concept GeoCabin is an exploration of three forms of digital fabrication: CNC Milling, Laser Cutting and 3D Printing. It features a continuous, blob-like geometry inspired by the lime-green blobs found in the Andes. The geometry was created through parametric algorithms, blending curves and voids. The design process evolves from a base geometry to a … Read more
Trav-a-live
Context Inter Disciplinary In this project, we explore the intersection of digital nomadism, autonomous mobility, and AI-enabled sensing technology. Inspired by thinkers like Tsugio Makimoto, Pierluigi Coppola, and Tim Ferriss, we aim to create an autonomous living space that supports a mobile, remote work lifestyle. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of digital nomadism, … Read more
Saline Manifolds
Thesis Statement Poor quality health services is an emerging phenomenon in low, middle and even high income countries. The situation is worse in low and middle-income countries where 10 percent of hospitalized patients can acquire an infection during their stay, as compared to seven percent in high income countries. Moreover, the situation is even more dire … Read more
“Fibernetics: Bridging Kinetic Architecture with Cybernetics for Adaptive Spatial Configurations”
Abstract: Architectural space has been non responsive to the dynamic and changing nature of social interaction. Building on the history of responsive architecture, interactive design principles and technological developments in sensing, processing and actuation, the project proposes a new model that merges kinetic architecture and cybernetics. Creating adaptive configurations through automated kinetic architectural skeletons, employing … Read more
LOG-LIVE
MASTER IN ADVANCED ARCHITECTURE ROBOTIC WOODCRAFT FACULTY: Alexandre Dubor, Marielena Papandreou, Huanyu Li STUDENT: Praneeth Aashwinay Basavraju, Anish Hatekar, Bora Cobanoglu, Sunny Manish Chopda
LA CREMADA
The second year students of Master in Advanced Architecture (MAA) and Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction (MRAC) participate in Llum BCN 2024 with LA CREMADA / THE BURN, an immersive interactive installation that delves deep into the world of wildfires, their origins, impacts, and the critical need for understanding and prevention. The installation, located at Plaça Les Arts, C/ … Read more
EcoBrickscape
THESIS STATEMENT The objective of this thesis is to investigate the use of sawdust based biocomposite materials in the additive manufacturing of interlocking bricks. EcoBrickscape aims to develop a workflow that facilitates the generation of customizable shapes and infill designs that are optimal for interlocking and aggregating, enabling efficient fabrication and assembly. The study also … Read more
KlimaWall
The AEC industry consumes 40% of global energy and emits 33% of greenhouse gases, which contributes heavily to climate change. Additionally, by the year 2050, the population will grow up to 10 billion people of whom the two-thirds are going to be living in cities. Which means a lot more building will need to be … Read more
forkLOAD
A Workflow to Repurpose Tree Forks Hand fabrication or Japanese joineries have high customization and are very precise when done by a professional. This method’s drawbacks include the intense physical labor required and the amount of time it takes to master the craft. CNC Milling machines range from 3 to 5 axis and are a … Read more
Digital Heritage
In the past years, the number of 3D Concrete Printed projects has been increasing exponentially. Even though it is becoming an important part of the construction industry, large-scale 3D-printed buildings have shown a lack of aesthetics, as flat walls are normally used, and sometimes even plastered. On the other hand, small-scale printed projects have shown … Read more
