The MAA is a visionary master program with an innovative and open structure, mixing diverse disciplines, shaping professionals capable of producing theoretical & practical solutions towards responsive cities, architecture & technology.
Logics of Neoliberal Urbanism
The essay explores how neoliberal financial practices reshape urban space. It examines various logics that lead to privatization, displacing marginalized communities, and ultimately result in the erosion of public space.
Angels’ Games – Collaborative Design Studio
The Master’s in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities (MAEBB) program at Valldaura Labs features the Collaborative Design Studio in its first term, also known as the Introduction to Self-Sufficiency. In recent years, the Collaborative Design Studio has engaged students in designing for and with diverse groups, working across various age groups, from school children to … Read more
Reinventing Bamboo Architecture
Bamboo, a sustainable and strong material, remains underutilized in modern architecture. My research explores new methodologies to optimize its structural potential, reinvestigating its bending properties and integrating digital fabrication techniques. Addressing durability and standardization challenges, I advocate for bamboo’s inclusion in European building codes, promoting it as a viable alternative to steel and concrete. By … Read more
Sandbag opening
The original bio-construction Before its adaptation for modern architecture, early examples of earthbag construction can be traced back to ancient military and emergency structures. Soldiers and engineers historically used sandbags to build flood barriers, temporary shelters, and fortifications due to their quick assembly and resilience. Similar techniques were also seen in traditional earth-based construction methods, … Read more
JOIN(x)
investigative research into creating a catalogue of joinery methods, varying in complexity and geometries. At the same time, integrating a new workflow of design to mill fabrication using new components such as D2P & TasMachine to create sophis`iticated digital models and manage complexity. precedence first day / manual studies on our first day, we picked … Read more
LOCKS + KEYS: Joinery Exploration
What is craft? Craft as an area of exploration. Seeking to push our boundaries of fidelity and artistry with an acknowledgment of use; The merge between form and function, allowing for endless opportunity. With this project our group’s aim was to explore the intricacies of craft in joinery, and to gain an appreciation of the … Read more
Taller Gaudí
The project is set in the left sacristy of the Sagrada Família, positioned on the Nativity façade side. As one of the key auxiliary spaces of the basilica, the sacristy serves as a preparatory and ceremonial area for religious functions.The sacristia adjacency to the Nativity façade, known for its intricate organic forms and symbolic storytelling, … Read more
Retyre Foundations
Our project explores the reuse of discarded tires and construction pallet waste in a low-cost, modular foundation and flooring system. The project integrates a stacked tire foundation, where the lower tire distributes load while the upper resists lateral forces and uplift. A custom clamp secures both tires, anchoring a base plate with tolerance for vernacular … Read more
Structural Wardrobe
unlocking the potential of reclaimed timber This project explores the structural potential of reused timber in the development of a load-bearing wardrobe system. By adopting a stock-based design approach, we optimize material efficiency, sustainability, and structural performance. Through physical prototyping and computational analysis using Karamba 3D, we assess various connection strategies, including dowel joints, interlocking … Read more
Hempcrete – Potential Material for Structure
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
Flora Sagrada
Garden of Sacred Geometry Welcome to Flora Sagrada at Sagrada Família. The alternative Sacristy offers an immersive journey through nature, art, and geometry. Sacristy Transformed: Living Greenhouse DESIGN: The Sacristy evolves into a living, breathing space that harmonizes architecture and nature.LOCAL: perfect conditions for endangered local plant species.EXPERIENCE: Visitors explore a dynamic ecosystem within Gaudí’s … Read more
