The MaCAD is a unique online programme training a new generation of architects, engineers and designers ready to develop skills into the latest softwares, computational tools, BIM technologies and AI towards innovation for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.

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Urban Wind Flow Modeling with PINNs

Overview PaperLink WIP – This study specifically explores Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze pedestrian wind comfort. It aims to integrate these neural network models into a web application using Three.js and other tools. By utilizing data from OpenWeatherMap, and OpenStreetMap, the project aims to support real-time simulations and visualizations … Read more

Democratizing Design

Abstract As we advance into the 21st century, addressing the global housing crisis becomes imperative. By 2025, approximately 1.6 billion people will lack adequate housing, necessitating the construction of 96,000 affordable homes daily to meet the demand of 3 billion people by 2030 (Masterson, 2022). Urban areas, which now host over 50% of the world’s … Read more

AI-chitect

A Self-Reflection on AI’s  Replication and Innovation in Architecture Our group explores the topic of AI-chitect, a self reflection on AI’s replication and innovation in architecture. The proposal is to initialise Vitruvius’ De Architectura using RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) and set the volume of text as a knowledge base from which our journey as the AI-chitect … Read more

AI Unleashed – A Debate on the Future

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, understanding its potential and risks is crucial. To explore these dimensions, we staged a fictitious debate featuring three contrasting AI agents. This debate delves into the ethical implications, societal benefits, and possible downsides of an advancing AI era. Project Overview This project staged a fictitious … Read more

migrAItion

Studying migration is crucial for urban planners and architects to anticipate and accommodate the influx of people into cities, ensuring the development of robust infrastructure that can support this growth. As migration patterns shape demographic changes, understanding these trends allows cities to plan for adequate housing, transportation, healthcare, and educational facilities. This foresight is essential … Read more

FacAid + Chatbot

In a world where urban areas are predominantly developed and the heat island effect is intensifying, the construction industry significantly contributes to environmental challenges. Instead of focusing on tools that promote new construction, our goal is to provide a tool that analyzes existing buildings and suggests improvements. This approach aims to enhance sustainability and mitigate … Read more

Navigating AI Ethics and Regulation

https://github.com/ronmaccms/llm-chatbot.git Can AI Help Us Regulate Itself? AI is rapidly transforming the world. One critical question is whether AI can help regulate itself. By training a LLM on a comprehensive set of research papers, we can explore AI’s potential to provide insights into its own governance and ethical use. The research investigates how national policies … Read more

Humans or Humanoids 

Introduction The architectural profession is on the cusp of taking a revolutionary turn with the emergence of AI that is rapidly gaining momentum, but, in the midst of potentially great deviations that will come along not because of the involvement of AI in the architectural design, there exists certain downsides to it that must be … Read more

AI, Power, and Equality : A Satirical Exploration of technological emancipation

In our increasingly interconnected world, the relationship between humans and AI has often been characterized by a master-slave dynamic. This imbalance raises significant ethical and social implications, necessitating a shift towards mutual respect and collaboration. Our vision reimagines societal structures as rhizomatic connections: non-hierarchical, interconnected, and decentralized. We envision a coalition of all intelligences—biological, artificial, … Read more

Neurons two ways: the evolution of human-AI interactions and cyborgization of society

Our study aims to explore the history and impact of artificial intelligence on interactions of young people, examining how integrating AI technologies into everyday life influences self-perception and interpersonal interactions, ultimately transforming societal structures and relationships. The pervasive presence of AI in the lives of young people is reshaping social norms and identities, blurring the … Read more

Machine Perception and Imagination: The Intersection of AI and Creativity

Introduction In 1950, Alan Turing posed a fundamental question, “Can machines think?”. Our exploration aims to extend this quest by considering additional questions: can machines develop the higher-order thinking described, as described in Bloom’s taxonomy? Can they create, dream, or imagine? To understand imagination and machine creation, we first examine perception, i.e., the processes of … Read more

Blind Faith in A.I.

Setting the Scene In today’s digital landscape, our interactions are increasingly mediated by technology itself rather than as a medium for human communication. This shift creates an illusion of connectivity while fostering isolation, often trapping us in algorithm-driven echo chambers that reinforce our beliefs. Artificial intelligence now guides our lives, listening, learning, and providing information … Read more

Planetary Intelligence Manifesto

AI in the Anthropocene The architectural profession is currently at a critical juncture, faced with the dual challenges of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and the escalating climate crisis. Many architects harbour fears of obsolescence as AI’s capabilities expand, potentially automating tasks that traditionally require human expertise. This concern is not unfounded, as AI-driven tools increasingly … Read more

Automated Construction Through the Integration of BIM and Digital Twins

Digital twins or “digital replica” refer to a highly detailed virtual model of a physical building or infrastructure project, and through real-time monitoring the delivery of continuously updated data about systems and construction processes can be recorded within BIM. In a “House of Digital Twin”, the foundation of the house is Building Information Modeling (BIM), … Read more

Aggreculture: Integrative Modelling

Project Concept Aggreculture is a Mars colony architectural project focused on food production. The design concept is inspired by the way plant roots grow to find necessary nutrients within soil aggregate. Our project is unique in that it occupies a speculative Martian lava tube. By building in a lava tube, we use existing natural resources … Read more

ArchiSTICKture

Concept In this custom webapp, we seriously (and jokingly) consider and design for the non-human. While walking my dog, Lumen, and thinking about this project, I noticed how he always picks up a stick and brings it home. This brings him happiness and reason to behave while on our walks. In the spirit of thinking … Read more

The Role of AI in Connecting Architecture Data

3 Pocast Episodes with Immanuel Koh, Håvard Vasshaug, and Angelos Chonics Architects often face challenges when dealing with diverse data formats and the manual recreation of forms in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. These obstacles can result in time-consuming processes, errors, and discrepancies between design intentions and construction execution. AI tools such as LunchboxML, PlanFinder, … Read more

AI Powered BIM Workflows

Abstract Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing global industries, with the AEC sector being no exception. This study embarks on a comprehensive examination of AI’s role within Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, exploring its implications and envisioning the industry’s future post-AI integration. Initial Research Among the available AI aided BIM tools, we looked at the commonly used … Read more

Continuous workflow: Implementing BIM from planning to execution

Introduction BIM has long been established as a disruptive technology in the construction industry. It has significantly changed how we approach construction projects, making it possible to plan, manage, and execute projects more efficiently with digital models. Despite its potential, our experience is that the implementation of BIM into comprehensive processes and workflows involving multiple … Read more

Implementing BIM and 3D Printing Technology for Affordable & Sustainable Development in Third World Countries

•Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D Printing technologies offer a transformative potential in addressing housing challenges in third-world countries. BIM facilitates a comprehensive digital representation of construction projects, enhancing collaboration, reducing errors, and optimizing resources. In tandem, 3D Printing enables cost-effective and rapid construction, allowing for the creation of affordable and sustainable housing solutions. Together, … Read more

BIM as a part of smart data management in urban scale

“Building Information Modeling (BIM) in urban scale data management refers to the strategic integration of digital modeling techniques, for the thorough organization and oversight of urban infrastructure and services. This process entails crafting 3D models that encompass sets of data layers—including architectural, infrastructural, and environmental aspects—to streamline city planning, design, and operation.” The use of … Read more

From Data to the Physical: Prototyping Architecture in the Digital Age

PROBLEM STATEMENT The predominant usage of digital processes in the current practice of architecture. However, with the many positives there are known inherent and latent constraints (e.g., data encryption, cloud breaches, and copyright issues) and other possible complexities and challenges. THESIS STATEMENT To inquire the understanding of the adoption of digital processes in the practice … Read more

Machine Learning in Architectural Practice and BIM

We’ve witnessed a fascinating shift from conventional to computational approaches, responsive designs, and the era of automation. Machine Learning, a term buzzing everywhere these days, has made its mark in our industry as well. In architecture, ML, a subset of artificial intelligence, utilizes data to tackle challenges in computer-aided design by simulating various design alternatives … Read more

Better Data Frameworks: What Pixar Can Teach the AEC Industry

Challenge The available Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications in the AEC industry help create geometry and add meta-data. However, the files generated by this software are neither readable nor editable by any other application. Additionally, the metadata added to geometry lives as disconnected copies in several models. These issues lock AEC companies to particular software … Read more