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.
“Technology is the answer, but what was the question?” Cedric Price, 1966 Data Becoming ART! This research investigates whether AI and BIM enhance architectural creativity or contribute to the standardization of design. It examines whether computational workflows expand the boundaries of architectural expression or gradually replace human intuition with optimized uniformity. The study further explores … Read more
A conversation with Jesper Wallgren Introduction In recent years, computational design and BIM workflows have become common tools in architectural practice. However, most of these tools remain confined to individual projects, often developed as internal scripts or one-off automation solutions to solve immediate design problems. While effective in improving efficiency within a project, these tools … Read more
The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is currently undergoing a major technological shift. We are witnessing a definitive transition from manual, labor-intensive site measurements to AI-driven scan-to-BIM workflows. The goal is clear: to unlock the digital potential of existing buildings by creating high-fidelity records that support more efficient design, engineering, and facility management. As … Read more
Monsoon Nest is a modular housing proposal for Bangkok that responds to monsoon rainfall, flooding, and high-density urban conditions. The project explores adaptable modules, elevated structures, and passive climate strategies to create resilient, community-oriented living environments in a tropical context. The design of Monsoon Nest is informed by four primary parameters: contextual environmental data, parametric … Read more
ABSTRACT The integration of generative AI into architecture is transforming early-stage design processes, particularly by enabling rapid and automated floorplan generation. These tools increase efficiency by exploring large design spaces and producing multiple layout options in a short time. However, current workflows struggle to integrate critical performative analyses such as daylight availability, thermal comfort, and … Read more
ABSTRACT Recent developments in generative artificial intelligence, particularly diffusion models such as Stable Diffusion and DALL·E, have enabled the creation of visually compelling architectural façades from text-based prompts. While these outputs are expressive and stylistically diverse, they remain fundamentally unstructured, lacking spatial intelligence, semantic clarity, and geometric editability. This limits their integration into architectural design … Read more
Simulate. Forecast. Outpace failure. Abstract AssetPulse is an advanced asset management simulation tool and synthetic data generator designed to optimize resource allocation, improve decision-making, and facilitate research through realistic scenario modeling. Building on a graph-based approach, AssetPulse models asset lifecycles, calculates remaining useful life (RUL), and applies business rules for budget planning, risk management, and … Read more
Nestled within IAAC’s Master of Advanced Computational Design program, our recent investigation of Graph Machine Learning (Graph ML) sought to reimagine how we perceive, evaluate, and improve architectural spaces. Our team of Andrea, Leila, Lennart, and Mahnoor worked on a courtyard prototype to create a seamless process that combines parametric modeling, semantic data interchange, and … Read more
In modern residential architecture, acoustic comfort is as vital as daylighting or thermal performance. In our latest studio research at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, Group 09 tackled the challenge of mapping and optimizing sound behavior in homes using graph-based machine-learning workflows. Over the next five minutes, you’ll discover how we combined city-scale … Read more
GWP-data enriched graphs Imagine being able to see the carbon footprint of a building, not after it’s built, but while it’s still a sketch. What if architects and engineers could get real-time sustainability feedback the moment they decide on a material or tweak a wall layout? That’s the vision behind Visual GWP. We combined Graph … Read more
+ Talking with Nicolas Catellier reveals how much of BIM’s evolution isn’t just about software, it’s about people. His journey from architect to educator, and from internal tutorials to a public platform, shows how valuable simplicity and clarity can be in a field often dominated by complexity. + What stood out most is his awareness … Read more
In the ever-evolving world of architecture, Hyper A is an exploration into the limits—and freedoms—of structural design. We, the Structure Team, consisting of Joaquin Broquedis and myself, Marco Durand, are excited to present the structural concept that supports not just a building, but a multi-neighborhood urban vision. This blog offers a deeper look into our … Read more
A Balance of living in a Hyper scale Concept Hyper-Buildings Have become a symbol of Dark and Dystopian living, where residences are in low living standards & disconnected from the world. Residential living in a hyper-building must balance high-density living with comfort, health, and amenities that can support and sustain inhabitants. The Residential Team aims … Read more
Introduction As the Data Team, we didn’t produce any geometry. Instead, we focused on creating a data infrastructure that enhances collaboration between all design teams. Our primary goal was to streamline information flow, validate data integrity, and provide meaningful metrics that inform the design process. The Birth of our Holistic Approach One of the tacit … Read more
THE ESSENCE OF ENSO Ensō, the Zen circle, represents one of the most fundamental principles in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. Traditionally drawn in a single, fluid brush stroke, it symbolizes: Complete Circle of Life)Main Unifying Theme: Like the Zen concept of ensō (the circle), the building embodies completeness through continuous cycles and perfect imperfection. Team … Read more
Industrial team dedicated to rethinking how we approach urban farming, renewable energy, and multifunctional infrastructure, is leading the charge. Their integrated workflow uses parametric modeling, automated data exchange, and business intelligence (Power BI dashboard) to optimize space usage and resource allocation in urban environments. In this post, we dive into a series of visuals that … Read more
