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.
The Purpose of AI in the Age of Resource Scarcity Introduction: Redefining the Question The question “What is the purpose of AI in AEC?” often elicits a predictable response focused on speed. For years the industry has viewed Artificial Intelligence primarily as a mechanism for automation. It is seen as a faster way to produce … Read more
Introduction — Where My Interest Began My interest in AI and its application in the AEC industry started before this course. During the IAAC GSS, I worked on a study in Bogotá using GIS and image‑recognition tools to map sensory criticality in care-focused urban zones. What surprised me most was how accessible the process was. … Read more
“The Harbin Code“, designed by Muhammed Senin and Sushmitha Ravi, explores housing as a system-driven response to extreme cold climates. The project treats environmental performance, social interaction, and spatial flexibility as equally important design parameters, and is structured as a ‘building recipe’ that allows repeatable yet adaptable outcomes across the site. BUILDING RECIEP DESIGN STRATEGY … Read more
Introduction Group Async A, comprised of Charles Abi Chahine, Emilie El Chidiac, María Sánchez, and Lakzhmy Zaro, conducted an environmental analysis of a redevelopment project in Tokyo, Japan. We focused on a 19-hectare plot that was historically the site of the Tsukiji fish market. The Challenge of Dressing for TokyoAnyone who has visited Tokyo’s famous … 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
A Brief Introduction The site for Hyperbuilding-B is immediately adjacent to that of Hyperbuilding-A, which is nestled in the Minato Ward of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Minato is one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards and is known for being a major business, diplomatic and residential hub. It is heavily urbanised, with approximately 14,000 people per … Read more
Abstract The BIM scope of a project still has many ambiguities, challenges, and known difficulties related to internal and external politics and other human factors. Project stakeholders usually have overlapping but in most cases different interests, e.g. tendering consultants and contractors want clearer definitions to be able to minimize their risk when submitting an offer, … Read more
Project Concept This tool uses open source data to estimate a site’s Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and allows users to explore different volumetric configurations. It leverages modular units based on CLT Mass Timber for a flexible structural framework and incorporates solar angle data to optimize designs for sustainability and contextual responsiveness. Who is the End … Read more
BRIEF PROBLEM: Architectural design is a complex process that often involves repetitive tasks, human errors, and inefficiencies that can slow down workflows. While Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Autodesk Revit have significantly improved design and documentation processes, the absence of structured automation continues to limit optimization, particularly for architectural design firms. Many firms struggle … Read more
Hyper-B Residential team went through design concept, technical analyses, and integrated modeling process to create a detailed architectural documentation of four residential towers. In addition, the project covers various aspects including energy consumption, occupancy, and modular unit types. We approached this project with a goal that incorporates sustainable energy practices and efficient space planning with … Read more
The App The purpose of the app is to help Step 0 of designing a stadium. This is a complex subject, in fact FIFA has a 1300 page handbook capturing the explicit requirements for every aspects of the design, down to the finest details, which is driven by benchmarked operational needs. The scope of the … Read more
TRAVELNA is an innovative architectural design concept merging the subscription model of services like Netflix with Airbnb’s global accommodation network, tailored for solo travelers frequently moving across major cities worldwide. Subscribers gain access to a curated selection of high-quality apartments—ranging from studios to three-bedroom units—aligned with their chosen subscription tier. To ensure exclusivity and availability, … Read more
NeoCapsules Residence: A Vision for Modern Family Living Affordable design solution for families NeoCapsules, an innovative residential complex inspired by the Nakagin Tower concept, offers a dynamic and adaptable living environment that seamlessly integrates sustainability with an urban lifestyle. This innovative approach fosters growth, flexibility, and community interaction, making it more than just a building, … Read more
This project explores the relationship between Singapore’s tropical climate and architectural design. By analyzing climatic data—such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind patterns—we evaluated how a specific building shape interacts with the environment. Through computational tools, we simulated the building’s performance to address key challenges like heat gain and airflow. The results informed potential … Read more
Austin has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa), characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The city experiences long, hot summers and short, mild winters, with brief transitions in spring and fall. The climate data used in this analysis was obtained from: – Location: Austin-Mueller Municipal Airport, Texas, USA – Weather Station ID: 722540 … Read more
In the rapidly urbanizing landscape of Singapore, the demand for innovative urban planning solutions is paramount to accommodating the growing population while preserving the city-state’s unique cultural and environmental heritage. This project proposes an exploration of a playful design methodology to devise novel urban block typologies tailored to Singapore’s specific needs and constraints. This research … Read more
