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 Starting Point: AI as a Faster Pencil When I first began this journey on October 9th, I approached AI tools primarily through the lens of efficiency. My initial focus was on faster modeling, optimization, and the ability to test more options in less time. To me, AI was a high-powered calculator—a tool applied after … Read more
In the early stages of learning, artificial intelligence was perceived primarily as a digital aid tools created to improve efficiency, accuracy, and coordination across different stages of a project. AI was largely understood as a decision-support system, particularly valuable during the early design phases, yet always positioned as secondary to human expertise and judgment. However, … Read more
Initial Perspective: AI as an Efficiency Tool At the beginning of the course, I viewed AI primarily as a means to enhance productivity. It appeared to be a practical instrument for automating routine tasks, such as refining designs or performing structural calculations. By minimizing errors, reducing time requirements, and lowering costs, AI could expedite project … Read more
In AEC, the purpose of AI is not to replace architects or engineers. The purpose is to improve decision-making and coordination, while keeping clear responsibility. In AEC, the purpose of AI is not to replace architects or engineers. The purpose is to improve decision-making and coordination, while keeping clear responsibility.AI can be seen as a … Read more
Middle east, 1067 AC scene 1: Long before the word algorithm existed, a woman draws lines in the send. She is not an architect. The word does not exist yet either. She is simply someone who must decide where people sleep when the river floods. She draws, erases, redraws.She listens to the wind.While She remembers … Read more
In the very first lecture of the theory class, AI was a scary, unpredictable tool for me. However, after deep thinking and various perspectives, it feels more like a “work buddy”. In this blog, I’d like to elaborate more on this shift in idea I had. Nowadays, in nearly every sector, people are scared of … 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
At the beginning of the semester, we were asked to reflect on the role of artificial intelligence in the AEC industry. Looking back, my answer then came from a much more limited understanding. Revisiting the question now, after a series of lectures, I realize that what has changed is not so much how much I … Read more
//MY INITIAL VIEW When I first began using AI-related tools in architecture and the built environment, I approached them primarily as a tool for efficiency. My focus was on faster modelling, optimization, and the ability to test more options in less time. AI, to me, was something applied after a design idea existed, a way … Read more
Semiocity — Semiotic-Aware Urban Image Generation This is part of the Academic work at Iaac Barcelona for the Master’s Program im Advance Computation for Architecture and Design 2024-2025 Repository for the Master Thesis “Semiocity: Generating Semiotic‑Enriched 3D Models from Text Inputs” Degree: Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture and Design (MaCAD), Institute for Advanced Architecture of … Read more
Introduction Empathy has been a cornerstone of human interaction throughout history, profoundly influencing personal relationships, societal dynamics, and professional environments. It has played a pivotal role in human development, serving as a fundamental skill for navigating complex social structures and fostering meaningful connections. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, questions arise … Read more
Abstract This project is a speculative and critical exploration of human-AI intimacy inspired by Spike Jonze’s film Her. The story of a man falling in love with his AI assistant prompts an urgent contemporary question: can current large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4o or LLaMA 3 convincingly simulate emotional intimacy? More importantly, what does … Read more
The Algorithmic Epoch Modern advertising was born out of propaganda techniques developed in World War I by Edward Bernays. He realized that by manipulating symbols and emotions, it was possible to shape mass behaviour, a concept that now forms the backbone of our algorithm-driven economy. The Internet, once heralded as a tool for global connection, … Read more
Framing the Dilemma: Access vs. Autonomy The Promise of AI for Inclusive Learning Artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to gain traction as a tool to bridge educational gaps for people with disabilities. AI-powered learning assistants – from chatbots to adaptive tutoring systems – have emerged as a promising solution to provide personalized support at scale … 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
Leveraging Advanced BIM Strategies for Complex Architectural Realization Contextual Framework – Traditional BIM workflows often struggle to accommodate the complex, fluid geometries characteristic of avant-garde architectural designs, creating a gap between conceptual vision and buildable reality. Key Insight – Customized BIM workflows incorporating AI, computational design, and bespoke coding can enable the realization of complex … Read more
