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 Hyper-B Residential Team final assignment of Collaborative workflows seminar Cover the internal collaboration with in the team and cross team interaction that we had with other teams of Hyper-B. Throughout the term the team worked on the development of living spaces for future residences of the tower. Residential overall role was to create Residential … Read more
_Architecture Inspired by Ensō: Unity Through Cycles At the heart of The Vertical Machine lies a philosophical foundation. Borrowing from the Zen concept of ensō, the circle that symbolizes the beauty of incompleteness and the continuity of cycles, the project embraces imperfection and transformation. Just as an ensō is drawn in a single fluid stroke, … 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
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
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
Data Our goal was to create a city within a city, an organism that operates 24/7, where functions overlap and change throughout the day based on residents’ needs. Each of the eight specific neighborhoods has spaces dedicated to changing functions. A key performance indicator (KPI) we used is the occupancy efficiency formula, measuring how effectively spaces are utilized over 24 … 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
This project was developed as part of the Collaborative Workflows course, which ran in parallel to our main Studio project. In the Studio, we worked in teams to design a Hyper Building—a complex, multi-neighborhood architectural system. As the Structural Team, our responsibility was to design and coordinate the structural system supporting the building. The Collaborative … Read more
Introduction Welcome to an exploration of Hyperbuilding B’s structural innovations, brought to life by our dedicated structural team—Erva, Renuka, and Ernesto. Our journey was guided by Japanese design philosophies, advanced structural strategies, and meticulous collaboration with the design teams. This blog delves into our approach, workflow, and key performance metrics that shaped the Hyperbuilding B’s … Read more
Project Statement For our Collaborative assignment, we created a Slackbot that sends teams weekly or daily updates on their metric health and an abbreviated summary of the project. Project Context The Data Team was responsible for the management of data flow and organization throughout the process, ensuring other teams could navigate through the dashboard and … Read more
PROJECT OVERVIEW We applied 3D space syntax to distribute functions within each neighborhood based on distance and spatial requirements. Using Voronoi-based massing in collaboration with the Structure Team and macro adjacency matrices, we introduced eight neighborhoods within a 1km² building, creating a 24/7 active “city within a city.” These neighborhoods were refined with the Facade … Read more
Our BIMSC studio project centers on designing a ‘hyperbuilding’ in Tokyo’s Minato Ward—a self-sustaining development that integrates closed-loop ecological systems like on-site food production, photovoltaic energy generation, and industrial modules. The building includes mixed-use zones for amenities, services, and commerce, all anchored by a transit hub built into a podium above Shinagawa Station, supporting the … Read more
Redefining BIM Boundaries: Creativity and Flexibility in Conceptual Design In the latest episode of the MaCAD BIMSC Theory Podcast Series, part of the BIM and Smart Construction module at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), host Aleyna Kırcalı sat down with Dr. Tahir Akkoyunlu, an esteemed BIM expert and academic, to discuss the … Read more
Collaborative Workflows and Techniques for Façade Design . We explored both internal and external collaboration strategies with all design teams at HYPER A. Our team focused on three key areas: adaptive façades, energy efficiency, and smart architectural systems. To guide our design process, we established clear performance metrics, including Daylight Factor, Panelization strategies, and Energy … Read more
App Description The Shoji Studio app is a user-friendly platform that allows users to design and customize their own Japanese-style wall partition panels. With this app, users can choose the size of their panel by selecting the number of modules needed – each module is 30x30cm, allowing for precise control over both length and height. … Read more
Introduction Sustainability is no longer optional in architecture, yet translating ecological principles into measurable, data-driven design remains a challenge. NEXT’s use of computational tools demonstrates how these workflows can enhance energy efficiency, resource optimization, and ecological integration, but widespread adoption requires overcoming barriers. This research will explore how NEXT Architects applies digital tools to improve … Read more
