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.

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

Closing the Loop – BIM for the Circular Economy

Exploring the role of BIM in the transition to a circular economy “a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated.” Initial findings Humanity stands on the precipice of runaway climate change and biodiversity collapse, current consumption exceeding six of the nine planetary boundaries. Today’s challenge is reducing consumption to sustainable levels and … 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

AI Integration in BIM Workflows

Project Statement : The integration of AI with Building Information Modeling (BIM) aims to overcome inefficiencies, communication gaps, and limited creativity in architecture. Using tools like Grasshopper, Dynamo, and Natural Language Processing alongside BIM standards, architects can automate tasks, enhance collaboration, and drive unprecedented efficiency and innovation in the industry. Thesis : Integrating AI with … Read more

BIM and the Sustainable development of affordable communities for informal settlements in Egypt

Abstract Informal settlements across all of Egypt are characterized by complex socio-economic situations aggravated by the immense size of the population and its rapid growth. As a result of lack of building regulations, extreme poverty and continuous need for expansion, the rise of uncontrolled informal settlements remains a significant challenge for Egypt. Our research explores … Read more

Becoming architect in the age of BIM

source: Beatriz Colomina & Mark Wigley: Are We Human? (vipergallery.org)

The Embedded, (or Empowered) Architect with Phillip Bernstein (interview date 08.03.2024)  and Kristen Broberg (interview date 11.03.2024) Topic: As disruptive technologies become increasingly integrated into the construction industry worldwide, the implications for architectural education systems will be significant. The rapid transformation on a global scale necessitates a reassessment of pedagogical approaches to ensure that both … Read more

BIM Based Asset Management and Life cycle Analysis

Different Approaches for extracting/Regeneration of BIM Data Different Approaches of BIM Data integration for Life Cycle Analysis BIM-Based Asset Management and Life Cycle Analysis involve utilizing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a scientific methodology for quantifying potential environmental impacts. In the realm of buildings, LCA is standardized by the European standard EN 15978. While this standard … Read more

The Future of Generative Design – Enhanced with BIM

The Tools In the world of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), designers have access to a plethora of tools, ideologies, and software to make their visions a reality. Within this vast space of options for designers to choose from, there are more specifically, tools that deal with Generative Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Software … Read more

Wildlife Museum – an Architectural Cocoon

Spanning across an expansive natural sanctuary in Pozzuoli, Italy, the site for our study was equally challenging and interesting. The valley-like topography was crowned by a lake in the middle. The programme of imagining a wildlife museum at this site prompted us to think outside the box, to incur minimum impact on the site while … Read more

Formfinding for Wildlife museum

The concept basically underlines the spatial arrangement of the museum. The path starts from the narrow entrance, leads to the main exhibition place with wide surface area and multifloor level. Further, the exhibition space has a large opening which faces the whole structure. The computational flow starts from assigning a polyline which illustrates the flow. … Read more

Timber Lattice System – A Tale of Cairo’s Rooftops

This research aims to explore the application of timber lattice systems on roofs in Cairo, Egypt. Before delving into the project itself, a thorough review of relevant references was essential for a better understanding of the system. The building analyzed was the Sunny Hills Cake Shop, designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates. Characterized by a … Read more

Hexagonal Segmented Timber Shell

Render of our proposal from outside

Structural System Description Segmented timber shells take advantage of the structural performance of double curved surfaces formed from hex-dominant panels. Traditionally these have been formed from concrete, but recent advances in engineered timber materials, parametric design and precision robotic fabrication have seen the development of this structural system in the last 10 years. Examples include … Read more

Timber Grid-shell

Our architectural focus centers around timber grid-shells as typology. Our examination encompasses the construction process, requisite joinery techniques, and a specific emphasis on location-dependent fabrication considerations. Our reference point, the Savill Garden, serves as a model from which we gain insights into their system, construction methodology, and the integration of edge beams with the shell. … Read more

Timber Kagome Structure

Kagome Timber Structure

We investigated the Nine Bridges Country Club by Shigeru Ban as a case study project and found appropiate similarites within the Kagome pattern manifested in Thai culture predominantly in the weavings of carriers and baskets. The site we are investigating is an abandoned Railway Network Factory and is located at the next to Makkasan Airport … Read more

Bamboo Bundling

Computational Process Flow for Bamboo Structure Computational Process Flow for Parametrization of Multiple Systems Structural Diagrams- Load Application and Structural Systems Other Bamboo Iterations Constructive Details and System Materialization Site Implementation MACRO SCALE Material Traceback Architectural Drawings 3D AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAM RENDERED IMAGES

Timber Weaving

Reference Project: Our research included several realized projects that are characterized by their innovative timber constructions: For our project we aimed to unite the monolithic integrity of the mosque and the clubhouse with the free forms of the Centre Pompidou to create a unique architectural identity. Project DescriptionWe decided on a project in ?skenderun, Turkey. … Read more

Architectural explorations of dendriforms

Concept From historic times, dendridorms have been used as architectural inspiration. At first, they were just used for aesthetics, but soon they were used as a prototype of biomimicry. Our study is based on one of such examples, where the biomechanics principles of minimizing energy expenditure have been used to minimize the path of load transfer, … Read more

Timber Lattice System

Adaptive and Modular Lattice Structure in Makoko, Lagos This project investigates a lattice topology constructed with timber elements. Through optimization and site selection a modular and adaptive system was generated for the chosen location. STATE OF THE ART The chosen reference projects emphasize on specific grid formations, element size and direction, density and interlocking joinery. … Read more

Voxelization via Truncated Tetrahedrons

The design concept is born from the path of exploration, which starts at the terrain, fluctuates on the site and lake, and ends at the terrain again. Along the path, the program nodes act as attractor points to the path, and allow the user the explore the nature. The program starts with the entrance, auditorium, … Read more

Wildlife Museum

The Concept Extinction plays an important role in the evolution of life because it opens opportunities for new species to emerge. The project represents the evolution of species starting from the see, then adapting and moving inland, and later taking to the sky. Form Finding and Iterations The form is derived from the main path … Read more

Timber Showroom in Trento, IT

Timber Showroom in Trento The Project investigates generative design approaches for optimizing timber construction Systems on both The Support’s level (Tree structure that distributes puncture forces and achieves wider spans) and the Slab’s level (generative Timber Slab reinforcement that follows the Principle Moment Lines generated from FE simulations on pre-given Supports). The objective of the … Read more

Modular Bamboo

Cusco Social Housing I Peru Bamboo, a fast-growing and renewable material, is often used in various construction applications due to its strength, durability, and sustainability. In a modular context, we are especially interested in creating a multiple-floor building with stacked bamboo structure. We focus on creating a building system which can be prefabricated and assembled … Read more