During the first six months in the program, students are comprehensively trained in the principles of design and construction of advanced ecological buildings through a series of focused and intense modules, which include material production, thermal and metabolic building systems, ecological structures and façade systems and much more. After developing the necessary skills and a holistic understanding of advanced and ecological design, students collectively draft and build a full scale ecological building prototype.

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Designing for More Than Humans: Exploring Multispecies Futures in a Changing Climate

Among the topics explored in this course, Multispecies Design stood out as the most transformative and thought-provoking. It challenges the core assumption that humans are the sole users—or beneficiaries—of designed environments. Instead, it calls for recognizing other species as co-inhabitants and co-participants in shared spaces. This approach not only widens the ethical scope of design, … Read more

Eco-Intelligence: Vernacular Architecture

For this exercise, I found vernacular architecture to be the most interesting topic to dive further into. This predominantly came from the concept that whatever other newer forms of design are trying to achieve, vernacular architecture did it first, and sometimes better. Whether it be bio-design, multi-species design, etc., vernacular architecture always holds the characteristics … Read more

VeloVerd La Verneda: Urban Synthesis

Incorporating the principles of Industry 4.0, our architectural project redefines urban living by seamlessly integrating sustainable design strategies with advanced manufacturing techniques. With a focus on promoting bicycle culture and health, our industry manufactures bikes. In this module, we synthesised the previous modules into a holistic design. The design principles from thermodynamics, exosystemic structures, metabolic … Read more

Urban Synthesis| Resilient Envelopes | GAIA

GAIA Plot 1. About. Urban Synthesis | Resilient Envelopes This course explores the design and construction of modern and sustainable building envelopes. These envelopes must be strong yet adaptable, capable of being disassembled, transported, and reused with minimal energy consumption. They should also withstand various environmental elements like air, wind, sun, water, and temperature changes. … Read more

Proximity Food: Resilient Envelopes

In these workshop, we’re diving deep into the world of resilient building envelopes, showcasing how contemporary design can intertwine with sustainability. Our project is a testament to this, blending innovative materials like corrugated hemp panels, ceramic pots for plant growth and rainwater filtration, wood for balcony structures, and compressed earth blocks for thermal mass. Through … Read more

VeloVerd la Verneda: Thermodynamic Fabrications

Incorporating the principles of Industry 4.0, our architectural project redefines urban living by seamlessly integrating sustainable design strategies with advanced manufacturing techniques. With a focus on promoting bicycle culture and health, our industry manufactures bikes. We present a visionary housing project that integrates thermodynamic principles to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents while … Read more

Urban Alliance – Resilient Envelopes

The “Urban Alliance” is a mixed-use architectural design seamlessly integrating Industry 4.0 principles, featuring advanced photovoltaic production units. This visionary space harmoniously combines sustainable energy practices with residential and commercial areas, embodying a forward-thinking urban landscape that fosters eco-friendly living and innovative business practices. It exemplifies a holistic and tech-driven approach to urban planning. The project is … Read more

M16 // Ecological Intelligence

About. The Ecological Intelligence course focuses on teaching students about various aspects of designing the built environment in response to global climate change and the imperative to promote carbon neutrality, resource security, biodiversity, and ecological resilience, while also prioritizing human health and well-being. The Masters in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities aims to cultivate a … Read more

Urban Synthesis| Metabolic Systems: water| GAIA

GAIA Plot 1. About. Urban Synthesis | Metabolic Systems: water The goal of this course is to highlight the importance of implementing effective water management strategies early on in architectural projects, with a focus on minimizing ecological impact and enhancing infrastructure resilience. Throughout the course, students will explore innovative water management concepts and technologies that … Read more

Urban Synthesis| Thermodynamic Fabrication| GAIA

GAIA Plot 1. About. Urban Synthesis | Thermodynamic Fabrication The “Thermodynamic Fabrications” workshop explores how thermodynamics, ecology, and architecture intersect. It goes beyond just considering climate’s role in design and aims to blend both numbers and feelings in designing buildings. It focuses on aspects often ignored in sustainability lessons, linking daily life with architectural ideas. … Read more

AL HABIBITAT | Urban intervention

Aswan, Egypt being a desert city shows diurnal aspects of climate on a daily basis. The same also affects the day to day activity pattern of the community that adapts to the climate at any given time. This analysis indicates at a close relation between climate, people & their clothing & eventually it traces ahead … Read more