The Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities (MAEBB) postgraduate program is an 11-month immersive academic program focused on learning how to design and build a new generation of buildings and cities to respond to the planet’s emerging climate challenges. The program is carried out in Valldaura Labs, in Barcelona, a 135 He property located in the Collserola forest. Here, students will live and work surrounded by nature while using the most advanced technologies and design techniques in the pursuit of what is also IAAC’s long term initiative, to create self-sufficient and ecological environments.
Advanced manufacturing in architecture, engineering, and construction explores how digital design and fabrication technologies reshape the way buildings and components are conceived, produced, and assembled. By integrating robotic fabrication, additive and subtractive manufacturing, computer-aided design and production (CAD/CAM), and data-driven control systems, it enables more efficient, precise, and sustainable workflows.
The Advanced Manufacturing Thesis Cluster focuses on applied research linking design, materials, and fabrication. Students investigate new processes and products through iterative experimentation, material testing, and digital prototyping, aiming to demonstrate manufacturability, scalability, and environmental responsibility.
Combining computational design with hands-on fabrication, the cluster fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking. Its goal is to bridge the gap between digital innovation and construction reality, preparing a new generation of architects and designers capable of leading sustainable transformation in the built environment.
The second year of the Master represents a shift from guided studio work to self-directed research. Students in the Advanced Manufacturing Thesis Cluster are expected to define their own research agendas while developing expertise in the following key areas.
First Term - Framing & Direction
During the first term, students will define the framework of their research: state of the art, research question, scope, and early material or technological focus. The goal is to build a clear research hypothesis and validate its feasibility through initial mockups or exploratory prototypes.
Session 1 - Introduction to the Thesis Cluster
Students introduce their background, interests, and thesis abstracts. Group discussion focuses on shared themes, fabrication technologies, and research direction.
Session 2 - State of the Art & Research Framing
Students present their analysis of the state of the art, identifying research gaps, challenges, and potential opportunities. The aim is to formulate clear research questions and early experiment plans.
Session 3 - Methodology & Early Prototyping
One-on-one and group discussions focused on refining research methodology, CAD/CAM strategies, and the first physical tests or simulations.
Session 4 - Prototype Feedback & Iteration
Students present early prototypes or material mockups. Discussion focuses on design feasibility, material behaviour, and manufacturability.
Session 5 - First Term Final Presentation
Students present a coherent research framing, validated design direction, and preliminary prototypes establishing the foundation for the next term.
Second Term - Prototyping & Validation
This term focuses on prototyping and testing the proposed design system or components. Students are expected to iterate through several design-fabrication-evaluation loops, refining their MVP (minimum viable product) and documenting findings through data and performance analysis.
Session 1 - Prototype Plan & Initial Experiments
Discussion on the immediate next steps for prototyping, definition of testing protocols, and refinement of fabrication strategies.
Session 2 - MVP Development I
Students work in progress review: toolpath strategies, material calibration, and early performance data.
Session 3 - MVP Development II
Ongoing evaluation of experimental data and design iterations. Feedback on process efficiency, precision, and repeatability.
Session 4 - MVP Validation
Presentation of refined prototypes and validation results. Discussion of scalability and improvements for the next development cycle.
Session 5 - Second Term Final Presentation
Presentation of the consolidated MVP and testing outcomes, defining the roadmap for scaling, integration, and industry relevance in the final term.
Third Term - Scale, Transfer & Impact
The third term concentrates on scaling the prototype or process, testing its real-world feasibility, and positioning it within relevant architectural or industrial contexts. The focus is on transferability, environmental impact, and design implications at full scale.
Session 1 - Scaling Plan & Industry Alignment
Students present the proposed strategy for scaling up their prototypes and initial identification of potential industrial or architectural applications.
Session 2 - Development & Technical Integration
In-depth discussion on technical details, assembly systems, and performance testing at scale.
Session 3 - Pre-Final Review
Progress presentation of near-final prototypes and industry alignment. Feedback focuses on readiness for final delivery.
Session 4 - Final Preparations
Final adjustments, refinement of documentation, and consolidation of the final presentation.
Session 5 - Final Thesis Presentation
Comprehensive presentation of research outcomes, scaled prototypes, and potential industrial or architectural applications. Students conclude with a reflection on future research directions and impact.
view Syllabus & Faculty
Thermodynamic invariants as architectural constraints on machine learning for recycled-aggregate mix design Santhosh Shyamsundar · MAEBB02 · Valldaura Labs, IAAC · 2024–2026 The micro-scale matter the kernel’s thermodynamics, transport, and strength engines must keep mutually consistent. SEM image after Kafedra434, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0), recoloured by the author. An irreversible material under a reversible … Read more
