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.
The Ecological Intelligence course equips students with the skills to understand, apply, analyze, and critically evaluate key terminologies, scientific advancements, and socio-cultural perspectives related to the design and construction of the built environment, especially in the context of global climate change. Ecological intelligence is the ability to understand and navigate the complex relationships between living systems and their environments. It involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all elements both natural and man-made, as well as considering the broader impacts of our decisions. This form of intelligence goes beyond simple cause and effect, embracing the intricate networks and interdependencies that shape ecosystems. By cultivating ecological intelligence, we can make more informed choices that promote sustainability, foster resilience, and ensure a harmonious balance between human activity and the planet’s health.
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“The vernacular has always embodied a kind of instinctive ecological intelligence — evolving over time with a sensitivity to resources, energy, and context.” – Dr. Ahmet Eyüce As architecture continues to scale upward, streamline processes, and globalize its language, I find myself drawn to the quiet wisdom of vernacular architecture — the kind that emerges … Read more
As the urgency of the climate crisis pushes designers to reimagine their roles and tools, biodesign steps in as a frontier? More than just drawing inspiration from nature, biodesign involves working with living systems—fungi, algae, bacteria, roots—to grow materials and shape forms in ways that align with ecological processes. It reflects a deepening desire to … Read more
