Go Back

Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities

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.


Filtered (26)
Filters
Years
Term
Course
Tag
Show (26)
Cancel

Resilient Envelopes: The Adaptive Skin of N.E.S.T. Research Center

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

In the face of climate challenges, architecture is evolving beyond static walls into dynamic, responsive systems. The N.E.S.T. Research Center embodies this shift through its resilient envelope, an intelligent skin designed to regulate environmental conditions, harness energy, and enhance structural performance. Envelope Development: A Multi-Layered Approach The building envelope is developed across four distinct facades, each tailored to … Read more

Boutique CLT Factory

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

boutique /buːˈtiːk/ small, sophisticated, or fashionable business or establishment. The CLT Factory is a part of the course that focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the Entire timber transformation chain, Through the design of five interconnected programs, students will address the principles of circular construction, sustainability, and innovation, while exploring the relationship between large-scale … Read more

The Treeline – Sawmill Factory: Resilient Envelopes

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

The façade design emphasizes verticality, reinforcing a connection to the surrounding forest and the natural growth patterns of trees. Inspired by the structural grid of the waffle roof, this vertical rhythm is expressed through the cladding, creating a cohesive architectural language. The use of natural materials, particularly wood, highlights the building’s relationship with the sawmill’s … Read more

Timber V4ult: Resilient Envelopes

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

Objective To develop resilient, adaptable, and sustainable building envelopes that integrate active and passive design strategies, utilizing advanced ecological materials and systems to optimize energy efficiency, recyclability, and environmental responsiveness throughout their lifecycle. Location Case Studies Wind & Sun Path Analysis Solar Radiation Diagram Envelope Layer : Roof Pergolas Design Intent : Our pergolas were … Read more

BIOBASE(D)- Energy

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

BIOBASE(D) is a forest management and research center in the Pyrenees, dedicated to preventing forest fires through sustainable forestry and education. The building’s design responds to the local climate, highlights the potential of timber as a construction material, and offers visitors and staff a unique experience in this remarkable forest basecamp. Committed to sustainability and self-sufficiency, … Read more

Timber V4ult: Thermodynamic Fabrications

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

Objective – Initially understand local climatic patterns and develop climatically-adapted design strategies.-First design step: develop interior spatial and material strategies adapted to body demands.-Second design step: learn how program can be used from a thermodynamic perspective to generate heat sources and sinks.-Thirdly, develop external massing morphological and material strategies to interact with local sun wind … Read more

Bio Diverse City

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

In the article ‘Coral Reefs of the Land’ Madhusudan Katti suggests we reimagine our cities as coral reefs. Coral reefs correlate with tropical rainforests concerning their biological productivity. These dynamic marine metropolises accommodate diverse species. Conversely, our cities offer limited spaces for species to build habitats. Could cities embrace coexistence and invite more species to … Read more

Zero Waste Project | Resilient Envelopes

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

This module focused on developing an envelope for the building, enhancing its functional as well as aesthetic qualities. The building envelope is pivotal in enhancing a structure’s functionality and performance. A well-designed envelope minimizes heat transfer, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Effective insulation and air sealing maintain consistent indoor temperatures, ensuring occupants’ comfort … Read more

Zero Waste Project | Metabolic Building System: Energy

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

This module emphasized understanding and optimizing energy consumption and generation by building and utilizing various strategies. Calculating energy and power consumption per function per unit area for our projects was the first task of the course. In accordance with this mandate, we submitted suggestions on Sunny Design to assist in designing rooftop solar panels in … Read more

Proximity Food: Resilient Envelopes

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

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

Urban Alliance – Resilient Envelopes

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

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

Tetris Town: Thermodynamic Fabrications Workshop

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

To properly kick off the development of the Urban Synthesis project, researching and prototyping during the Thermodynamic Fabrications workshop ended up being both very fascinating and educational. For better understating of the relationship between the project’s building site and the forces of nature, namely, wind direction and sun path, we created a prototype of a … Read more

Urban Alliance: Metabolic Building Systems – Water

by

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 … Read more

Urban Alliance -Thermodynamic Fabrications

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

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 … Read more

THE NEST | Urban Intervention

by
MAEBB 2022-2023

The design began with the process of understanding the culture, the climate and the people of Accra, Ghana. The design is based in a tropical climate where the temperatures and the humidity are high. This design was then set in a Metaversal city that was a culmination of 6 sites from different regions of the … Read more