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.
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
This blog describes and showcases the second-term research and prototyping for Bionook. Research Topic: Investigating the Synergistic Potential Between Additive Manufacturing Methods and Engineered Timber in Reshaping Urban Design Paradigms. This research delves into precisely integrating sawdust and orange peels as industrial by-product additives for Soil Additive Manufacturing and locally sourced Engineered Timber, synergizing them … Read more
// naal : [sanskrit] Umbilical Cord: a connecting element between humans and surroundings and going back to the roots in order to learn from the traditional architecture and adapting the architectural practice back to it. || “Humans : a component of the ecosystem?” || For thousands of years, man seeked shelter under trees or in … Read more
RESEARCH QUESTIONHow can the inherency of materials found in a specific region facilitate the construction of a building element designed and made uniquely for the climate it is being used in and subsequently reduce carbon emissions? Introduction “Everything we design is a response to the specific climate and the culture of a particular place.” -Norman … Read more
The primary objective of the water management strategy employed in this project is to reduce the water usage of both the building occupants (including residents and industrial users) to a minimum level. One straightforward method for reducing water consumption involves implementing the following measures. By setting a baseline for the overall water consumption in residential … Read more
In the face of the climate crisis, the role of energy systems in building design has come under increasingly scrutiny. Buildings are not only significant energy consumers but also major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. As we grapple with rising global temperatures and rising urbanization, the focus on creating energy efficient buildings which rely on clean, … Read more
Research Topic:How can a system of modular units embedded with the ability to connect through a combination of joineries achieve a wide range of reciprocal forms, flexibility in design, and a simplified construction process? Keywords: design flexibility, reciprocal structures, interlocking joineries, efficient construction, modularity.The tectonics of parametric architecture using timber primarily stem from two processes: … Read more
Starting with my master’s thesis, my primary objective was to delve into the realm of sustainable materials. Throughout my first year, I immersed myself in the study of timber assemblies, intrigued by their potential contribution to environmentally conscious construction practices. Researching concepts such as the circular economy and cradle-to-grave analysis, I gained a deeper appreciation … Read more
Plot 2 – Proximity Food combines food production & residencies. Greenhouses split residential buildings, providing residents with access to growing spaces to be used for food self-sufficiency throughout the year. The industrial level includes a variety of food industries – including hydroponic farming, food R&D labs and urban food forests. Water is a crucial part of … Read more
Barcelona is actively seeking to develop a more sustainable food system for its residents. The aim is to green its municipal food markets by reducing the distances from which the food is sourced. This initiative has been labeled by the city of Barcelona as “Proximity Food”. We co-opt this title to emphasize our project’s importance … Read more
Sant Adrià de Besòs is a municipality conurbated to Barcelona. For the past decades, the city has faced a transformation in its spatial organization and uses. The high demand for housing along with an industry that already has no space in urban centers created a challenge, which is the key of the project. In order … Read more
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
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 understood the different parts of the building, focusing on how their structures work and are interconnected. … Read more
As part of the media project class, we received tools for presenting architectural projects in a more interesting and convincing manner. We experimented with two types of media: a documentary-style video based on interviews and rendering using Lumion. We practiced these tools on our semester project, Echo House, which focuses on the combination of housing … Read more
Two ways of sustainable energy harvesting will be implemented in the building, primary method is using PV panels, second, more experimental, transforming sound vibrations into energy via piezoelectric barriers. Two types of solar panels will be implemented in the building, first (on the left) as means of primary energy source, second (on the right) as … Read more
The envelope of the building serves as a multifaceted entity, acting as a secondary skin that embodies both functionality and aesthetics. At ground level, it harnesses the ambient sound of the street, converting it into energy, while higher up, a dynamic string facade adorned with greenery serves as both a sound absorber and a solar … Read more
A musical, industrial & residential, advanced ECHOlogical project In response to the shifting dynamics of urban industry and the evolving needs of contemporary cities, the architectural proposal seeks to reimagine the industrial landscape through the lens of music. By integrating elements of musical expression and creativity, the design aims to transform the Verneda neighborhood into a … Read more
Climate of Barcelona A long-term climatological analysis was conducted using historical weather data to identify and compare trends in rainfall and temperature over a period of more than two centuries. This type of study is valuable for understanding the local effects of climate change, observing weather pattern consistency or changes, and aiding in the development … Read more
Welcome to our structural project, a testament to our commitment to holistic urban development and innovation. At its core, our project seeks to integrate seamlessly with the city, serving as a cornerstone for community development. Through lush green areas and vibrant public spaces, we aim to foster a profound sense of community and connection with … Read more
About. Project media | The course proposes examining the dynamic between individual designers and the collectives they serve, positioning designers as advocates for impactful change. Through personal narrative development and collective campaigning strategies, the course aims to empower designers to influence the built environment positively. It focuses on developing both conceptual and practical skills necessary … Read more
Current Overview Transport is the world’s second-fastest-growing source of GHG emissions after industry. In 2021, the transportation sector was responsible for 14 % of direct global GHG emissions, emitting approximately 8.1 GtCO2. In order to reduce CO2 emissions and meet Paris-aligned targets, some changes in this sector will be required. Generally speaking, services, jobs, and … Read more
This module marks the culmination of the design project. In order to demonstrate that industry and residential areas can coexist, benefit from one another, and have a positive environmental impact, they were combined. The idea of combining residential areas with recycling businesses illustrates how waste management and sustainable living are mutually beneficial. Such a model … Read more
