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.
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
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
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
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
GAIA Plot 1. About. Urban Synthesis | Metabolic Systems: Energy In this module, you’ll delve into the fundamentals of energy and power systems within buildings, exploring the various components involved. You’ll gain insight into user energy consumption patterns and have the opportunity to develop a personalized energy use case for your projects. A significant focus … Read more
This blog summarizes section 2 (Power) of the book State of Climate Action 2023 with an illustration. The graphic illustrates the energy transitions required to achieve the immense task of preventing global warming beyond the 1.5-degree mark as called for in the Paris Agreement. We have represented the imaginary city of 2050, having reached the … Read more
As a complement to deep and rapid emission reductions, all pathways that limit global warming to 1.5°C also rely on carbon dioxide removal, including nature-based approaches and technological carbon removal methods. These approaches are needed to remove excess CO2 in the atmosphere to stay within the carbon budget available for limiting the temperature rise to … Read more
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
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
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
GAIA Plot 1. About. off-site to precise specifications, reducing on-site construction time and labor costs. Prefabrication also minimizes waste and disruption at the construction site, leading to faster project completion and improved construction efficiency.
AGENDA The objective of this course was to design elements for the upcoming exhibition Macquina Climatica, in Parque de la Ciutadella, renovated to serve as an exhibition space; this historic precursor to the emerging paradigm of urban agriculture is currently under construction. For this course, our group was assigned to design a table 4.5m long … Read more
Abstract In response to urgent carbon mitigation challenges and biodiversity loss, a paradigm shift toward manufacturing symbiosis and circular bio-economy is crucial for ecologically sensitive design in urban ecosystems. This study explores the transformative potential of a 3D-printed urban Bionook, incorporating layers of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) with a natural-locally sourced soil admixture, to enhance strength, … Read more
Deconstruction involves the systematic dismantling of buildings to recover valuable materials such as wood, metal, glass, and concrete. This approach prioritizes the preservation of materials for reuse, recycling, or upcycling, diverting a substantial amount of waste from landfills. The extracted materials form the basis of material banks, which act as repositories for salvaged construction elements. … Read more
2023: Barcelona is navigating a dynamic landscape of construction and deconstruction, thus enhancing its appeal as a global tourist destination, provide quality educational opportunities, and create diverse job prospects. The city’s commitment to sustainability and the careful management of its growth underscore its dedication to fostering a harmonious relationship between development and heritage preservation. 2030: … Read more
