Go Back

Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities 01

During the first six months in the program, students are comprehensively trained in the principles of design and construction of advanced ecological buildings through a series of focused and intense modules, which include material production, thermal and metabolic building systems, ecological structures and façade systems and much more. After developing the necessary skills and a holistic understanding of advanced and ecological design, students collectively draft and build a full scale ecological building prototype.

Filtered (47)
Filters
Years
Term
Course
Tag
Show (47)
Cancel

Designing for More Than Humans: Exploring Multispecies Futures in a Changing Climate

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

Among the topics explored in this course, Multispecies Design stood out as the most transformative and thought-provoking. It challenges the core assumption that humans are the sole users—or beneficiaries—of designed environments. Instead, it calls for recognizing other species as co-inhabitants and co-participants in shared spaces. This approach not only widens the ethical scope of design, … Read more

Opportunities and Gaps in Climate Adaptation & Mitigation

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

In today’s climate-conscious world, industries and governments alike are actively aligning their strategies toward climate adaptation and mitigation. The urgency of the climate crisis has unified efforts across disciplines, yet many responses tend to focus on highly specific, niche areas of research and intervention. While such targeted approaches are undoubtedly valuable, they often risk overlooking … Read more

Ecological Intelligence – Adaptation and Mitigation

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

ADAPTING AND MITIGATING: THE FOUNDATIONS OF ECOLOGICAL DESIGN For my ecological intelligence mapping activity, I chose to focus on the theme of Adaptation vs. Mitigation. I was drawn to this topic because it feels like the backbone of all ecological thinking. Before we can dive into innovative materials, multispecies interactions, or green cities, we first need … Read more

Eco-Intelligence: Vernacular Architecture

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

For this exercise, I found vernacular architecture to be the most interesting topic to dive further into. This predominantly came from the concept that whatever other newer forms of design are trying to achieve, vernacular architecture did it first, and sometimes better. Whether it be bio-design, multi-species design, etc., vernacular architecture always holds the characteristics … 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

Timber V4ult: Metabolic Building Systems – Energy

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

We are developing an innovative mixed use project in the Sant Adria de Besos area of Barcelona, the project will hose a modular wood building factory with offices and two floors of residential units as well as public green space. The project represents Besos’ transition from an old industrial area into a cutting edge neighborhood … Read more

Water Management for a CLT factory

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

The boutique CLT Factory in Solsona consists of a large 40.000sqm factory volume and a tarraced roof that accommodates offices, amenities, green spaces and the covered living area. Within the context of Catalonia that has been grappling with severe drought conditions over the past few years, leading to significant water scarcity issues, a special focus … Read more

BIOBASE(D) – Ecosystemic Structures

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—especially its structure—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. CONCEPT Location The building … Read more

Thermodynamic Fabrications for a CLT Factory

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

Project Located in Solsona, Spain, near the Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya. Situated at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, the site experiences a continental hinterland climate, characterized by cold winters, hot summers, and significant temperature variations between day and night. Rainfall is moderate, with drier summers and wetter autumns. … Read more

Bridging comfort, affecting the environment

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

McKenzie Wark, during the chapter “Adventures in Third Nature” of the book “New Geographies #9” uses her own family vacation as a sociological observation study to address the distantiation between humanity and nature. Everything built that shapes the natural environment and promotes comfort for mankind is part of the so-called “second nature”, like the own … Read more

Ecological Intelligence 1. Trimester 2024/25

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

In our seminar with Michael Salka and Mariano Gomez Luque, we explored the meaning of ecology and the multifaceted challenges of sustainability, materiality and humanity’s relationship with the planet. Over eight weeks, we delved into two distinct but deeply connected approaches to build with ecological thinking and addressing climate change as well as envisioning a … Read more

Redefining the Urban

by
MAEBB 2024-2025

MICRO-ESSAY BY REUBEN DIAMOND “ A new conceptual lexicon must be created for identifying the wide variety of urbanisation processes that are currently reshaping the urban world” (“Planetary Urbanization,” Brenner, N., & Schmid, C., p. 13) BOUNDARIES DISSOLVED As planetary urbanization reconfigures social, economic, and spatial relations, the traditional frameworks of urban studies encounter profound … Read more

Proximity Food: Metabolic Building Systems – Energy

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

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

Proximity Food: Metabolic Building Systems – Water

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

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

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: Water

by
MAEBB 2023-2024

This module emphasized understanding and optimizing water consumption by building and utilizing various strategies to improve it. Firstly, we calculated the water consumption of the building. After accounting for the intensive housing system’s average, we arrived at a daily total of 54,051 L used by the building in its entirety. We calculated the consumption for … Read more