Workshop 3.1: Material Intelligence Workshop UAL@IAAC TEAM: IAAC Leonard Elias Böker | Carpenter/DesignerIAAC Janny Zhang | ArchitectureIAAC Elias El Asmar | ArchitectureIAAC Sam Holcombe | ArchitectureUFG Moritz Aigner | Design TechnologistUFG Christina Kraxberger | Architecture Material Intelligence is a cross-collaborative workshop between IAAC*, TALM** and Linz*** as part of a EU funded scheme, SCALExD: SCALExD … Read more
Every design decision has a structure. For the AI studio seminar, we built PermanenceOS , a structural intelligence platform that helps architects understand the consequences of early design decisions, before they get expensive to change. The Core Problem In early design, structural decisions get locked in fast and by the time the engineer is brought … Read more
Every great building begins as a small model and a messy desk Abstract As architects we spend hours making physical study models, cutting foam, assembling balsa, running the 3D printer. These models are essential, but the process is slow. Crafty Studio asks a simple question: “What if you could see your design as a physical … Read more
“ An AR-Driven Biomimetic Pavilion Generated Through Environmental Field Behavior “ Architectural pavilion design and fabrication often require complex digital workflows, technical expertise, and multiple visualization tools, making the process difficult for rapid concept development and real-world understanding. Designers also face challenges in translating organic, nature-inspired forms into fabrication-friendly structures. BIOMIMICRY PAVILIONS Organic Geometry Biomimicry … Read more
Reciprocal Frames Reciprocal frames are self-supporting 3D structures. They consist of three or more sloping beams arranged in a closed circuit. Each beam rests on the preceding one and supports the next, creating a completely interdependent grid. This design eliminates the need for a central pillar or column. Traditionally these frames were made of wood, … Read more
Abstract Morphologies of Shade explores the design of a computationally optimized pavilion for the rooftop of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) in Barcelona. The project responds to the environmental challenges of excessive solar exposure and strong wind conditions that limit the usability of the rooftop throughout the day. Inspired by natural canopy … Read more
Co-Respira focuses on the home’s most important space—a place to gather, relax, share moments, or spend time alone—while creating opportunities for different generations to coexist within the same environment. Responding to today’s housing challenges, including increasing density, social isolation, and the need for more sustainable living models, the project proposes a co-living approach that balances privacy … Read more
Structurally informed design strategy for reclaimed timber The first iteration explores the performance of an arched shaped beam and its related compression strategy.
Introduction — Intent Building a portal frame from reclaimed timber, focusing on splicing and shuffling techniques to adapt irregular pieces into a stable, structurally working system. Material Intelligence — Understanding the Stock Structural Logic — Portal Frame System Methodology — Overlay & Splice Strategy FABRICATION — Digital vs Physical The workflow was driven by existing … Read more
Site and Key Viewpoint Site and Key Viewpoint Core Project Keywords References FORM FINDING Final Form – Sketch Form Logic Variations and Catalog – Side Profile Form Finding Catalog Base Variation Catalog Convex concave Variation Catalogue Final Form – Levels OPENING & PLANTERS Opening’s Logic – Diamond Shape Opening’s Logics Catalog of Opening Opening Logic … Read more
This work investigates the structural potential of straw in its raw, unprocessed state — exploiting its natural wilderness and fibrous friction to build systems from its inherent properties. By coupling these material behaviors with robotic fabrication, the process becomes parameterized, enabling a vernacular material to be deployed within a precise and predictable architectural system. Introduction … Read more
Urban Quant is a data‑driven urban design tool delivering area and massing analyses for buildings and open spaces. It calculates Built‑Up Area (BUA), Gross Floor Area (GFA), service/core areas and building levels, integrating solar exposure and sun‑hour simulations. The platform converts regulatory, programmatic, contextual inputs into comparable scenarios, visualizations, and reports for architects. Area distribution … Read more
Problem Statement & Context Target User Proposed Solution How it works User Workflow Speckle Automation Demo Success criteria Limitations and future scope
Robotic Brickwork Disassembly & Reassembly Enabled by Spatial Artificial Intelligence In this blog post, we’re sharing the project we built during the IAAC 2026 Workshop 2.2 with the Augmented Fabrication Lab. Our main goal was to move beyond just designing on a computer and actually work with robots and smart sensors in the real world. … Read more
