Reversing Ecosystem Degradation

MaCAD 23/24 // ACESD Theory Existing State of Urban Design In order to understand how to strive for successful ecological design practices, designers must first understand the problems that currently exist in the process of urban design. The current state of design tends to create distinct enclosures between both natural ecosystems and humans, with the … Read more

LIFECYCLE OF WOOD

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

Drivers of Construction and Deconstruction in Barcelona

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

Bricks | Circular Matter

Some of the Circular Matter course’s main objectives were for the students to understand the basics of the circular economy and to be able to map the material flows and their embodied carbon through the lifecycle while also being familiar of the environmental impact caused by our specified analyzed materials. Bricks were our chosen material … Read more

Construction – Prototype for Kibaha

Table of Contents Abstract Design Previous Research : LIGHT [ AIR ] Tova vs Kibaha Porosity Compositional grid for Kibaha prototype Technical Challenges Material Recyclability Foundation & Cast Overhangs Edges condition Mesh grids Offsets Approach curves & curve order Ventilation Conclusion Abstract The relatively low mechanical strength of earth means that its use in traditional … Read more

Shining Rebirth

Shining Rebirth is a project about the circular lives of float glass, aluminium frame and polycarbonate roofing. Related materials are taken from IAAC atelier, with numbers, dimensions and conditions properly analysed. Carbon footprint as each stage of life is calculated, with deconstruction steps properly considered. In order to propose a new life for these materials, … Read more

First step towards circular reconstruction. Damage assessment and material mapping of buildings in Ukraine through ground imagery processing.

An apartment building explodes after Russian army tank fire in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Intro Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which started on 24.02.2022, is the biggest war in Europe since WWII. It took the lives of dozens of thousands of Ukrainians and brought massive destruction [1] and ecological catastrophes. Some cities are completely erased. A massive piece of land is still occupied. This war and its consequences are … Read more

Xelajú-Digerible

El sistema alimentario como pilar estratégico para el desarrollo urbano de la zona 3, Quetzaltenango. Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. C.A El enfoque anteriormente abordado se centraba en la ecología y el cambio climático, exponiendo la situación actual de la ciudad de Quetzaltenango. Se identificaban los procesos alimentarios a través de la industria y cómo estas dinámicas contribuyen … Read more

PRODUCTIFICACIÓN: Un modelo urbano futurista en Zumpango. De la gentrificación a la productificación como estrategia de regeneración urbana.

En un contexto global caracterizado por el agotamiento de recursos naturales, el cambio climático y la creciente urbanización, se hace evidente la necesidad de buscar alternativas que promuevan la autosuficiencia y la resiliencia en las ciudades. Con este contexto, en el presente trabajo de investigación, se aborda una propuesta innovadora para repensar la forma en … Read more

Networking Tacarigua

Networking Tacarigua: Modelo de Ciudad en Redes Hidrográficas para Maracay, Venezuela Agua: Fuente de Vida, Problema Urbano El origen de toda la vida puede trazarse hacia el agua. Es un elemento indispensable para la subsistencia de todo organismo que habita el planeta tierra. Para la humanidad, el agua siempre ha estado presente, con la creación … Read more

Ciudad Vieja Comestible. Hacia un centro histórico regenerativo.

El casco histórico Ciudad Vieja actualmente cuenta con una gran cantidad de fincas abandonadas y baldíos, es necesario buscar nuevos caminos potenciales para su desarrollo. Ciudad Vieja Comestible busca la reactivación del centro histórico de Montevideo a partir de la alimentación. La alimentación como eje transversal al proyecto, como producción, como materia, como base económica, como … Read more

Environmental Asset Resilience

The Environmental Asset Resilience (EAR) Tool is a response to the pressing global challenge of environmental instability, particularly in urban areas. These areas face substantial costs associated with environmental problems and climate change. However, decision-making in addressing these issues is complicated by conflicting priorities, limited resources, and a lack of expertise. The EAR Project aims … Read more

EcoBrickscape

THESIS STATEMENT The objective of this thesis is to investigate the use of sawdust based biocomposite materials in the additive manufacturing of interlocking bricks. EcoBrickscape aims to develop a workflow that facilitates the generation of customizable shapes and infill designs that are optimal for interlocking and aggregating, enabling efficient fabrication and assembly. The study also … Read more