TERRANOVA: Organic Waste to Ecological Wealth
Located in the quiet community of Sant Adria De Besos lies the Besos Power Station. This waste to energy power plant is responsible for providing power to over 10 municipalities of Spain and takes care of nearly half of the waste that comes into Barcelona. While this factory proves to be highly effective, several negative … Read more
Collaborative Design Studio – Kindergarten
The Site We worked with the Kindergarten at Colegi Mare de Déu dels Angels in La Sagrera neighborhood Barcelona. This historic school has educated generations of students over nearly the past one hundred years, this year the school decided to bring in IAAC to develop playground structures to improve the exposed brick terraces where the … Read more
BACK TO ZERO
NARRATIVE Back to Zero is a regenerative concept that targets oil refineries and other aging infrastructures that pollute our world. The narrative is inspired from the “skin in the game” concept, and calculates lifetime co2 emissions for high emitting “hosts”, which then becomes a target for that same “host” to sequester through the carbon sequestration … Read more
El nacimiento de la ciudad nube y la Memoria del Agua
“Imaginemos un mundo donde las nubes no solo son un sueño, sino una realidad habitable, donde coexistimos con la atmósfera y regeneramos el planeta.” Tomás Saraceno Preludio Las ciudades latinoamericanas han crecido históricamente en desequilibrio con su entorno natural, enfrentando problemas como el crecimiento desordenado, la degradación ambiental y la crisis climática global. Ante estos … Read more
Directional Strength: Glulam Components in Force-Responsive Design
This research explores the optimization of glulam in architectural design by aligning material grading and grain orientation with force trajectories. Combining glulam offcuts and higher-grade timber, the study minimizes waste while maximizing structural efficiency. Computational workflows and generative algorithms are used to design force-aligned components for scalable applications. Prototypes demonstrate enhanced performance and sustainability, offering … Read more
BIO-DIGITAL HYBRID
The project aims to addresses 3 key problems, by creating a system that brings together anthropogenic mass and bio-mass, sequesters carbon and purifies the air within it’s immediate context. The project is envisioned as an adaptive system, that can be aligned towards solving different problems through biological and digitally integrated structures that can impact it’s … Read more
Transient Plastics
The plastic crisis has reached staggering proportions. If all the plastic waste on Earth were laid out, it would be enough to cover the entire surface of Argentina ankle-deep. Every year, we produce 300 million tons of plastic globally. Yet only 10% remains in use, while more than 80% is discarded. Of this discarded plastic, … Read more
ROOTED ECO-SCAPES
An exploration of Root Architecture and Material Study By uniting Ecological Restoration techniques with an adaptable architectural system, this project envisions a scalable, self-sustaining model that harmonises with natural ecosystems. Although the approach is contextualised within specific urban challenges, it offers a flexible framework adaptable to various environmental conditions and site-specific needs, ensuring its broader … Read more
Optoppen (City above the city )
AIM The housing crisis in Spain stems from rising prices, stagnant construction, and growing demand, leaving many unable to afford housing, highlighting the need for urgent, sustainable solutions. Spain Time line of the Housing crisis Long Term trend Housing crisis AFFORDABLE HOUSING by 2035 Material comparison Homeless people Data Site documentation Typology – I Joint … Read more
Collaborative Design Studio: Colegi Mare de Déu dels Angels Primary School
LIANA – a nature-inspired play structure that reimagines traditional playground design for primary school children. Drawing from the organic forms, LIANA blends architectural innovation with playfulness to encourage exploration, creativity, and physical activity. Introduction Located in La Sagrera, Barcelona, nestled within the dense urban fabric, is the Colegi Mare De Deu dels Angels primary school … Read more
Intelligent Prototyping using Robot & Arduino
Intelligent Prototyping: Robotics and Micro-controllers
The work presented in this blog post is an approach combining Robotics and Microcontrollers as preparation for a main Research Studio project focused on sustainable facades and environmental guidelines. This represents our first steps in exploring these fields and their connections with Artificial Intelligence in Architecture and the Built Environment. In the Robotics domain, the … Read more
First Steps into Fabrication
In the first phase of the discipline of Collaborative Design Studio, our group reimagined the rooftop playground of the primary school of Colegi Mare De Deu dels Angels in Barcelona, focusing on enhancing the children’s well-being. Through site visits, movement mapping, and participatory workshops with students, parents, and teachers, we identified key needs such as … Read more
Computational Design Seminar: Truchet wall
Truchet tiles are a type of square tile with a pattern on each of its four sides. What makes them dynamic is that they can be arranged in a grid-like pattern, and each tile’s orientation can be rotated independently. This results in a constantly changing pattern, as the tiles can be rearranged and rotated to … Read more
Design and Fabrication 1 Trimester
The excitement was immense after nearly two weeks of living in Valldaura, as we were finally about to use the Fablab and all its machines. However, the excitement dimmed slightly when we learned that the CNC machine wouldn’t be operational for at least a month. This meant we wouldn’t be able to produce our stool … Read more
