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# Karamba

“Fibernetics: Bridging Kinetic Architecture with Cybernetics for Adaptive Spatial Configurations”

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MAA-02 2023-2024

Abstract: Architectural space has been non responsive to the dynamic and changing nature of social interaction. Building on the history of responsive architecture, interactive design principles and technological developments in sensing, processing and actuation, the project proposes a new model that merges kinetic architecture and cybernetics. Creating adaptive configurations through automated kinetic architectural skeletons, employing … Read more

R-FIT

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MAA-02 2023-2024

“Framed by the environmental crisis and taking into account the thermal and structural inefficiency of the existing building stock, this thesis will be an exploration on architecturally and structurally meaningful elements, as plugin systems to address the need for retrofitting. The main objective is to provide alternatives of structural retrofitting methods by utilizing robotic fabrication … Read more

Timber Grid Shell- Exploration of double-curved beams

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MAA 2023-2024

Introduction In our project, we analyze a timber gridshell characterized by the use of doubly curved laminated timber beams. Inspired by the design of the Haesley Nine Bridges Clubhouse, we have integrated advanced computational and optimization methods such as form-finding, structural analysis, and multi-objective optimization. Our aim is to achieve a harmonious balance between the … Read more

Tree-Shaped Timber Structural System

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MaCAD 2023-2024

Architectural Concept Located in the northern part of Italy in Trento, famous for timber construction, our site is perched atop a cliff at the city’s highest point. We initiated our project by focusing on tree construction, leveraging the terrain to our advantage. Structural Design Explorations In our quest for the optimal structural form, we explored … Read more

???Bamboo bundle – Structural Analysis & Optimisation

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MaCAD 2023-2024

Introduction Nestled in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, this architectural Ecuador seeks to harness the sustainability and versatility of bamboo to create an innovative 2700 m² educational space. Encompassing vibrant classrooms, communal areas, and serene green spaces, the structure is both a sanctuary of knowledge and a beacon of ecological design. It invites students and … Read more

Kagome Timber Lattice – Structural Analysis

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MaCAD 2023-2024

Introduction The site we are investigating is an abandoned Railway Network Factory and is located at the next to Makkasan Airport Link Station in Bangkok, Thailand. Initited as part of studio, we are looking at utilising a timber lattice structure to host programmes (i.e open market, civic gathering area) within the spaces as a cultural … Read more

Minimal Surface Timber Gridshell – Structural Analysis

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MaCAD 2023-2024

In the dynamic field of structural design, efficiency has emerged as a central theme driving innovative solutions. Our recent venture in the structural design and optimization seminar delves into the intriguing concept of minimal surfaces applied to timber gridshell structures. But what exactly do we mean by minimal surfaces? Defined as shapes that require the … Read more

Segmental Timber Panel Shell Structural Analysis

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MaCAD 2023-2024

Tahsis BC Canada Our project is located in Tahsis, BC a former timber milling town that has become dilapidated since the closure of the sawmill in 2001, with a population decline of 90%. We aim to reinvigorate the town by providing access for tourism, attracted by the wildlife that has returned to the inlet since … Read more

Modular Bamboo – Massing Structural Analysis

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MaCAD 2023-2024

Introduction Bamboo is considered one of the oldest materials used in construction, it has been widely used throughout history by many civilizations. Naturally growing in tropical regions such as South America, Asia and Africa. In this proposal, we explore the potential of utilizing bamboo in a modular manner to create a social housing in the … Read more

Hygroscopic Timber Vaults

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MaCAD 2023-2024

Our project is an artisan market within a cultural centre in Srinagar, India. In our initial analysis of hygroscopic timber, we identified key factors influencing its behaviour. The bilayer structure, consisting of an active and a passive layer, allows panels to deform in response to moisture content changes. We also found a third locking layer … Read more

Structural Design for 3D Printing

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3DPA 2023-2024

Exploring Boundaries and Breaking Limits: A Glimpse into the Structural Design for 3D Printing Introduction In the inspiring journey through the 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) postgraduate program, we delved into the enigmatic world of structural design specific to 3D printing during our recent workshop. Grounded in the principles of architecture and pioneering the forefront of … Read more

Illuminating Earth

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3DPA 2023-2024

The TECHNE workshop of the 6th week was an exciting opportunity for 3DPA students to dive into the interaction between mass and lightness in earth-based construction.  Traditionally, when we think of buildings made from earth, we imagine thick, heavy walls that don’t let much light through. With the introduction of 3D printing technologies, combined with … Read more

Cats & Books

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MaCAD 2022-2023

From WFC to Graph ML WFC is an algorithm by Maxim Gumin using tile-based stochastic (random) aggregation. One of the most well known uses of WFC is the game Townscraper by Oskar Stalberg which is an indie town-builder game with 320k downloads. Lectures from Oskar Stalberg as well as YouTube videos form DV Gen are … Read more

DESIRE – DESIgn for REassembly

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MAA-01 2022-2023

Abstract The project’s purpose is to design two different proposals where bricks and timber if cross-section 45mmx90mm are used as materials for both constructions. A study of fabrication process, creating connections and ways of assembly-disassembly structures. Proposal A CONCEPTBrick and Timber Concept Design – V3 Digital Exploration Design objective: Use the same amount of material … Read more

Martian Playground // Studio

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MaCAD 2022-2023

Design Brief and Scope The purpose of this project is to design a colony on Mars to sustain life for 50 people with the possibility to expand to 300 people over time.  This specific projects revolves around the specific function of recreation. Site Detection and Analysis ChatGPT 3 is used to create a relative grading … Read more

Extended Reality (XR) for Fabrication and Assembly

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MaCAD 2022-2023

Link to Podcast Link to Transcript Extended Reality (XR) alters between R, VR, AR, and MR as required. It can be visualized through immersive goggles or any phone or tablet. Used by engineers and contractors for simple clash detection and checking on-site inventory, but there is also a new opportunity for architects to control advanced … Read more

Large Scale 3D-Printing Experience with WASP Crane: Log Entries from Construction Site

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3DPA 2022-2023

The use of large-scale 3D printing in construction has been on the rise in recent years, with many architects and builders experimenting with different techniques and technologies. One such project is the final project for the 3DPA postgraduate program at the IAAC Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, which utilized the WASP Crane for printing … Read more

ALGOSurfboards: how design drives performance

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MAA-02 2022-2023

Over the last decade, the surf industry has been rapidly expanding, as an increasing number of people worldwide are embracing the sport. However, despite the rising demand, traditional surfboard design approaches have yet to fully embrace the potential of tailored equipment that takes into account the unique needs and preferences of individual surfers. As a … Read more

1:1 Arched Vault Competition Proposal

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3DPA 2022-2023
Nader Akoum 3d Printing Architecture Clay

The competition proposal of a 1:1 3d printed arched clay vault should be characterized by feasibility in construction. To achieve feasibility, the design of the vault uses bended sheets of wood to carry arches, dwells on strong connections in the infills, and complies by site printing restrictions [4,500 meters of print length alongside a maximum … Read more

Fifth facade competition : Fiber supported cantilevers

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3DPA 2022-2023

Three symmetrical generative axes were considered that reach the top, meeting in the same origin. Altering parameters such as the distance between the base axis, the inclination reaching the top and the height of the top axes, the geometry is considered in a shape which is achieving a controlled inclination of the guide surfaces of … Read more

Peaceful parasites

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MaCAD 2022-2023

Historical data Peaceful parasites is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and addresses the urban scars created by the recent troubles. Deep rooted segregation has generated detrimental urban divides and this project aims to solve this problem. Historically, the troubles started in 1969 and subsides to some degree in 1998 with the ¨good friday agreement¨. 2023 … Read more

Car-Free Mixed Use Development – Structural Design

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MaCAD 2022-2023

Design Objective The project is located in Dallas, Texas which is the largest growing metropolitan region in the United States. We are proposing a residential and commercial development which will promote car-free living through its mixed use program. Design Solution The proposed solution is set on a 3m x 3m x 3m grid system for … Read more