Emotion Reader: Responsive art Installation

Introduction In the realm of architecture and art, installations serve as powerful mediums to explore the intersection of technology, human emotion, and design. Our project reimagines the relationship between viewers and spaces by creating an interactive structure that reacts dynamically to human presence and emotions. Combining hardware, software, and creative ingenuity, we designed a responsive … Read more

HAND CRAFT TRANSCRIBER

github: https://github.com/intellection-mrac/tres_mosqueteros.git 1. Intro When we think of craftsmanship, we imagine a world of deep expertise—one that is developed differently from the academic theories taught in universities. Craftspeople spend years under the guidance of masters, becoming part of a lineage that passes down specialized knowledge honed through time and experience. This process is more than … Read more

YAKISUGI.TORCH

Github : https://github.com/MRAC-IAAC/YAKISUGI.TORCH Overview This project combines a thermal camera and an ESP32 to capture and analyze thermal data and distance measurements. It was developed as part of the YAKISUGI Torch Project, a system designed to optimize and standardize the traditional Japanese wood-burning technique for enhanced durability, pest resistance, and waterproofing. About the YAKISUGI Method: The YAKISUGI … Read more

Studio I_Anatomy of a Machine: Spill _ FLOWPRESS

Introduction This seminar invites students to explore making custom made spillers controlled by Arduino and a 6-axes robotic arm in order to paint spills on canvas with black acrylic paint. Context   Recently we have clearly observed immense changes in production, prototyping, and innovation that has been influenced by open source software, firmware and hardware. Human … Read more

Air-Guard Pro

Safeguarding your air, one breath at a time Project by Saad Khan Introduction In Self sufficient building studio, we were instructed to take an old, functional electronic object and customize it to affect the climate on a micro scale and positive note using arduino circuitry and its components. The electronic object selected for this project … Read more

SITE SENSE

CONTEXT Every year, there is about $10 trillion in construction-related spending globally, equivalent to 13 percent of GDP. This makes construction one of the largest sectors of the world economy. The sector employs 7% of the world’s working population and, by building the structures in which we live and work, which create our energy, materials, … Read more

Towards Energy Justice in Informal settlements

A Methodological Approach to Urban Growth and Hybrid Energy Systems in the Global South Why Global South ? Urbanization in the Global South is a defining trend of the 21st century, with over 90% of urban growth expected to occur in low- and middle-income countries by 2050. This rapid expansion has led to a surge … Read more

Green Liminals : Dashboard Interface for Feasibility Study | AI-Driven Budget Optimization Tool  for Urban Sustainable Solutions

Abstract The project explores innovative ways to address Barcelona’s sustainability challenges, such as carbon emissions, air pollution, and energy inefficiency.By leveraging AI, IoT sensors, and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), the project aims to optimize municipal budgets for interventions that transform underutilized urban spaces into productive assets. The study highlights solutions like urban farming, greenery, and solar catchment systems, evaluated … Read more

DEMOCRATIZING CREDIT: A New Paradigm in Lending

City

The project envisions the use of novel data collection strategies for the purpose of increasing access to formal credit for MSMEs in the F&B Space Across the globe, cities face a pivotal challenge: unlocking the potential of their micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to drive both urban transformation and national economic growth. These enterprises, often comprising over 90% of businesses in developing … Read more

Green Liminals: Feasibility Study for AI-Driven Budget Optimization for Urban Sustainable Solutions

Abstract The project explores innovative ways to address Barcelona’s sustainability challenges, such as carbon emissions, air pollution, and energy inefficiency. By leveraging AI, IoT sensors, and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), the project aims to optimize municipal budgets for interventions that transform underutilized urban spaces into productive assets. The study highlights solutions like urban farming, greenery, and … Read more

Designing Empathy

Through Human-Centered Spaces and Experiences In a world that is rapidly urbanizing itself, architecture holds immense power to shape the lives of individuals and how they experience the public space. Yet, architectural design often neglects the various needs of the community it is supposed to serve, leading to alienation and exclusion, particularly for marginalized populations. … Read more

Extending Habitats: Biotic Hut

Our studio project is focused on reinventing this site near the Bésos Rivermouth as a biodiverse public space. To approach this project, we started by studying the site through the lens of multiple species, both human and non-human. In understanding what the flora and fauna of this area look like we began posing specific questions … Read more

Intelligent Prototyping Combining Microcontrollers & Robotic Fabrication: Obstacle Detection – Notification System & Clay Pots

Microcontrollers This project focuses on creating an automated door system designed to enhance accessibility, particularly in healthcare environments such as hospitals and clinics. Using an ultrasound sensor to detect distance, the system provides auditory guidance and ensures safe and efficient door operation for users, including those with visual impairments. The system is programmed to announce … Read more

Intelligent Prototyping using Robot & Arduino

FABRICATED PROTOTYPES & DESIGN ANALYSISIn this project, our group explored the integration of parametric modeling, robotic fabrication, and data-driven analysis to optimize clay-based 3D printing. We began by generating two vase geometries using Grasshopper and subsequently fabricated these designs with an ABB 120 robotic arm extruding clay. Throughout the process, we recorded both visual documentation ... Read more

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

Interactive Shadow System

Programmed Shading devices for humans 1 > References 2 / The integration of interactive architecture and responsive technology opens new frontiers in design, as exemplified by the Hylozoic Ground installation and its envisioned evolution into autonomous systems. Hylozoic Ground serves as a reference point, showcasing an immersive spatial installation that mimics nature’s behaviors. Through architectural … Read more

ROBOTS AS ADVERTISING AGENTS

Abstract The project “Robots as Advertising Agents” explores the integration of robotics in the advertising industry to create dynamic, interactive, and memorable brand experiences. As advertising shifts toward experiential and engaging methods, robots equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensors, and communication systems can act as captivating agents that interact with audiences in … Read more

Scanning for Building Innovation

From capturing intricate geometries to enhancing processes, our research emphasizes in innovation in construction and data optimization, showcasing the transformative potential of advanced scanning tools. These technologies not only enhance our ability to capture the intricacies of physical structures but also provide actionable insights for a variety of applications. Research Topics 1. Fabrication OptimizationWe leveraged … Read more

PERSONA PARABOLOID

How can we map the confluence of humans and architecture? concept sketches design flow bill of materials arduino schematic code trial: distance / angles open position closed position

Kineflux

Imagine a building that breathes with the rhythm of day and night! During the sunny hours, our facade elegantly opens up, inviting warm rays of sunlight to fill the interior with natural light.As dusk falls, our facade gracefully transitions to a closed position, wrapping the structure in a protective embrace.This dynamic interplay between openness and … Read more

SENTRA

Keys have become obsolete. With the exponential growth of technology there has come a time for new alternatives. Some exist such as fobs, cards or keypads, but those still come with the same issue: the opportunity for them to be stolen or lost. So how about a solution that requires ownership of absolutely nothing, but … Read more

rainCatcher

The Rain Catcher System Prototype is a smart, automated solution designed to simplify rainwater collection and monitoring. By leveraging advanced sensor technology, the system detects rainfall using a DHT11 humidity sensor and measures water levels with precision through integrated water level sensors. A servo motor intelligently manages the lid’s movement, ensuring optimal rain capture while … Read more