INTRODUCTION

The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design – MaCAD is a unique online programme training a new generation of architects, engineers and designers with the skills that the industry of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) demands nowadays.

The programme provides expertise in the application of the latest digital softwares for design simulation, analysis and optimisation of digital data in architecture, offering a broad and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of computational design.

Based on a Data Driven, Learning by doing  and Design by Research methodology, the master offers a unique online educational experience.

In contrast to the traditional Online programs, the Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design– a 60 ECTS accredited Master degree consisting in three 15 ECTS modules offers a real-class “virtual” environment, based on a continuous, interactive and collaborative learning process.

The 3rd Application Period for the academic year 2024/25 is now open until the 30th of April 2024!

Apply Now!

MaCAD
Degree The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design is accredited by University of Lleida (UdL) – European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Edition 5th edition
Credits 60 ECTS
Duration October 2024 to July 2025 (10 months)
Thesis submission -September 2025.
*Extra time during August and September for the thesis preparation
Format Online (synchronous or asynchronous)
Language English
Tuition Fee 12,000€

* Tuition fee includes a non-refundable programme enrollment fee of 2.800€

The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design is accredited with 60 ECTS and it’s articulated into 3 modules + a Master Thesis.

 

As an alternative to the MaCAD full program, students can apply to each module independently to obtain a University Expert diploma, each one accredited with 15 ECTS.

Module 1 (Advanced Computation for Environmental and Structural Design)

 

Module 2 (Building Information Modelling and Smart Construction)

 

Module 3 (Artificial Intelligence in Architecture)
Degree University Expert in Advanced Computation for Environmental and Structural Design by University of Lleida (UdL) – European Higher Education Area (EHEA) University Expert in Building Information Modelling and Smart Construction by University of Lleida (UdL) – European Higher Education Area (EHEA) University Expert in Artificial Intelligence in Architecture by University of Lleida (UdL) – European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Edition 3rd edition 3rd edition 3rd edition
Credits 15 ECTS 15 ECTS 15 ECTS
Duration 3 months // October 2024 – December 2024 3 months //  January 2025 – March 2025 3 months // April 2025 – June 2025
Format Online (synchronous or asynchronous) Online (synchronous or asynchronous) Online (synchronous or asynchronous)
Language English English English
Tuition Fee 4.500€ 4.500€ 4.500€

* Tuition fee includes a non-refundable programme enrollment fee of 1.400€ per module.

By applying to any individual module/s, students can decide from which module program to start despite the chronological order and the academic year.

Postgraduate in Advanced Computation for Environmental and Structural Design
Degree Postgraduate Diploma by School of Professional and Executive Development at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia – European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Edition 1st edition
Credits 15 ECTS
Duration 3 months // October 2021 – December 2021
Format Online (synchronous or asynchronous)
Language English
Tuition Fee 3.800€
Postgraduate in Building Information Modelling and Smart Construction
Degree Postgraduate Diploma by School of Professional and Executive Development at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia – European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Edition 1st edition
Credits 15 ECTS
Duration 3 months // January 2022 – March 2022
Format Online (synchronous or asynchronous)
Language English
Tuition Fee 3.800€
Postgraduate in Artificial Intelligence in Architecture
Degree Postgraduate Diploma by School of Professional and Executive Development at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia – European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Edition 2nd edition
Credits 15 ECTS
Duration 3 months // April 2022 – June 2022
Format Online (synchronous or asynchronous)
Language English
Tuition Fee 3.800€

STUDENT PROFILE

If you want to continue your education online and take part in a complete master programme, based on collaborative work and interactive learning, then the Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design – MaCAD is made for you

The programme invites all Architects, Designers and Engineers who want to become experts in Advanced Computation and lead the change in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.

Students of the MACAD will learn new tools and methodologies, by working alongside leading experts and faculty. The programme offers an innovative educational structure that puts the students’ needs and creativity at the centre.

Applicants are expected to have some previous knowledge of 3D Modelling,, Grasshopper, Rendering and Programming. IAAC offers precourses in these softwares in case applicants don’t have experience. Applicants will be assigned and complete precourse content before the beginning of their studies.

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design connects the students to an international network of practitioners, institutions and companies, leading pioneer computational design applications in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) field.

On the one hand,  working in a “virtual class” environment, students have the possibility to interact with faculty and colleagues in a highly professional context getting ready for the operational and working model of a professional practice. On the other hand, a series of industries and international offices, connected with IAAC and MaCAD offer in an annual basis internship positions and job opportunities for IAAC Alumni.

ACADEMIC STRUCTURE

The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design, based on a Data Driven, Learning by doing  and Design by Research methodology, offers a unique online educational experience, articulated in 3 modules followed by a Master Thesis Project.

The Advanced Computation for Environmental and Structural Design module focuses on a design paradigm that is informed by environmental analysis and strategies for structural optimization. Across this module, students will receive the most advanced knowledge on the latest software developments and tools for environmental simulation and structural optimization at every scale of the design workflow: from building to urban scale.

This module is composed of the following courses:

  • Environmental and Structural Design – Theory – 3 ECTS
  • Environmental and Structural Design – Studio – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools for Environmental Analysis for Architectural Design – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools for Structural Optimization Strategies – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools for Complex Forming – 3 ECTS

The Building Information Modelling and Smart Construction module focuses on the recent paradigm of Building Information Modelling (BIM) by reviewing the most relevant paradigms in three different aspects of it: Integrative modelling, collaborative workflows, and cloud-based data management in design. In this postgraduate, you’ll learn the most advanced tools to face this ubiquitous challenge that architects face nowadays.

This module is composed of the following courses:

  • BIM and Smart Construction – Theory – 3 ECTS
  • BIM and Smart Construction  – Studio – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools for Integrative Modelling – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools for Collaborative Workflows – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools for Cloud-based Data Management – 3 ECTS

The Postgraduate in Artificial Intelligence in Architecture module focuses on teaching theoretical and practical knowledge in the use of most advanced tools for the design through machine learning and artificial intelligence. In this postgraduate course, you will learn the most advanced techniques for designing with such tools, using GAN models or deep learning algorithms to assist or fully automate the design at different levels.

This module is composed of the following courses:

  • Artificial Intelligence in Architecture – Theory – 3 ECTS
  • Artificial Intelligence in Architecture – Studio – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools Generative Building Design – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools for Computer Vision and Data Encoding – 3 ECTS
  • Digital Tools for Algorithmic Geometrical Optimization – 3 ECTS

This fourth phase focuses on the extended research of the Development Studio Project of Module three (15 ECTS credits). During this period, students have the opportunity to integrate to their projects more in-depth issues related to the computational agenda, as well as the inherent material, organisational and spatial complexities determined by the chosen working scale and the experience gained during the year’s programme.

THE MaCAD ONLINE EXPERIENCE

AN ONLINE REAL-CLASS ENVIRONMENT

In contrast to the traditional Online programs and tutorials, the Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design offers a real-class “virtual” environment, based on a continuous, interactive and collaborative learning process.

The MaCAD is not an solitary experience, as the program gives the possibility to be part of a selected group of international students, seamlessly connected thanks to the most advanced platform for video-conferencing and collaborative working.

The limited number of students (a maximum of 25 per course) ensures that each student can be rigorous and continuously followed by the faculty and the academic coordination team, with dedicated hours for academic counselling and administrative support.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

Students can choose to follow the program in Synchronous or Asynchronous format, according to their time-zone or their personal schedule, and based on tutorials and lectures + mentoring group sessions.

> In the Synchronous format, students follow the lectures and live mentoring sessions using a video-conference and collaborative work tool (ZOOM). The day starts with the live mentoring group sessions with the faculty and the other students to review the students’ work and project development based on the previous week’s lectures and tutorials. After the live mentoring, a new lecture content is presented live to the class.

During the rest of the day, students can work on individual submission, interact with their colleagues or collaborate in groups counting on the online campus tools and chat rooms.

SYNCHRONOUS CALENDAR

Central European Time (CET) // West Africa Time
Live Group Mentoring – 10.00am to 11.00am
Lectures & Tutorials – 11.00am to 13.00pm

East European Time // Central Africa Time (+1)
Live Group Mentoring – 11.00am to 12.00pm
Lectures & Tutorials – 12.00pm to 2.00pm

Russia // Turkey // East Africa Time (+1)
Live Group Mentoring – 11.00am to 12.00pm
Lectures & Tutorials – 12.00pm to 2.00pm

 

*Please note that final schedule might slightly change and could vary according to local daylight savings time 

INDIA time (+3.5)
Live Group Mentoring – 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Lectures & Tutorials – 2.30pm – 4.30pm



CHINA time // West Australia Time (+6)
Live Group Mentoring – 4.00pm to 5.00pm
Lectures & Tutorials – 5.00pm to 7.00pm



EAST AUSTRALIA TIME (+8)
Live Group Mentoring – 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Lectures & Tutorials – 7.00pm to 9.00pm


*Please note that final schedule might slightly change and could vary according to local daylight savings time 

> In the Asynchronous format, tutorials and lectures are recorded daily and shared with the students. After having watched the recorded tutorials and lectures, students join the live mentoring group sessions in video-conference with the faculty and the other students to make questions, review their work and project development.
During the rest of the day, students can develop their work individually or interact with their colleagues, counting on the online campus platform, including online forums and chat rooms.

ASYNCHRONOUS CALENDAR

New York // East Coast Time ECT (-6)
Recorded Lectures & Tutorials – Available from 9:00am onwards
Live Group Mentoring – following day, 10:00am – 11:00am

Central America // Mexico Time (-8)
Recorded Lectures & Tutorials – Available from 7:00am onwards
Live Group Mentoring – following day, 8.00am – 9:00am

Los Angeles // West Coast Time (-9)
Recorded Lectures & Tutorials – Available from 6:00am onwards
Live Group Mentoring – following day, 7:00am – 8:00am

 

*Please note that final schedule might slightly change and could vary according to local daylight savings time 

Central European Time (CET) // West Africa Time
Recorded Lectures & Tutorials – Available from 3:00pm onwards
Live Group Mentoring – following day, 4:00pm – 5:00pm

East European Time // Central Africa Time (+1)
Recorded Lectures & Tutorials – Available from 4:00pm onwards
Live Group Mentoring – following day, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Russia // Turkey // East Africa Time (+1)
Recorded Lectures & Tutorials – Available from 4:00pm onwards
Live Group Mentoring – following day, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

 

*Please note that final schedule might slightly change and could vary according to local daylight savings time 

INDIA time
Recorded Lectures & Tutorials – Available from 6.30pm onwards
Live Group Mentoring – following day, 7.30pm – 8.30pm

*Please note that final schedule might slightly change and could vary according to local daylight savings time 

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR

David Andres Leon

David Andrés León 

David Andres Leon is an architect with focus on the research, training and development of computational tools for the AEC industry.

He currently works for McNeel Europe providing support for third- party developers pushing the boundaries of interoperability and computational design globally. He is also part of the faculty of the Masters for Advanced Architecture in IAAC where he teaches in the Digital Matter studio alongside Areti Markopoulou. David also teaches programing for architects at the MPDA Masters programme of the UPC.

David holds a Master of Science Degree from the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) in Universitat Stuttgart and a Masters Degree in Advanced Design and Digital Architecture from the Escola Superior de Disseny i Enginyeria de Barcelona (Elisava). He has been involved in several research undertakings of which stand out his participation in German research platform FAT-LAB in Stuttgart and his collaboration as a research assistant in the Centre for Information Technology and Architecture (CITA) for the EU-Horizon 2020 Future and Emerging Technologies Proactive Action project Flora Robotica. David is also the co-author of varios publications in the field of architectural research and robotics.

PROGRAMME FACULTY

COLLABORATIVE ENTITIES AND TOOLS

The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design connects the students to an international network of practitioners, institutions and companies, leading pioneer computational design applications in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) field. MaCAD Faculty are members of renowned academic institutions and companies including Swinburne University, Austrian Institute of Technology, McNeel and many more.

Students of the MaCAD are trained to use a large variety of technological tools and softwares including

MaCAD LIFE AND PROJECTS' HIGHLIGHTS

SEMINAR DIGITAL TOOLS FOR COMPLEX FORMING

Through the guidance of Faculty Hesham Shawqy and Faculty Assistant Erida Bendo, the students of the Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design (MaCAD) embark on a transformative educational journey, honing their abilities to craft innovative, sustainable, and efficient architectural solutions inspired by the world around us.

Check out the results in this article!

MaCAD STUDENTS GAIN INSIGHTS FROM FRANZ FORSBERG OF DATATREES

In the realm of architectural design, the integration of computational technologies has revolutionized the way architects approach their projects. As part of the Advanced Computation for Environmental and Structural Design module, students from the Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design (MaCAD) programme recently had the opportunity to gain invaluable insights from industry expert Franz Forsberg.

Check out the results in this article!

AI IN ARCHITECTURE: MaCAD STUDENTS LEARNING HOW TO RADICALLY INNOVATE THE AEC SECTOR! 

In the third and last module of the MaCAD students explored the use of the most advanced tools for designing through machine learning and artificial intelligence.
How will Artificial Intelligence (AI) change the AEC sector and the role of designers?

Check out the results in this article!

MaCAD Scholarship Competition 2021

The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia announces a new Scholarship Competition for the next edition of our online Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture and Design (MaCAD) giving our master’s applicants the chance to win three partial scholarships covering 20% of the tuition fee.

Check out the details here

MaCAD Students running their Grasshopper Definitions on the cloud, within the BIM and Smart Construction Module!

During the Digital Tools for Cloud-based Data Management semina, MaCAD Students learned to develop Interactive 3D web applications, to publish their Grasshopper Definitions online, making them accessible to everyone, even not skilled users who never used Rhino or Grasshopper!

Check out the results in this article!

BIM AND SMART CONSTRUCTION: DISCOVER MaCAD STUDENTS’ CUTTING-EDGE PROJECTS! 
April 2021
The second module of MaCAD on Bim and Smart Construction successfully ended in March with the final presentations. Students showcased outstandign projects to an international jury panel. Check out their work at this link, and discover three relevant aspects of BIM and Smart Construction: Integrative modelling, collaborative workflows, and cloud-based data management in design.

Check out the results in this article!

STUDENTS LIFE

MACAD Students Explore Environmental Analysis

ACESD Theory Seminar explores the dynamic interplay among architectural design, technology, and the production of the built environment.

read more→

IAAC Official Welcome and Kickoff of the Academic Year

IAAC welcomes the change makers of 2023-24 with a record number of more than 330 students coming from 64 different countries.

read more→

MaCAD Seminar Digital Tools for Complex Forming

The students embark on an educational journey, honing their abilities to craft innovative, sustainable and efficient architectural solutions.

read more→