Frequently Asked Questions

  • Both MSc and MArch degrees are developed jointly for the first three terms of the academic year. In this way all EmTech students develop the computational skills, conceptual principles and critical thinking necessary for the development of their projects. During the thesis development, MSc students focus on establishing a framework that provides the conceptual framework, design principles and a methodology for the fabrication and construction of their proposals. This framework can be applied on a variety of scenarios that share similar characteristics. The MArch degree builds upon this work to further develop and apply it within a specific context, concluding to a detailed design proposal at an architectural scale in line with a fabrication and assembly process.  Detailed examples of recent MSc and MArch thesis projects can be found in the dissertation page

  • EmTech students develop the advanced computational skills and expertise for the modelling, analysis and fabrication of complex systems and spatial configurations within dynamic contexts. Rhino 3D and its parametric modelling plug-in Grasshopper 3D, Unit Game Engine and Visual Studio are used as the basic modelling and programming environment, on which several analysis tools and methods are afterwards explored, which allow for an in-depth analysis and exploration of every project. These include structural and physics analysis, environmental analysis, optimization through the application of evolutionary algorithms, AI and machine learning and space syntax theory amongst others. Students are also introduced to app development (Unity) and C# programming language, which allows them to build custom components and scripts for their projects. For the Robots, coding knowledge allows students to gain a deep understanding and explore the potential of robotic fabrication processes. The acquisition of these computational skills enables them to develop an expertise in the field of computational design and develop complex spatial systems within dynamically changing environments.

  • No prior knowledge of computing software is required in order to attend EmTech. A number of computational seminars and workshops are organized in the beginning of the academic year in order to ensure that everyone has the necessary skills for the programme. EmTech staff are active users of these programs and provide additional support when needed through personalized tutorials. Of course, any previous knowledge of the software is valuable.

  • The Architectural Association is based in the centre of London, benefitting from the facilities, services and attractions offered from the UK’s capital. With a very strong architectural, engineering and art scene, London offers a variety of events, talks and exhibitions related to the topics investigated in the Emergent Technologies and Design programme. Playing an active role in this scene, EmTech organizes a series of lectures by practitioners from the leading offices of London, with which we share a very strong relationship, while they are also invited as critics in the studio presentations. This enables our students to have a direct relationship and contact with the professional life of London, an advantage which is expressed by the large number of EmTech alumni that work in leading practices of the city of London.

  • AA [EmTech] graduates take on various opportunities after finishing the course. Some graduates go on to teach at the AA and other schools internationally. Others go on to work at many exciting offices in London and around the world. Recent employers include: Foster + Partners (London), KPF (London), Heatherwick Studio (London), Grimshaw Architects (London), Robofold (London), Zaha Hadid Architects (London), Buro Happold (London), AKT II (London), OMA (Rotterdam), UN Studio (Amsterdam), Wilkinson Eyre Architects (London), Ron Arad Associates (London), AHMM (London), Arup (London), PLP Architecture (London), Coop Himmelblau (Vienna), AECOM (London), Populous (London), Pattern Architects (London), SOM (London), SHoP Architects (New York) amongst others.

  • The AA [EmTech] dissertations are primarily organised around two parallel streams of research within the broader discourse of emerging technologies. The first focuses on fabrication technologies and material innovations, while the second explores design and computation technologies and software innovation. Each thesis is expected to make a meaningful contribution to one of these research streams while addressing a clearly defined design problem.