The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) in Barcelona announces a new edition of the Global Summer School 2025 (GSS25), marking another milestone fostering global collaboration and innovation in the field of architecture and design.
Over the years, IAAC has been at the forefront of promoting meaningful knowledge and expertise sharing among architects, engineers, designers and innovators worldwide. The GSS brings together students from diverse backgrounds to engage with IAAC's network of experts and renowned lecturers.
This July, GSS proposes a unique blend of onsite and online workshops, offering to its participants hands-on experiences at IAAC in Barcelona while ensuring digital accessibility through an agile online format accessible to a global audience.
GSS25 presents an immersive lineup of 4 workshops exploring advanced architecture & digital fabrication, advanced computation, urban data analytics and artificial intelligence. Led by IAAC Faculties and Alumni, these workshops promise innovative workflows and individual project exploration and development.
GSS students can tailor their learning journey opting for a two-week onsite workshop in Barcelona or selecting one or more online modules offered throughout July 2025, becoming part of a dynamic and challenging educational experience.
After 4 years, IAAC is glad to open its Global Nodes Network, strategic cities around the world boosting innovation by leading GSS onsite workshops led by IAAC alumni in diverse geographic locations. Applicants can therefore choose to join GSS in the preferred node - city - county!
All GSS25 courses include exclusive access to Global Lectures, weekly online gatherings featuring experts from the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry also connecting participants of IAAC nodes located worldwide. These sessions are designed to complement the workshop themes and provide participants with valuable insights and perspectives.
Applications with the early bird fees deadline is the 31st of May. Please read about prices, eligibility criteria and applications on https://globalschool.iaac.net/
About the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
IAAC is a centre for research, education, production and outreach, with the mission of envisioning the future habitat of our society and building it in the present.
IAAC follows the digital revolution at all scales (from bits to geography, from micro-controllers to cities, from materials to the territory) to expand the boundaries of architecture and design and meet the challenges faced by humanity. IAAC is an experimental and experiential centre where one learns by doing, through a test methodology that promotes real solutions.
IAAC is an open, independent and radical non-profit foundation, with 20 years of activity; inspired by the values of Barcelona, the capital of architecture and design, where urbanism was invented and where local high quality and innovation-oriented research is connected to an international network of excellence in technology, architecture and society fields.
Circular Construction: Shifting Value
The Circular Construction workshop at IAAC explores sustainable architecture through the upcycling of forest and marine debris from the Mediterranean region. Participants engage in hands-on material experimentation, 3D scanning, and computational design to transform waste into high-performance architectural systems. The course integrates digital fabrication techniques like CNC milling, 3D printing, and robotic assembly to prototype full-scale components. Emphasizing circularity and material intelligence, the workshop equips students with cutting-edge skills in design, sustainability, and fabrication.
Dates: 7th - 18th July 2025
Venue: IAAC Campus, Barcelona (Spain)
Generative AI for Architecture
In this workshop, participants will learn to apply AI and computational design tools to architecture and planning using low-code platforms like Grasshopper and n8n. They will explore generative AI, simulations, and automation to create and prototype responsive, data-driven workflows. By the end, students will critically present their solutions, gaining hands-on experience with AI-driven design innovation.
Dates: 7th - 11th July 2025
Venue: Online (Synchronous & Asynchronous format)
Advanced Computation for Design Workshop
During the workshop, participants will learn to apply Python and machine learning to optimize architectural design with a focus on sustainability, form finding, and facade engineering. They will gain hands-on experience in geometry rationalization, environmental analysis, and data-centric modeling for intelligent design workflows. By the end, attendees will be equipped to create efficient, fabrication-ready forms through advanced computational and ML-driven techniques.
Dates: 14th - 18th July 2025
Venue: Online (Synchronous & Asynchronous format)
Urban Data Analytics
The participants will learn to combine computer vision and GIS tools to analyze and visualize urban data at multiple scales. They’ll work with Google Street View and spatial datasets to uncover hidden urban conditions, assess city health, and explore concepts like “Sick City Syndrome.” By the end, students will be equipped to build multiscalar data workflows and create impactful visualizations that reveal and communicate complex urban dynamics.
Dates: 21st - 24th July 2025
Venue: Online (Synchronous & Asynchronous format)
