Architecture UIC

Local and resilient architecture as a response to contemporary challenges.

At the final session of , co-directed by David Abondano and , we reflected on how architecture can emerge from observing the local context, reusing resources and transforming constraints into project opportunities.

With Joan Casals () and Francesc Buixeda (), the session explored two professional paths that share a common approach: understanding architecture through context, efficiency and adaptability.

Through housing projects, refurbishments and educational facilities, the speakers highlighted an architecture capable of working with existing conditions through reuse, industrialisation and passive design strategies🌱

The discussion concluded with a shared idea: some of the most meaningful architecture emerges precisely from difficulty, when constraints become opportunities for transformation.

Collaboration as the core of contemporary architectural practice.

At the third session of , we explored how architectural projects are built in complex and changing contexts, and how collaboration shapes every stage of the design process.

With José Zabala () and Jordi Ayala (), we looked at collaboration both as a driver of opportunity and as a design methodology. The session was part of a cycle co-directed by David Abondano and .

The discussion highlighted a central idea: architecture today is fundamentally collective🤝, where value lies not only in authorship, but in the ability to coordinate, negotiate and build with others.

Digitalization is expanding what it means to be an architect.

At the second conference of , we explored how technology is opening new paths beyond traditional practice.

With Javier Solans (.es) and Jesús Subirana (), we saw how architecture connects with AI, business and advanced manufacturing. Architect and professor David Abondano moderated the second session of the cycle, which he co-directs with Borja Ferrater.

From AI-driven visualization to 3D printing and new business models, the profession is evolving fast.

Ideas, strategy and critical thinking are more important than ever.

And for students? This means more opportunities, more paths, and more ways to shape the future.

Innovation

🌎✨ El futuro de las ciudades se construye hoy.

Las universidades del consorcio inician la promoción del Curso de Especialización TERRAS.

🏙️ Territorio, Renovación, Acción Social y Sostenibilidad.

Tras dos años de trabajo colaborativo, el proyecto entra en su fase más práctica con:

🔹 180 horas de formación interdisciplinar
🔹 Módulos temáticos + taller territorial
🔹 Enfoque en sostenibilidad, innovación y participación

👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 Un espacio donde profesionales, academia y comunidades se conectan para afrontar los desafíos urbanos desde una mirada inclusiva e inteligente.

has started!

The first session focused on international practice. We brought together
(.architecture) and (),
moderated by (Master in Architecture & Design Business
Management).

Through their projects and trajectories, we explored how is practiced
across global contexts, where mobility, cultural understanding and adaptability are key.

We learned how successful architectural design practices emerge from principles and
purpose, guiding each project beyond styles.

Projects respond to local culture and uses. And understanding context becomes a
fundamental part of the design process.

We explore how architecture can be a tool for social impact, capable of addressing
needs and generating change.

Speakers offered guidance to students on their future careers, highlighting the
importance of being flexible and open to opportunities in a constantly evolving
profession.

At , students engage directly with the professional world—while still at
university.

Next sessions (18:30 h)
📍Aula Magna

→ April 15 – Digital Entrepreneurs
→ April 22 – Collaborative Methods
→ April 29 – Local Architecture

FutureArchitects Design ArchitectureSchool

Presentation of the “INTERCONNECT” project

📆 March 27, 10.00h
📍Edifici Ter Manlleu

Students from the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture will present 48 proposals for the future of the Alt Ter region on 27 March in Manlleu. The work has been developed throughout the academic year as part of the “INTERCONNECT” project.

Over the course of the programme, students have explored municipalities such as Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà, Les Masies de Voltregà, Manlleu and Roda de Ter. Their research has focused on the industrial colonies and on understanding how architecture, landscape and territorial development intersect across the area. The event will feature public presentations, open review sessions and discussions designed to bring the academic community into dialogue with local stakeholders and to encourage collective reflection on the region’s future.

The project has been carried out with the support of organisations including Creacció, through the Urbact project, the Osona Chamber of Commerce, the Ter Museum and the Architects’ Association of Catalonia, as well as with additional backing from the company Benito.

🙌🏻 Una trentena d’estudiants han participat recentment a les Jornades d’Aprenentatge al (Manlleu), en col·laboració amb la (D. Chipperfield).

Les jornades van incloure:
• Seminari amb veus expertes sobre urbanisme, mobilitat, biodiversitat i patrimoni.
• Rutes de camp explorant la relació entre el riu Ter i el territori urbà i rural.
• Treball de camp i debat col·lectiu per analitzar la informació recopilada i generar idees creatives.

🏛️ Aquest projecte busca desenvolupar solucions aplicades a problemes reals dels municipis de Manlleu, Masies de Voltregà, Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà i les Masies de Roda de Ter, i culminarà en una exposició dins la programació de Barcelona Capital Mundial de l’Arquitectura 2026 ().

More than 60 participants successfully complete the Technical and Pedagogical Training Course of the POLIS project.

The course, led by professors from UIC Barcelona School of Architecture, strengthens faculty competencies in sustainable and smart urbanism within the framework of the ERASMUS+ program.

The aim of the program has been to equip university faculty with new technical and pedagogical skills, enabling them to take part in the upcoming pilot course on sustainable urban planning that the project will develop in Latin America.

The training was coordinated by the academic team of UIC Barcelona School of Architecture, led by Dr. Carmen Mendoza, and composed of Dr. Marta Benages, Dr. Diego Navarro, and research assistant Luzgélik Delgado.

Fresh perspectives to rethink architecture through creativity and research!

Our 5th year students presented their Final Degree Projects at Roca Barcelona Gallery — an open event that showcased how architecture can embrace new languages, methods, and challenges.

Under the title “A New Vision for Creativity. Reimagining the Process of Architectural Design”, students explored alternative design processes, drawing inspiration from music, literature, and abstract thinking to shape bold architectural narratives.

Some projects emerged from active research lines at the university, developed in collaboration with companies from the sector. This real-world, R&D-driven approach allowed students to combine technical knowledge with conceptual depth to tackle today’s architectural challenges.

Projects were guided by professors and architects Alberto Burgos, Josep Miàs, Maria Barcina, and Patrícia Tamayo, with Víctor Echarri, Alberto T. Estévez, Vicenç Sarrablo, and Juan Trias de Bes leading the research-based proposals. Topics included sustainability, accessibility, energy efficiency, industrialization, and material innovation.

The event also hosted the ROCKWOOL Sustainability Awards, Daikin–Schneider Electric Awards for Installations, and the Schindler Accessibility Awards, recognizing the projects that best integrated these key values from the very first sketch.

Can architecture follow a beat? Our student Malgorzata Olejnigzak has won the 2025 Daikin – Schneider Electric Award for Building Systems Integration with her Final Degree Project “Written in Transition.”

Inspired by the rhythm of a drum set, the project explores how architecture can be composed like music—through tension, repetition, and flow. She projects a building with flexible interior layouts, mobile panels, and carefully integrated systems, that allows users to navigate the space as if they were moving through a musical composition.

Light, materials, and circulation work together to create a sensory, dynamic experience.

The jury praised the project’s clear concept, sensitive approach to systems design, and its ability to fuse technique and emotion into a coherent architectural language.

The jury was composed of Núria Benedicto Bertolín, Head of the Specification Department at Daikin in Catalonia and Andorra; Toni Sánchez, Specifiers Channel Manager & EcoXpert Channel Development Marketing at Schneider Electric; and UIC Barcelona architects and professors Amaya Arizmendi and Xavi Martínez i Tomeo.

This award recognizes Final Degree Projects that understand the importance of designing with building systems in mind—not just from a technical standpoint, but as a key element in creating sustainable, comfortable, and high-quality architecture. It encourages future architects to integrate systems thinking as an essential part of the design process.