Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration

Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration - MAUR

INTRODUCTION

IAAC’s Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration is an innovative program that aims to strengthen cultural ties and economic relations between China and Barcelona. It is an opportunity to train some of the next leaders in the urban planning in China based on the ideas and urban principles developed in Barcelona.

The Executive Program arises from the interest of the Urban Planning & Design Institute of Shenzhen (UPDIS) of train its professionals, generally young, but with professional experience, in the design of cities from a more human and ecological point of view. Shenzhen is a city founded 40 years ago, located next to Hong Kong and within the Pearl Delta River, which is the equivalent of the Chinese Silicon Valley. It is a city that continues to grow at a very high pace and organizes a large number of Architecture and Urbanism competitions and projects. UPDIS leaders, after collaborating on various projects with the IAAC, have now formalized an agreement to develop this Master’s degree, which is executive in nature. The objective is to prepare experts so that they can develop the second part of your professional career with greater international experience and with ideas that help renew the discourses of urban development in China and in the world.

The Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration operates through a decidedly industry-oriented approach. Students work is developed with and supervised by expert faculty and representatives from the professional world, from partners of architecture & urban design firms and world class networking organisations, which provide briefs that add a sharp and critical edge to the MAUR’s agenda. Students learn computational and creative design skills together with critical research and communication methods that help them deliver impactful ideas and projects across all professional tiers. These include computer simulation, 3D modelling, data analytics, as well as visual reporting.

Applications for the academic year 2025/26 are now open!

	Master in Urban Advanced Regeneration (MAUR)
Edition	2nd edition
Direction	Vicente Guallart
Degree	Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration accredited by University of Lleida (UdL) – European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
Credits	60 ECTS
Duration	September 2025 — June 2026 (10 months)
Modality	Hybrid
Language	English
Full Tuition Fee	15.900€
	The Full Tuition Fee includes the price of the academic programme * Tuition fee includes a non-refundable programme enrolment fee of 3.800€
Application Deadline	June 2025
Additional information	Transportation and other services not mentioned are not included. In order to get the Chinese Master certificate, students must spend a minimum of 180 days in Europe. This can be arrange with two options: Option 1: Students will stay from September until February abroad Option 2: Student will stay from September to December, and from May to June abroad

PROGRAMME PRINCIPLES

Cultural and Economic Relations: The MAUR program aims to strengthen cultural ties and economic relations between China and Barcelona, nurturing the next generation of leaders in urban planning.
Human and Ecological Design: The curriculum is designed to foster the design of cities from a more human and ecological perspective, addressing the unique urban challenges faced by cities today.
Industry-Oriented Approach: The program operates through a decidedly industry-oriented approach, where students’ work is developed with and supervised by expert faculty and representatives from the professional world, enhancing their practical experience.
Interdisciplinary Skills: The MAUR program encourages students from diverse backgrounds—urban designers, environmental engineers, architects, economists, sociologists, and data scientists—to engage in current debates and technological tools relevant to urban environments.
Innovative Methodologies: Students learn through innovative methodologies, emphasizing experiential learning and research-driven design to deliver impactful ideas and projects.
Sustainable Development and Circular Economy: The curriculum integrates principles of sustainable urban development and circular bioeconomy, preparing students to drive transformative change in urban environments.
International Perspectives: The program provides a platform for exploring international perspectives and comparative studies in urban regeneration, equipping students with the skills necessary to address urban challenges in various global contexts, especially in China.

ACADEMIC STRUCTURE

The Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration is crafted around a dynamic academic framework rooted in innovative methodologies, emphasising experiential learning and research-driven design. This program, tailored for Chinese professionals, is a collaborative venture between renowned institutions in Barcelona and Shenzhen. Drawing from the vibrant urban landscapes of both regions, the curriculum fosters interdisciplinary skills essential for navigating the complexities of urban regeneration.

Participants in the Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration will engage with a diverse cohort of international peers, distinguished faculty, and industry experts. Encouraged to embrace collective decision-making and project actualisation, students will explore innovative approaches to revitalising urban spaces.

The program equips professionals with cutting edge tools and strategies to drive urban regeneration amidst the backdrop of rapid technological advancements and environmental imperatives. Positioned as a platform for multidisciplinary collaboration, the Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration empowers participants to spearhead the transformation towards sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban communities.

Throughout both two terms, the Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration students will attend transversal courses which aim to bring them in direct contact with the front running professionals of this multidisciplinary field. Through workshops and lectures, they will be presented to the challenges and learnings of professionally engaging in real case applications. All classes throughout the terms are mandatory.

1st TERM

BARCELONA

Duration: 4 months – from September to December

The first term of the Master in Urban Regeneration immerses students in a comprehensive exploration of urban dynamics within the context of Barcelona and Europe. Through courses focusing on Urban History and Planning, Sustainable Urban Development, Urban Mobility and Infrastructure, International Perspectives and Comparative Studies, and Project Development and Innovation, participants gain a multifaceted understanding of urban regeneration. They delve into the rich historical fabric of cities, examine sustainable development strategies, analyze transportation systems, explore international case studies, and develop innovative projects, laying a robust foundation for tackling urban challenges and driving positive change in contemporary urban environments.

Topic 1: URBAN HISTORY AND PLANNING SEMINARS

Faculty: Vicente Guallart, Daniel Ibáñez

Urban History and Planning Seminars will delve into the historical evolution of cities, examining key urban planning principles, architectural heritage, and strategies for the revitalization of historical landmarks. Courses explore the intersection of past, present, and future in urban development.

Topic 2: SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS

Faculty: Vicente Guallart, Daniel Ibáñez, Xavier Matilla, Eduard Martin, Honorata Grzesikowska, Javier Buron

Sustainable Urban Development Seminars offer a comprehensive examination of innovative approaches to urban sustainability. Courses cover diverse topics including decentralized city models, sustainable public spaces, ecofriendly
infrastructure, new urban paradigms, social housing initiatives, and the restoration of historical structures. Students explore strategies for creating resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious urban environments.

Topic 3: URBAN MOBILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SEMINARS

Faculty: Andreu Ulied, José Antonio Gras

Urban Mobility and Infrastructure Seminars focus on the evolving landscape of transportation and data-driven planning. Students delve into emerging trends in urban mobility, such as innovative transportation modes, alongside strategies for leveraging data to optimize urban infrastructure and enhance mobility solutions.

Topic 4: INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES AND COMPARATIVE STUDIES

The Master in Urban Regeneration offers a holistic educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. In addition to rigorous academic coursework, we place great emphasis on providing students with enriching extracurricular activities. These activities include a series of site and industry visits that allow our students to directly engage with the dynamic and everevolving urban environments they study. These visits offer invaluable real-world insights and the opportunity to interact with professionals, practitioners, and cutting-edge technologies in the field of urban planning and technology.

Topic 5: PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION

Faculty: Andreu Ulied, José Antonio Gras

2nd TERM

SHENZHEN

Duration: 6 months – from January to June

In the second term of the Master in Urban Regeneration, students embark on a focused exploration of Chinese Urban Regeneration and Social Development, Sustainable Development and Circular Economy principles, and culminate their journey with the Final Master Project. Transitioning from the Barcelona context to Shenzhen, students apply their knowledge and practical insights gained in the first term to address urban challenges specific to the Chinese context. Through interdisciplinary coursework, they delve into innovative approaches to urban regeneration, sustainable practices, and circular economy models, equipping themselves to drive positive transformation and contribute to the sustainable development of urban environments in China and beyond.

Topic 6: CHINESE URBAN REGENERATION AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Faculty: Vicente Guallart, Honorata Grzesikowska, Javier Buron

Chinese Urban Regeneration and Social Development seminars provide a deep dive into the unique challenges and opportunities shaping urban renewal in China. Through workshops and coursework, students explore strategies for revitalizing urban spaces, addressing social housing needs, and engaging with international perspectives on urban regeneration within the Chinese context.

Topic 7: SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Faculty: Vicente Guallart, Honorata Grzesikowska, Javier Buron

Chinese Urban Regeneration and Social Development seminars provide a deep dive into the unique challenges and opportunities shaping urban renewal in China. Through workshops and coursework, students explore
strategies for revitalizing urban spaces, addressing social housing needs, and engaging with international perspectives on urban regeneration within the Chinese context.

Topic 8: FINAL PROJECT

Faculty: Vicente Guallart, Honorata Grzesikowska

The final thesis entails an individual urban regeneration project, situated anywhere in Asia. If students opt for China, they must apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios, aligning with the Master’s mission to equip Chinese professionals with skills for sustainable urban development. This phase includes both in-person and online classes and requires traditional urban plan drawings, along with relevant international references and texts supporting the project.

STUDENT PROFILE

The Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration is a programme for urban thinkers (including a wide range of backgrounds from urban designers, environmental engineers, and architects, to economists, sociologists, and data scientists), looking to immerse themselves in current debates and technological tooling to question and discuss the future of urban environments. The program is aimed at professionals, initially Chinese, related to urban development, with at least 5 years of professional experience.

Fab Lab House by IAAC

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration structure links our students to an interconnected network of professionals, companies, as well as academic and research centers. Through this network, they directly have the opportunity to be professionally integrated into both the public, private, and the third sectors in fields related to urban design & planning, urban intelligence & analytics, policy making & community driven initiatives, landscape urbanism & urban environmental design.

COLLABORATIVE ENTITIES

Barcelona City Council

He is responsible for planning the city of Barcelona and responsible for the development of public urban projects, also promoting an innovative vision of the city. Barcelona is the city with the Word “urbanization” was coined in 1867.

Barcelona Metropolitan Area

It is responsible for planning at the scale of the Barcelona metropolitan area. It is the entity responsible for the development of the new Barcelona Master Plan that is currently being developed.

Sant Adrià City Council

It is a small municipality located in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, on both sides of the Besòs River, which has great strategic importance because it has important strategic projects underway.

University of Lleida

It is the University that certifies the degrees of the programs developed at the IAAC. It is one of the oldest universities in Spain, founded in the year 1300. Its partnership with the IAAC promotes the development of programs related to ecological urban planning and innovation in city design.

PROGRAMME DIRECTORS

Vicente Guallart is former chief architect (2011-2015) of Barcelona City Council with the responsibility of developing the strategic vision of the city and its major development projects.

He also co-founded and directed the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (2001-2011) where he led projects such as the Media House Project (with the CBA of MIT), HyperCatalunya, or the Fab Lab House.

His professional firm, Guallart Arquitectos, has developed widely publicized projects such as the ports of Fugee and Keelung in Taiwan, or the Sociopolis neighborhood in Valencia and is currently working on projects of various scales around the world.

He is the author of books such as Plans and Projects of Barcelona (2011-15) Geológica or The Self-Sufficient City and co-author of the Metapolis Dictionary of Advanced Architecture. His work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale and the MOMA in NY. The American Institute of Architects organized a solo exhibition of his work in Washington DC in 2010.

He is co-founder of the Urbanitree studio, from where he is building the tallest wooden building in Spain.

Vicente Guallart, Former Chief Architect of Barcelona / Founder IAAC

Maria Buhigas is chief architect of Barcelona City Council. She studied architecture at the ETSAB of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya from which she graduated in 1997. Subsequently, she completed the Master of Science
in Urban Planning (MsUP) at Columbia University.

She worked at the Barcelona Regional Public Agency, from 1999 to 2013, where she held different functions, the last five years as Director of the Urban Strategy Department.

Her work focuses on the integration of the spatial point of view (territorial and urban) in the economic and social issues of cities and metropolitan areas. Among the topics on which she has worked are: local economic promotion and development, urban industry, industrial land, tourism, urban renewal, marginal urbanization and the review of the discipline of urban planning.

She has participated in international forums and collaborated with agencies such as World Bank and UN-Habitat both on behalf of Barcelona City Council and as an independent professional.

Maria Buhigas, Chief Architect of Barcelona

Xavier Matilla is an Architect-Urbanist and Professor based in Barcelona. Former Chief Architect of the city of Barcelona. 2019-2023 were he led and oversaw many urban transformations to achieve a healthier, friendlier, and more just city.

He has focused his work on the definition and implementation of a new urban model based on proximity and naturalization, which promotes urban regeneration to make the city a true place of collective life. During his tenure as Chief Architect, he oversaw the Barcelona Superblock project, scaling it up as an entire city strategy to transform the streets into greener, healthier, and stronger social and economic relations spaces.

He also implemented Barcelona’s School Streets program, Protegim les Escoles, which has improved the environmental quality and safety of more than 200 school environments.

He is also a Co-founder of Territoris XLM, an office dedicated to urban planning and public space design. In 2016 he was awarded the Catalan Urban Planning Second Prize.Professor at the Department of Urbanism, Territory and Landscape (DUTP) at the UPC.

Xavier Matilla, Architect and Urbanist, Chief Architect of Barcelona 2019-2023

José Antonio Gras, Urban architect and researcher. Deputy Mayor and City Councillor at Sant Adria del Besòs.

He has extensive international experience having lived in Germany, Scotland and England in the last 10 years, highlighting his time in London from 2016 to 2020 where he worked as an Urban Designer at Foster + Partners. Involved in architecture, urban planning and landscape projects in more than 15 countries on 4 continents, he has obtained several international awards. His specialty and main field of research is spatial analysis of geographic data applied to masterplanning and urban design; and the development of strategies for innovation districts under sustainability criteria within the framework of urban agendas.

Chartered Architect at RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), ARB (Architects Registration Board), and member of The Academy of Urbanism in the United Kingdom; and BREEAM Urbanism Advisor and A.S.A. partner. (Sustainability and Architecture Association) number 486 in Spain. Lecturer at UOC + IAAC. BREEAM Assessor

José Antonio Gras, Deputy Mayor and City Councillor of Sustainable Territory, Environment and Animal Welfare

Andreu Ulied is a Doctor Engineer from the Polytechnic University Catalonia (1996), and Master’s in Planning from the University of Harvard (1994), with international experience in planning and foresight studies related to mobility, transport and territorial policies.

MCRIT Partner since the foundation of the company in 1988, and MCRIT Director since 1994. For the European Commission, he has participated in several research projects related to foresight (FLAGSHIP, PASHMINA, LIVINGRAIL) as well as in consultancy projects on the transport and energy sectors for DGMOVE (INTERCONNECT, TRANSVISIONS) and the European Parliament and the European Investment Bank. At local level, coordinates
urban development and mobility plans in the region of Barcelona as well as in the rest of Europe (e.g. in Croatia), North Africa (e.g. Bizerte, Tunisia), Latin-America and the Caribbean (e.g. Blumenau and Palma, Brazil, Dominique
Republic) on behalf of the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and United Nations/Habitat.

Andreu Ulied, Engineer, director MCRIT

Daniel Ibañez Director and CEO of Daniel Ibáñez (Madrid, 1981) is a Spanish practicing architect, urbanist and scholar. He holds a Doctor of Design degree from Harvard University GSD where he has spent the last 12 years studying, researching and teaching. Daniel is the director of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (www.iaac.net) and co-founder and director of Urbanitree (www.urbanitree.com).

His professional, research and academic focus is on the architectural and urban implications of renewable, carbon storing biomaterials in construction. Among other things, Daniel is building Terraces for Life, the tallest social housing mass timber building in Spain, he is the co-author of Mass is More installation at the Mies van der Rohe pavilion and coauthor of the book Wood Urbanism: From the Molecular to the Territorial (Actar, 2019). Additionally, he is Senior Urban Consultant at the World Bank, advising international governments and institutions on timber housing and timber urban development.

Daniel Ibáñez, Director and CEO of IAAC

Laia Grau Balagueró, Urban Planning Manager of the Barcelona City Council since 2019. Architect-urban planner from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and postgraduate degree in Gender and Equality from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. In 2017-2019 she joined TerritorisXLM office as a partner as a specialist in municipal advice on urban planning, and strategic issues of city and territory.

Since 2018 she is a member of the board of trustees of the Barcelona Institute of Technology for the Habitat (BIT Habitat) foundation. She is a member of the open women’s commission of the COAC.Since 2006 she has been part
of the special body of architects of the Generalitat de Catalunya, performing different functions, until 2013 as head of the Bages region of the Territorial Commission of Urbanism of Barcelona of the Department of Territory Sustainability, advising city councils on urban planning.

She has also collaborated in the drafting of urban development Master Plans for economic development, promoted by the Generalitat de Catalunya.

Laia Grau, Former Head planning department of Barcelona

Honorata Grzesikowska is an urban designer, architect, and researcher currently based in Barcelona, founder of Urbanitarian.com.She is a co-author of the projects, among others: ‘The New Urban Fabrik: Torrent Estadella Eco-Industrial Park’, commissioned by the Municipality of Barcelona, that explores strategies for the regeneration of a 30ha decaying industrial site in the central city through the development of urban manufacturing dedicated to clean, green economy-related activities; mixed-use residential masterplan of 28ha for the extension of the city Malacky in Slovakia.

She has also co-authored the entries that won 1st prize in Europan 12-Barcelona, with the project Green Ramblas and 2nd Prize in Europan 13-Barcelona with Sustainable Interface. Honorata gained professional experience in internationally renowned urban design and architecture offices in Rotterdam and in London. Her work has been extensively published in specialized media and books such as ‘Barcelona Plans and Projects 2011-2015’, published by the Municipality of Barcelona.

Honorata Grzesikowska, Founder of Urbanitarian and JustHood

Eduard Martín is Director of Smart Connectivity in Mobile World Capital Barcelona since January 2019 for heading and coordinating the 5G National Observatory and 5G Barcelona initiative.

Martín is a Computer Engineer and a Technical Engineer in Systems IT from the Open University of Catalonia, and a Graduate in Information Technologies from Cambridge (UCLES). He has a certificate in innovation management from IESE and a track record of over 30 years in the ICT industry, both in the public and private sectors.

In his professional career, he has worked at Barcelona City Hall for over 25 years, specifically at the Municipal Institute of Information Technology. He subsequently joined Sopra Steria, an international consultancy that specialises in digital transformation, where he held the position of Strategic Director for the public sector for over a year. He recently resumed this position as Director of Smart Cities and public sector strategy in Spain.

He is also Dean of the Computer Engineering Association of Catalonia and Chairman of the Association of ICT Professionals of Catalonia.

Eduard Martin, CIO Mobile World Capital Barcelona

Carles Casamor, Architect for the Barcelona School of Architecture (ETSAB). Architect of the Department of Urban Projects of the Urban Planning sector of Barcelona City Council since 1989 to 2022 Head of the Infrastructure Department of the Institute of Parks and Gardens of Barcelona City Council (1988). Professor at the School of Landscaping Projects II, Master and Postgraduate in Landscape Architecture at UPC.

Carles Casamor, Landscape Architect

Javier Burón, Graduate in Law, legal-economic specialty from the University of Deusto. He is general manager of Nasuvinsa (a Navarra housing company) and former general manager of the housing department of the city of Barcelona. Master in Tax Consulting from the Institute of Tax Studies of the University of Deusto.

He is an expert in management of social and affordable housing of public or public-private ownership, rental and rehabilitation aid programs in private stock and other public housing policy instruments. He has a Master of Business Administration from the Institute of Economics Applied to Business of the University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU).

He has been Manager and co-founding partner of Urbania ZH Gestión, Vice President and co-founding partner of Sumae Coop, Senior Associate Cuatrecasas Gonçalves Pereira, Vice-Minister of Housing and Social Affairs of the Basque Government.

Javier Burón, Former General Manager Housing in Barcelona

Alan Organschi is a principal and partner at GOA, an architectural practice in New Haven, Connecticut recognized internationally for its integration of design, construction, and environmental research in work that spans in scale from small demonstration projects in microhousing to global environmental analysis.

In April 2021, Mr. Organschi was appointed Director of the Innovation Labs at the Bauhaus Earth an interdisciplinary initiative based in Berlin, Germany focused on the transformation of buildings and infrastructure from a major source of anthropogenic environmental impact and social inequity into a climate restorative and ecologically regenerative means to meet the housing and infrastructural needs of a rapidly urbanizing global population.

Mr. Organschi continues as a senior member of the faculty at the Yale School of Architecture.

Alan Organschi, Architect, Ecological cities expert