The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) announces the launch of its new Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration (MAUR) programme, designed to tackle the complex challenges of contemporary urban development. This innovative program, a collaboration between IAAC and the Urban Planning & Design Institute of Shenzhen (UPDIS), equips professionals with the tools to lead the future of urban regeneration.

On September 19, 2024, IAAC welcomed a delegation from Shenzhen to Barcelona for the inaugural session of this transformative educational journey. The event took place at Ca l’Alier, and brought together key figures from both cities to celebrate the start of this new educational programme.

The Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration is a nine-month, immersive programme that combines advanced research, design, and urban planning methods to address the critical issues of urban development today. With rapid technological advancements and the growing need for self-sufficiency in urban solutions, MAUR equips students to develop strategies for transforming cities into resilient, inclusive, and vibrant environments.

Led by Vicente Guallart, former Chief Architect of Barcelona, the program draws upon Barcelona’s rich history of urban innovation and Shenzhen’s dynamic growth. This international collaboration offers students the opportunity to engage with global urban dynamics while working on real-world projects.

The MAUR program offers a global experience, with participants splitting their time between Barcelona and Shenzhen to gain firsthand insights into both Eastern and Western urban models. It emphasizes hands-on learning through seminars, workshops, and site visits, where students work directly with leading urban planners, architects, and technology experts. Designed for professionals from diverse fields, including urban design, architecture, data science, and engineering, the program takes a multidisciplinary approach to urban regeneration. Additionally, MAUR provides students with access to a wide network of professionals, companies, and academic institutions, opening doors to careers in urban planning, environmental design, community development, and more.

The delegation was welcomed by Vicente Guallart, featuring urban leaders such as Michael Donaldson, Ramon Torra, and Jose Antonio Gras, who provided insight into metropolitan challenges and urban futures. Representatives from Shenzhen, including Sun Yi and Sima Xiao, shared their perspectives on Shenzhen’s rapid urban growth and innovative urban strategies.

The Master in Advanced Urban Regeneration empowers students to reimagine urban spaces through data-driven approaches. Focusing on sustainable urban regeneration, participants will be equipped to lead projects that shape cities into more resilient, inclusive, and adaptable spaces for future generations.

For more information about the MAUR program – contact us at [email protected].