The Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation provides outstanding opportunities to connect with leading industry partners and access exclusive internships. These collaborations bridge academia and practice, expand professional networks, and position students at the forefront of AI applications in architecture and technology.
Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation
The Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation empowers future leaders to harness artificial intelligence for sustainable, resilient, and decarbonized urban transformation.
What makes the Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation?
The Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation offers students the opportunity to transform the way we conceive, design, and build through AI, addressing the critical challenges posed by environmental and technological shifts.
This Master Degree also provides students the chance to pitch AI-driven ideas to venture capital firms, collaborate with industry leaders, and join accelerators to refine their concepts. Its interdisciplinary approach, ensures real-world applications that directly impact the built environment.
2
Editions of the Master Programme
35+
Graduated students and counting
10+
Nationalities. Multicultural environment
Programme Overview
Formats
Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation (One-year)
90 ECTS
Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation (Two-year)
120 ECTS
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The Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation focuses on practical, real-world AI applications by collaborating with world leading architecture practices, research organizations, municipalities, and global institutions. These partners help shape the curriculum of the programme by bringing real-world challenges and case studies. Through the active participation of our partners, students work on projects that can directly impact the built environment and get hands-on relevant experience during their studies.
The programme is structured over three trimesters per academic year, built around three pioneering vertical themes – Urban Tech, Smart Construction, and Natural Ecosystems – and three transversal objectives: Regenerative Design, Carbon Neutrality, and Co-Design, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the AI-driven future of architecture.
Term 1
The first term immerses students in the intersection of AI and urban technologies, exploring how data and computation can drive innovation in cities.
Through seminars in AI programming, advanced data-driven design and intelligent prototyping students gain the technical foundation to analyse and design complex urban systems. In parallel, a bootcamp on innovation and business development equips them with the skills to position their ideas in real-world contexts.
Case studies and expert talks provide critical perspectives on AI’s role in shaping resilient, sustainable, and inclusive cities, while hands-on workshops in research and fabrication allow students to prototype and test their ideas.
Term 2
The second term deepens the application of AI in construction and materials, focusing on how intelligent systems are reshaping design, fabrication, and building processes.
Students explore AI programming integrated with Building Information Modeling, alongside hands-on workshops in robotic fabrication and materials innovation. Complementing the technical training, the term also introduces business modelling and strategic innovation to translate technological advances into real market opportunities.
Together, these courses prepare students to address industry challenges, apply AI ethically, and position themselves as leaders in the transformation of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction sector.
Term 3
The third term explores how AI can be harnessed to design adaptive, resilient, and regenerative environments.
Students work with advanced AI programming for nature-based solutions, combining data-driven approaches with digital and physical bio-prototyping to test strategies that enhance ecological performance. Applied business development supports the translation of these ideas into viable ventures, while the Nature & Ecosystems Studio provides a platform to integrate theory, technical expertise, and entrepreneurship into comprehensive design projects.
The term culminates in the Master Thesis Project, where students deliver AI-driven solutions that respond to climate and societal challenges, setting new standards for environmentally and socially conscious design.
Final Project: In the Master Thesis Project, Year 01 students integrate theory, technical, and business skills to develop AI-driven solutions, addressing current challenges and setting new standards for environmentally and socially conscious co-design.
During the second year of the Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation students work hand in hand with renowned experts and industry partners to develop an individual research agenda. Each student proposes a thesis project to be developed throughout the year and is supported by a dedicated team of advisors: Thesis Advisor, Technical Advisor, Business Development Advisor, and Industry Advisor.
The second-year curriculum focuses on practical experience and entrepreneurship. Students gain hands-on practice in real-world projects through internships with leading architectural, urban design, and research practices worldwide. At the same time, the programme acts as an incubator for their ideas, with participation in a fast-track accelerator that helps transform innovative concepts into viable business and impact models, bringing them directly in front of innovation offices and investors.
These experiences enable students to apply their expertise in real-world contexts, contribute to impactful projects, expand professional networks, and establish strong career pathways.
The second year of Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation begins with advanced technical training and the development of vertical theme projects in areas such as sustainability or digital fabrication. In parallel, students take courses in Business Innovation Development to prepare for the entrepreneurial dimensions of architecture and the built environment.
This final stage of the Master is dedicated to advancing each student’s chosen path—whether refining a startup idea or deepening industry practice. Emphasis is placed on finalizing the Master Thesis, integrating acquired skills, and preparing design proposals and prototypes for public presentation and defense before a jury in June.
Pitch Event
A dedicated Pitching Event allows students to present their startup ideas or industry projects, showcasing their innovative solutions to potential investors and industry leaders.
Master Thesis Book
Students dedicate this period to developing the complete written document or book for their Thesis Project. The work done here will encapsulate the comprehensive research and outcomes from the year, concluding with the submission of two printed copies and the possibility of a scientific publication.
Why choosing the Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation?
IAAC’s Master in AI for Architecture is the only programme designed to integrate technology, environmental responsibility, and entrepreneurship into one powerful educational experience.
Students of the Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation will learn from renowned experts in AI, architecture, and urbanism. They will have access to internships opportunities and real-world partnerships with leading firms, develop pitch projects for venture capitalists, and participate in global accelerator programmes. Most importantly, they will join a forward-thinking global community of professionals tackling real challenges in the business environment.
EADA Business School
Recognising the critical need to innovate and develop new business models within architecture, engineering, and construction, the Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation operates within a robust entrepreneurial framework. In collaboration with EADA Business School in Barcelona, the programme offers a unique academic curriculum that integrates Architecture, AI, and Business Development, positioning it as a one-of-a-kind global offering.
At the EADA Residential Training Campus, students will develop leadership skills through immersive experiences that push them out of their comfort zones, fostering personal and professional growth. Additionally, the programme connects students with venture capital events, start-up ecosystems, and industry leaders, providing opportunities to pitch innovative ideas, launch ventures, and engage with renowned accelerators.
This interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration across fields such as computer science, business, environmental sciences, urban planning, and construction, enriching the learning experience and expanding avenues for innovation.
Curriculum of the Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation
Students of The Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation are introduced to a large variety of technological tools and software that are fundamental in order to change the way we think, design and materialise architecture.
During the programme students are trained on the latest tools for digital fabrication, advanced computational design, physical computing, and developer tools. Seminars on the following tools and software are conducted:
Career Opportunities After the Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation: Industry Partners & Internships
Student profile
The Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation programme is designed for architects, urbanists, designers, computer scientists, engineers, data scientists, entrepreneurs, and economists who aim to lead in the development of AI-powered innovations for socially responsible architecture and urban spaces.
If you are passionate about merging architecture with artificial intelligence and aspire to be part of the start-up ecosystem driving decarbonised, resilient urbanisation, this programme is for you.
Career Paths
Graduates of Master in AI for Architecture and Business Innovation will have the skills and knowledge to drive innovation and shape the future of architectural design and urban development.
Career paths include roles such as AI-integrated architect, start-up founder in the built environment tech sector, researcher in AI and architecture, urban design technologist, and innovation strategist within architectural firms, positioning alumni to lead transformative change in the industry.
Directors & Coordinators
Areti Markopoulou is a Greek PhD architect, researcher, and urban technologist working at the intersection of architecture and digital technologies. Her work focuses on redefining cities through an ecological and technological spectrum, merging design with biotechnologies, new materials, digital fabrication, and big data. She is the Academic Director at IAAC in Barcelona, and she leads the Advanced Architecture Group, a multidisciplinary research lab exploring how design and science can positively impact the built environment.
Areti co-founded StudioP52, an art/tech gallery activating abandoned industrial warehouses, and served as co-editor of the digital platform Urban Next. She has consulted on and developed projects on topics including urban regeneration through data science, circular construction and multidisciplinary educational models in the digital age.
Markopoulou is the co-author and editor of “Learning Cities: Collective Intelligence Urban Design” (Actar, 2022), “Edible” (TAB, 2022), “ Black Ecologies” (Actar, 2019), and co-author of the forthcoming book “Building Metabolism” (Actar, 2025) supported by the Graham Foundation Grant for Individuals.
She is the Chair of Responsive Cities Symposium that she co-founded in 2016 and served as Head Curator of international exhibitions including co-curating the Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB 2022), Future Arena & On Site Robotics (Construmat 2017 & 2019), HyperCity (Shenzhen Bi-city Biennale, 2015), and MyVeryOwnCity (World Bank, BR Bcn 2011).
Areti Markopoulou
Academic Director (she/her)
Angelos Chronis Angelos is the CEO and Co-Founder of Infrared City GmbH as well as Senior Research Engineer at the Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna and Co-Director of the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment at IAAC.
His work focuses on performative design, simulation, AI and data-driven design and optimization as well as interactive interfaces and AR/VR. He has led the development of various design and integrated simulation systems, such as infrared.city, a ground-breaking AI-driven climate simulation framework.
Angelos Chronis
MaAI Co-Director / Urban AI Faculty (he/him)
Eleni is a dynamic and detail-oriented visual communication specialist with extensive experience in UX/UI and information design, based in Barcelona. She has collaborated with institutions and organizations worldwide across social, commercial, and artistic sectors, excelling in transdisciplinary collaborations and participatory design projects.
With a strong ability to translate complex data and abstract ideas into accessible, user-centered visual solutions, Eleni also streamlines program administration efficiently. Her work is driven by a passion for space, books, and progressive social change, balancing both grounded and experimental approaches. She seamlessly blends analog with digital, research with play, and visualizes improvisation to create unique experiences and smart, functional solutions.
Committed to fostering engagement through strategic planning, meticulous organization, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders, Eleni believes in (co)evolution. She constantly seeks creative encounters, new approaches, and fresh perspectives, striving to work on projects that prioritize collaboration, meaningful conversations, and a positive social and environmental impact.
Eleni Karafylli
Academic Coordinator (she/her)
Areti Markopoulou
Academic Director (she/her)
Areti Markopoulou is a Greek PhD architect, researcher, and urban technologist working at the intersection of architecture and digital technologies. Her work focuses on redefining cities through an ecological and technological spectrum, merging design with biotechnologies, new materials, digital fabrication, and big data. She is the Academic Director at IAAC in Barcelona, and she leads the Advanced Architecture Group, a multidisciplinary research lab exploring how design and science can positively impact the built environment.
Areti co-founded StudioP52, an art/tech gallery activating abandoned industrial warehouses, and served as co-editor of the digital platform Urban Next. She has consulted on and developed projects on topics including urban regeneration through data science, circular construction and multidisciplinary educational models in the digital age.
Markopoulou is the co-author and editor of “Learning Cities: Collective Intelligence Urban Design” (Actar, 2022), “Edible” (TAB, 2022), “ Black Ecologies” (Actar, 2019), and co-author of the forthcoming book “Building Metabolism” (Actar, 2025) supported by the Graham Foundation Grant for Individuals.
She is the Chair of Responsive Cities Symposium that she co-founded in 2016 and served as Head Curator of international exhibitions including co-curating the Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB 2022), Future Arena & On Site Robotics (Construmat 2017 & 2019), HyperCity (Shenzhen Bi-city Biennale, 2015), and MyVeryOwnCity (World Bank, BR Bcn 2011).
Angelos Chronis
MaAI Co-Director / Urban AI Faculty (he/him)
Angelos Chronis Angelos is the CEO and Co-Founder of Infrared City GmbH as well as Senior Research Engineer at the Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna and Co-Director of the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment at IAAC.
His work focuses on performative design, simulation, AI and data-driven design and optimization as well as interactive interfaces and AR/VR. He has led the development of various design and integrated simulation systems, such as infrared.city, a ground-breaking AI-driven climate simulation framework.
Eleni Karafylli
Academic Coordinator (she/her)
Eleni is a dynamic and detail-oriented visual communication specialist with extensive experience in UX/UI and information design, based in Barcelona. She has collaborated with institutions and organizations worldwide across social, commercial, and artistic sectors, excelling in transdisciplinary collaborations and participatory design projects.
With a strong ability to translate complex data and abstract ideas into accessible, user-centered visual solutions, Eleni also streamlines program administration efficiently. Her work is driven by a passion for space, books, and progressive social change, balancing both grounded and experimental approaches. She seamlessly blends analog with digital, research with play, and visualizes improvisation to create unique experiences and smart, functional solutions.
Committed to fostering engagement through strategic planning, meticulous organization, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders, Eleni believes in (co)evolution. She constantly seeks creative encounters, new approaches, and fresh perspectives, striving to work on projects that prioritize collaboration, meaningful conversations, and a positive social and environmental impact.
Faculty Name
Position
Theodoros Galanos
Generative AI Advisor
Theodore has been working at the intersection of AI and Design for the last 6 years with a passion for creating AI solutions that generate, extract, and communicate design intelligence. An engineer and computational designer by trade, he quickly turned to AI to solve many of the frustrations of the modern design process. He co-developed and co-founded InFraRed, the world’s first AI-driven, urban performance design solution, where he serves as Chief Scientific Officer. He is the creator of Architext, the world’s first semantic generation model for architecture. He is currently the Generative AI Lead at Aurecon, with a goal to create AI solutions that help optimise design, planning, and delivery processes while fostering collaboration and ensuring people are at the centre of this transformation. He is an active contributor to the open source AI community and a PhD candidate at the Institute of Digital Games, in the University of Malta.
Jan Bunge
Industry Partnership Advisor
As a Director at Squint/Opera Jan oversees the creative and digital excellence for many international projects. He builds long-term relationships with leading industry partners and is instrumental in furthering the studio’s presence in the built environment and green technology industries. Jan’s wide network keeps him up-to-date on the latest technology and industry trends, which he brings back in-house, pushing the boundaries of Squint/Opera’s work. Before joining Squint, Jan worked as a landscape architect on many large-scale projects, and developed a deep knowledge of the built environment. With two decades of experience he has an intimate understanding of the world of architecture and urban design. In 2023 Jan Bunge joined IAAC as MaCT Faculty.
Mara Balestrini
Government Partnership Advisor
Mara Balestrini is an accomplished Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher and practitioner with 15 years of experience in spearheading digital transformation and innovation projects. Currently, she works at the Innovation Laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB Lab), where she leads the digital transformation program and provides guidance on using disruptive technologies in operations.
Prior to this role, Mara served as an advisor to the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in the Government of Spain and as the CEO of the innovation consultancy Ideas for Change. She is also a co-founder of SalusCoop, a pioneering Spanish cooperative dedicated to citizens’ health data.
Mara’s educational background includes a PhD in Computer Science from University College London (UCL), an MSc in Cognitive Systems and Interactive Media from Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), and a BA in Audiovisual Communications. Beyond her professional roles, she is a member of the board of trustees at IAAC and a research fellow at ESADE’s Center for Public Governance (EsadeGov). Her work has been recognized with awards from ACM CHI, ACM CSCW, and Ars Electronica, and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian, The Financial Times, and El País.
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The Institute
IAAC is an innovative centre dedicated to prototyping the future. We don’t see the future as a distant horizon awaiting us. We understand the present as a moment to influence what comes next. The future is our daily inspiration, our driving force, and our biggest commitment: our minds live in the cities, the technology and the problems of the future. We stand at the intersection of imagination and reality, where every prototype holds the potential to shape the next era of habitat. We are architects of change.
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