IAAC’s Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment (1 or 2-year program) is a unique program oriented towards leading the change in decarbonising human activities and crafting a more sustainable, resilient future urbanisation for our planet. Through an innovative curriculum deeply rooted in AI applications, the program will pioneer novel AI-driven solutions that not only respond to the pressing challenges of our time but also set a new standard for environmentally and socially conscious co-design and planning. Taking place in Barcelona, the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment is training the professionals that city administrations, governments, industries, and communities need, to transform the built environment in the era of digital technologies.
INTRODUCTION
Applications for the academic year 2025/26 are now open!
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| Degree | The Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment I is accredited by University of Lleida (UdL) – European Higher Education Area (EHEA) + Certificate in Strategic Innovation and Business Development (EADA) | The Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment II is accredited by University of Lleida (UdL) – European Higher Education Area (EHEA) + Certificate in Strategic Innovation and Business Development (EADA) |
| Edition | 2nd edition | 2nd edition |
| Credits | 90 ECTS | 120 ECTS |
| Duration | October 2025 to July 2026 // Full time (10 months) | October 2025 to July 2027 – Thesis Final Submission: September 2026 // Full time (20 months) |
| Language | English | English |
| Tuition Fee | Non-EU: 23.850€ EU: 19.800€ Spanish: 11.925€ |
Non-EU: 31.800€ EU: 26.400€ Spanish: 15.900€ |
| Admission | Architects, Urbanists, Designers, Computer Scientists, Engineers, Data Scientists, Entrepreneurs, Economists. | Architects, Urbanists, Designers, Computer Scientists, Engineers, Data Scientists, Entrepreneurs, Economists. |
* Tuition fee includes a non-refundable programme enrollment fee of 3.800€
**Transportation to any of the IAAC Campus and other services not mentioned are not included.
CONTEXT & AGENDA
In an era marked by unprecedented environmental challenges and the rise of digital technologies, it has become imperative to reevaluate the traditional practices related to the built environment. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a paradigm-shifting opportunity to revolutionize the way we conceive, design, and build our environments. We need new rules to advert serious risks and by harnessing the power of AI, we can optimize resource utilization, enhance energy efficiency, and implement sustainable practices at an unprecedented scale.
The launch of the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment at IAAC represents a pivotal step towards this transformation. The program aims to equip future architects, engineers and urban planners with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills needed to lead the charge in decarbonising human activities and crafting a more sustainable, resilient future urbanisation for our planet. Through an innovative curriculum deeply rooted in AI applications, students will pioneer novel AI-driven solutions that not only respond to the pressing challenges of our time but also set a new standard for environmentally and socially conscious co-design and planning.
ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
Recognising the importance of boosting innovation followed by new business models in architecture, engineering and construction, the Master operates within a strong framework of entrepreneurial mindset and business development. Developed by IAAC and supported by EADA business school in Barcelona, the master programme offers a unique academic curriculum that seamlessly integrates Architecture, Artificial Intelligence and Business Development, setting it apart as a one-of-a-kind offering on a global scale.
EADA-RESIDENTIAL TRAINING CAMPUS: a campus dedicated to the development of leadership skills. The campus provides a high impact experience by pushing participants out of their comfort zone to develop action plans that becomes guide for personal and professional development.
Students will have the unique opportunity to showcase their work in venture capital events and venture capital companies that collaborate with the master program, gaining valuable insights and potential opportunities for future collaborations. With close ties to the start-up ecosystem the program offers unique opportunities for students to pitch their innovative ideas, launch their own ventures and engage with industry leaders. Additionally, selected students can opt to engage in an incubation program with renowned accelerators, providing a dynamic platform for refining their AI-driven concepts and projects. We encourage students to work alongside experts from diverse fields such as computer science, engineering, business, environmental sciences, urban planning, and construction. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the learning experience and opens up new avenues for innovation.
PRACTICE ORIENTED
During the second year of the program, the curriculum of the program gives students the chance to either participate in an accelerator program or embark on a paid internship with renowned architectural and urban design offices around the world that collaborate with the programme. This experience enables students to apply their newfound expertise in real-world settings, contributing to impactful projects, establishing strong future career possibilities and expanding their professional networks.
REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS
The Master of AI for Architecture & the Built Environment emphasises practical, real-world applications of AI. The program collaborates with a wide network of industries, governing bodies and private institutions that contribute to adjust the annual curriculum of the master for the collaborative development of real case studies and projects. Students will work on projects that directly impact the built environment, preparing them to address the complex challenges facing the architectural field today.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Our faculty members are actively engaged in cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI, architecture, and planning. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects and gain insights into the latest advancements in the field. With a diverse and accomplished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a forward-looking curriculum, the Master Program in Artificial Intelligence in the Built Environment equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to revolutionize the field of architecture, planning and design.
ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
The program is structured over three trimesters per academic year. The content evolves around 3 vertical themes (Urban Tech, Smart Construction, Natural Ecosystems) and 3 transversal objectives (Regenerative Design, Carbon Neutrality, Co-design).
URBAN TECH teaches students AI tools for urban analytics, real time monitoring and predictive modelling for urban development, resource flows, infrastructure and urban tech devices.
SMART CONSTRUCTION offers students skills on AI tools for design and building including development of digital twins, digital manufacturing, material simulations and automation.
NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS centres on AI tools for predictive modelling and adaptation including big data monitoring of natural environments, landscape simulations, natural evolutionary mechanisms and bio-inspired innovations.
The Master curriculum revolves around 3 transversal objectives:
- REGENERATIVE DESIGN highlighting: ecosystems, systemic design, circular design, ecological restoration, and adaptive systems.
- CARBON NEUTRALITY prioritising: renewable resources, decarbonization, bio materials, and net zero buildings.
- CO-DESIGN PROCESSES aiming at: technologically mediated participatory design, immersive experiences, sensory design, open source, collaborative platforms and collective intelligence.
STUDENT PROFILE
The Master in AI for Architecture and the Built Environment is a programme for architects, urbanists, designers, computer scientists, engineers, data scientists, entrepreneurs and economists that want to become pioneers on AI-driven solutions for environmentally and socially conscious architecture and the built environment. If you are passionate about combining Architecture and Artificial Intelligence and interested in becoming part of the startup ecosystem for a decarbonized resilient future urbanisation for our planet, then the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment is made for you.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Master of AI for Architecture and the Built Environment are poised to become leaders in the field, equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive innovation and shape the future of architecture and the built environment. They will be prepared for a wide range of career paths, including: AI-Integrated Architect, Startup Founder in the Built Environment Tech Sector, Researcher in AI and Architecture, Urban Design Technologist, Innovation Strategist in Architectural Firms.
PROGRAMME DIRECTORS
Areti Markopoulou is a Greek architect, researcher and urban technologist working at the intersection between architecture and digital technologies. She is the Academic Director at IAAC in Barcelona, where she also leads the Advanced Architecture Group, a multidisciplinary research group exploring how design and science can positively impact and transform the present and future of our built spaces, the way we live and interact. Her research and practice focus on redefining the architecture of cities through an ecological and technological spectrum combining design with biotechnologies, new materials, digital fabrication and big data.
Areti is the founder and is currently chairing the Responsive Cities International Symposium in Barcelona while she has served as Head Curator of international exhibitions such as Future Arena and On Site Robotics (Building Barcelona Construmat 2017-19), Print Matter (In3dustry 2016), HyperCity (Shenzhen Bi-city Biennale, 2015) and MyVeryOwnCity (World Bank, BR Barcelona, 2011). Her work has been featured in exhibitions worldwide and together with Lydia Kallipoliti she has been appointed the Head Curator for the Tallinn Architecture Biennale 2022.
Angelos Chronis 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 Senior Faculty at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.
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.
EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD
Generative AI Advisor
Industry Partnership Advisor
Government Partnership Advisor
Entrepreneurship and Business Development Advisor
COLLABORATIVE ENTITIES
EADA Business School
EADA is the first business school in Barcelona, founded in 1957 by a group of entrepreneurs and professionals as an ideologically and financially independent institution. Since 1984, EADA has been a non-profit private foundation dedicated to education, applied research and the transfer of knowledge to business and society at an international level. It is internationally recognised by the quality of its teaching, having both the EQUIS institutional accreditation awarded by the European Federation for Management Development, and the AMBA recognition for the quality of its MBA degrees. The Financial Times newspaper ranks EADA among the top 30 Business Schools in Europe.
Synthetic Studio
Synthetic Studio is an innovative firm specializing in applying artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of design across places, services, and experiences. They focus on modeling customer behaviors and journeys, simulating design performance, innovating design strategies, to accelerate the transformation of design, service, and operations.
Urban AI
Founded in 2021, Urban AI emerged from a comprehensive study involving multiple cities and AI stakeholders, evolving into a think tank dedicated to exploring AI’s impact on urban environments. It supports a community of 150 members across academia, government, and startups, focusing on AI’s urban opportunities and challenges. In 2022, Urban AI expanded its activities, launching an educational program for future AI practitioners, offering strategic consulting to urban entities, and hosting both a web series and its first in-person conference on urban AI developments.
Austrian Institute of Technology
The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) is Austria’s largest applied research institution, focusing on developing solutions for the future’s key infrastructure challenges. It works in areas such as Energy, Health & Bioresources, Digital Safety & Security, and Mobility Systems, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application. AIT’s efforts are geared towards addressing global challenges through sustainable and innovative technologies, collaborating with industry and public institutions to ensure practical applicability and market readiness of its developments.
Autodesk
Autodesk is a software company specializing in design, engineering, and entertainment tools, including its flagship product AutoCAD. It offers a wide range of software for 3D design, engineering, and entertainment, supporting professionals across architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media creation. Autodesk is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into its software, enhancing capabilities in modeling, rendering, simulation, and animation to streamline workflows and foster innovation.
LAND
LAND specializes in sustainable urban and landscape development. They address climate adaptation and mitigation by incorporating integrated urban planning and landscape transformation of brownfields and new developments. The company emphasizes community engagement through participatory processes and utilizes digital technology and scientific knowledge for ecosystem assessment. Their comprehensive services include strategic planning, sustainability consulting, landscape design, and construction. LAND aims to create greener, more equitable cities by combining innovative solutions with environmental stewardship.
STUDENTS LIFE
The first edition of the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment (MaAI) will begin in Barcelona from the Academic Year 2024/25.