iaac-global-summer-school-2026

The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) presents a new edition of the Global Summer School (GSS), a summer learning platform dedicated to exploring the future of architecture and technologies. Combining onsite and online workshops, GSS connects participants worldwide with IAAC’s global network of faculty, researchers, and alumni by creating a shared space for critical thinking, experimentation and collaboration.

Rooted in IAAC’s vision of a built environment, the Global Summer School bridges education, research, and innovation. Through hands-on, project-driven workshops, participants engage with emerging tools and methodologies, transforming ideas into systems, processes, and architectural strategies.

A Modular Learning Experience

GSS follows a flexible modular format, combining three one-week online workshops with one two-week onsite workshop at IAAC Barcelona. Participants can join one or multiple workshops and design their own learning path—balancing digital accessibility with immersive, hands-on prototyping.

Workshop themes focus on advanced and emerging fields shaping contemporary practice, including computational design and fabrication, advanced computational workflows, digital data and urban analytics, and artificial intelligence in architecture.

Global Nodes Network

As part of the programme, IAAC activates the Global Nodes Network, a series of hands-on workshops hosted by IAAC alumni across different countries during the same time of GSS. The Global Nodes extend IAAC’s educational approach beyond Barcelona, bringing its methodologies, tools, and experimental mindset closer to local contexts while fostering global knowledge exchange.

A Global Community

For over 17 years, IAAC has cultivated a global learning environment where education and research converge. GSS continues this legacy through an international community of architects, designers, engineers, and innovators.

GSS participants also gain access to Global Lectures, weekly online talks by leading voices from the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) fields, expanding the workshop themes.

In the year Barcelona becomes World Capital of Architecture, GSS invites you to design, test, and prototype the futures of our built environment.

Four Workshops

The GSS offers four workshops:

If Gaudí had a Robot, focusing on computational design, parametric modeling, robotics and digital fabrication, and material behavior in digital architecture (in-person at IAAC Barcelona);
Timber on Top, exploring vertical timber extensions, adaptive reuse, modular construction, and low-carbon urban densification strategies (online, synchronous & asynchronous);
Advanced Computation for Design, covering complex geometry, generative design, machine learning, and façade engineering (modality not specified);
Generative AI for Architecture, examining AI-driven workflows, simulation, and sustainable and regenerative design approaches (online, synchronous & asynchronous)

All detailed info and how to apply here: https://globalschool.iaac.net/