The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) is excited to announce its participation in the exhibition SOMIA LA CIUTAT, which was inaugurated this morning, March 21st, with an official ceremony held in Palau Robert, Barcelona. In the framework of the exhibition, IAAC presented TREEdimensional, an installation that explores the intersection between nature and technology.
The exhibition is an initiative by Palau Robert, a centre affiliated with the Directorate-General for Dissemination of the Ministry of the Presidency. Curated by the architect Roger Subirà and designed by Isern Serra, it will be open to visitors until 11th of June 2023.
The exhibition, commissioned by Roger Subirà, rises from the premise that dreaming of the future is, in reality, shaping it. Forward-thinking and optimistic urban advocates are here called to imagine a better future for Catalonia and the world, by tackling the shared problems faced by the vast majority of citizens. “Somia la Ciutat” also delves into the new directions that urbanism and architecture are taking, propelled by three powerful forces: the green movement, the evolution of identity (gender), and the digital revolution.
“The exhibition has new paths and concepts for the future of the cities, with a conscious but radically optimistic plan”, explains Roger Subirà.
All projects, shown as images, videos, or mock-ups, are linked to very simple ideas, statements, or questions that are easily intelligible to a non-technical audience. As a whole, this collage of images and ideas aims to offer an imaginary/s of possible futures that allow visitors to reconnect with radically optimistic visions of the future of our cities. This approach, that of conscious but radical optimism, is as necessary as it is revolutionary at the present time.
In the Green Revolution room, in the middle of the moss forest, IAAC’s installation TREEdimensional arise; a tower prototype that explores the possibilities of wood as a construction material that will mark the 21st century, addressing the relationship between nature and urban environments, The project, designed by Daniel Ibáñez and Vicente Guallart, highlights the importance of incorporating natural elements into our urban landscapes.
The room showcases the transformation of urban and architectural experiences related to sustainability and the surroundings with green being the predominant color. The environment in which the projects are presented resembles public space construction with urban systems and surfaces that facilitate drainage and absorb pollution. Here wood plays a crucial role.
In 2050, 68% of the population will be urban. Whether by necessity or by choice, we have opted to reside in urban areas, and these spaces must be secure, healthy, and appropriate for habitation. Given the current climate change scenario, cities need to transform into sanctuaries that aid in lessening its impact. To elevate urban green spaces, it is essential to move beyond a mere beautification perspective and recognize nature’s potential to bring genuine transformation and structural changes to the city. In the 20th century, the city was overrun by cars, but now we are resolute in reclaiming that space, opening up to new possibilities.
The exhibition features the participation of several renowned architecture and design firms such as: 300,000 km/s, Andrés Jaque. Office for Political Innovation, Archikubik, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, Cobe Architects, ecoLogicStudio, EMBT Benedetta Tagliabue, MVRDV, RCR Arquitectes, Safdie Architects, Snøhetta, Takk Architecture, Tatiana Bilbao Studio, Zaha Hadid Architects among others.
Organized by the Dirección General de Difusión, it will be possible to visit it until June 11th in rooms 1 and 2.
Credits TreeDimensional
Project by: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia
Designed by: Daniel Ibañez, Vicente Guallart
Coordinated by: Laia Pifarré
Developed by: Firas Safieddine
Fabricated by: Bruno Ganem, Lorenzo Salinas
