3DPA is crafted for architects, engineers, designers, material scientists, and mechanical engineers. The programme is designed to equip these professionals with specialised skills to navigate a new reality in construction and architecture, where emerging technologies will significantly influence how we conceptualise and construct our built environment.
Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture
3DPA is a six-month intensive programme at the forefront of additive manufacturing, transforming how we design and build.
Why 3DPA?
The Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) is applied research at its core. Rather than speculating on far-off futures, the focus is on utilising the latest technologies to reshape current construction practices. The programme builds upon a foundation of research developed within the Institute, furthered by close collaboration with leading industry partners.
13
Editions of the Master Programme
120+
Graduated students and counting
80+
Nationalities. Multicultural environment
The course runs as a partially collective programme with a mixed group of researchers of IAAC’s Master second years and other specialised students with interest in 3d printing, in eco-friendly material research or in the field of housing.
The course is structured in 3 phases: Learn, a series of exercises to gain knowledge into the topic followed by Explore, an explorative phase through research and finally Demonstrate, a divided into Project Studio: a design competition and conceptual planning followed by a Large Scale Prototype construction: the construction of a 1:1 prototype that challenges the use of earthen architecture fragments in the built environment
Term 1
TECHNE – Craftsmanship and Technology
An experimental and hands-on approach to Additive Manufacturing with robots. Eco-friendly material printing resides in the control of robotic technology and the mastering of its complex materiality.
This six-week phase emphasises receiving knowledge at the intersection of craftsmanship and technology, focusing on matter, machine, structure, and the built environment through detail, fragments, and architecture. Students will work in small groups on short, intense exercises and experiments.
*Areas of research may vary from year to year.
Term 2
RESEARCH – Building Performance
Research refers to the systematic method consisting of enunciating a problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting facts and data, analysing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solution(s) towards the concerned problem, or in certain generalisations for a theoretical formulation.
The second phase is an eight-week exploratory studio focusing on research into building performance, covering topics such as geometry, rigidity, fibre reinforcements, optimisations, and support systems*.
*Areas of research may vary from year to year.
Term 3
VISION and CONSTRUCTION – Architectural Scale Construction and Design
3D printing, a digital technology, challenges a conventional design approach and requires the elaboration of new strategies partially based on the use of computation. We develop a performance-based approach to design for 3D printed architectural solutions. Within the realms of a design project for a complex humanitarian situation, the design of buildings is the result of a complex negotiation between fulfilling climatic, structural, manufacturing and habitation purposes.
The third phase begins with a collective design competition, where the group applies all the knowledge gained from phase two to develop a design proposal for a 1:1 prototype as a building fragment. This phase concludes with the group constructing a large prototype at a 1:1 architectural scale. In parallel, the group will develop an architectural design vision and document their research, compiling it into a collective thesis printed document.
*Areas of research may vary from year to year.
About Valldaura Labs for 3DPA
Valldaura Labs is IAAC Forest Campus, within a natural park 20 min from the city of Barcelona.
Valldaura Labs hosts the 3DPA forest campus, where 3DPA students and researchers practice with a large-scale 3D printer developed in partnership with our industry collaborator WASP.
In September, during the introduction Phase “Techne”, up to 20 students from 3DPA can stay full-time at Valldaura Labs, sleeping in shared rooms with full board meals, laundry, washing machine, WIFI, and access to the Green Fab Lab, among other utilities.
Afterward, from October to February, no further accommodation will be possible at Valldaura and students are recommended to find accommodations close to the IAAC city campus in Poblenou, Barcelona where most class and smaller-scale prototypes will happen.
For all the class and prototype construction happening at IAAC´s Forest campus of Valldaura Labs, IAAC will provide transportation, logistic support, and food on-site to help students commute easily between Barcelona and Valldaura Labs, especially in January and February during the Construction phase.
Due to limited accommodation availability in September, students will be lodged on a first come first served basis, according to when the student completes the payment.
For applicants already based in Barcelona, please contact the Admin Coordinator to explore accommodation options at [email protected].
Technical Skills
Participants in the postgraduate programme will gain intensive experience in large-scale 3D printing and acquire essential technical skills, including digital fabrication techniques such as robotic fabrication, 3D printers, extrusion technologies, and sensors. They will master digital tools for 3D modelling, parametric modelling, digital simulation, and the production of G-code. Additionally, students will engage in material research, using empirical and scientific methods to develop and test new materials. They will also learn design methodologies tailored to additive manufacturing, integrating design with performance. Finally, they will adopt a holistic strategy for architectural solutions that address material, energy, economy, manufacturing, policies, users, design, climate, and structure.
Student profile
Career paths
3DPA is crafted for architects, engineers, designers, material scientists, and mechanical engineers. The programme is designed to equip these professionals with specialised skills to navigate a new reality in construction and architecture, where emerging technologies will significantly influence how we conceptualise and construct our built environment.
Directors & Coordinators
Edouard Cabay graduated from the Architectural Association in 2005 and has since worked for renowned firms such as Foreign Office Architects in London, Anorak in Brussels, and Cloud 9 in Barcelona, where he served as head of the office. Notable projects he completed for Cloud 9 include the Thirst Pavilion for Expo Zaragoza 2008 and the Cúpula del Milenio concert hall in Valladolid.
Currently, Edouard is a unit master for Diploma 18 at the Architectural Association, where he focuses on large-scale architectural strategies addressing the consequences of global warming. Alongside his academic work, he is establishing Appareil, an architectural practice that integrates digital design and fabrication techniques to shape the built environment.
Edouard Cabay
3DPA Co-Director / Faculty (he/him)
Alexandre Duboris an architect and researcher integrating new technologies to improve how we build and live in cities. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture & Engineering from EAVT & ENPC (France) and a Master’s in Architecture from IAAC (Spain), specialising in robotic fabrication and large-scale additive manufacturing (FabBot 3.0). Alexandre is also a licensed architect (HMONP) in France and has worked in various architectural firms, including Libeskind, Atenastudio, iDonati, and AREP, from competition to delivery stages. In parallel, he explored coding and scripting through his practice at Collectif277.
Since 2012, Alexandre has been working at IAAC as an expert in digital and robotic fabrication. He currently leads the Robotics Lab and co-directs the postgraduate program in 3D Printing Architecture and the Master in Robotic and Advanced Construction. Alongside IAAC staff, students, and industry partners, he investigates how advancements in materials, digital fabrication, and computational design can create a more efficient, affordable, sustainable, and personalised construction ecosystem.
Alexandre Dubor
RL Director / MRAC Director / 3DPA Co-Director (he/him)
Valeria Carrion Cruz is a project coordinator and designer with extensive experience in sustainable architecture, innovative construction, and program management. She has successfully coordinated academic programs, including curriculum design and multidisciplinary collaborations, and led participatory workshops for public space interventions. Her role at UCLG involved facilitating global urban policy training and co-authoring influential publications, showcasing her ability to bridge education, technology, and sustainability. With a Master’s in Sustainable Emergency Architecture and a design background, she is well-equipped and looking forward to expanding into the world of advanced construction by coordinating the Robotics and 3D printing Architecture academic programs.
Valeria Carrion
3DPA Coordinator
Edouard Cabay
3DPA Co-Director / Faculty (he/him)
Edouard Cabay graduated from the Architectural Association in 2005 and has since worked for renowned firms such as Foreign Office Architects in London, Anorak in Brussels, and Cloud 9 in Barcelona, where he served as head of the office. Notable projects he completed for Cloud 9 include the Thirst Pavilion for Expo Zaragoza 2008 and the Cúpula del Milenio concert hall in Valladolid.
Currently, Edouard is a unit master for Diploma 18 at the Architectural Association, where he focuses on large-scale architectural strategies addressing the consequences of global warming. Alongside his academic work, he is establishing Appareil, an architectural practice that integrates digital design and fabrication techniques to shape the built environment.
Alexandre Dubor
RL Director / MRAC Director / 3DPA Co-Director (he/him)
Alexandre Duboris an architect and researcher integrating new technologies to improve how we build and live in cities. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture & Engineering from EAVT & ENPC (France) and a Master’s in Architecture from IAAC (Spain), specialising in robotic fabrication and large-scale additive manufacturing (FabBot 3.0). Alexandre is also a licensed architect (HMONP) in France and has worked in various architectural firms, including Libeskind, Atenastudio, iDonati, and AREP, from competition to delivery stages. In parallel, he explored coding and scripting through his practice at Collectif277.
Since 2012, Alexandre has been working at IAAC as an expert in digital and robotic fabrication. He currently leads the Robotics Lab and co-directs the postgraduate program in 3D Printing Architecture and the Master in Robotic and Advanced Construction. Alongside IAAC staff, students, and industry partners, he investigates how advancements in materials, digital fabrication, and computational design can create a more efficient, affordable, sustainable, and personalised construction ecosystem.
Valeria Carrion
MRAC Coordinator
Valeria Carrion Cruz is a project coordinator and designer with extensive experience in sustainable architecture, innovative construction, and program management. She has successfully coordinated academic programs, including curriculum design and multidisciplinary collaborations, and led participatory workshops for public space interventions. Her role at UCLG involved facilitating global urban policy training and co-authoring influential publications, showcasing her ability to bridge education, technology, and sustainability. With a Master’s in Sustainable Emergency Architecture and a design background, she is well-equipped and looking forward to expanding into the world of advanced construction by coordinating the Robotics and 3D printing Architecture academic programs.
Faculty Name
Position
Alexandre Dubor
RL Director / MRAC Director / 3DPA Co-Director (he/him)
Alexandre Duboris an architect and researcher integrating new technologies to improve how we build and live in cities. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture & Engineering from EAVT & ENPC (France) and a Master’s in Architecture from IAAC (Spain), specialising in robotic fabrication and large-scale additive manufacturing (FabBot 3.0). Alexandre is also a licensed architect (HMONP) in France and has worked in various architectural firms, including Libeskind, Atenastudio, iDonati, and AREP, from competition to delivery stages. In parallel, he explored coding and scripting through his practice at Collectif277.
Since 2012, Alexandre has been working at IAAC as an expert in digital and robotic fabrication. He currently leads the Robotics Lab and co-directs the postgraduate program in 3D Printing Architecture and the Master in Robotic and Advanced Construction. Alongside IAAC staff, students, and industry partners, he investigates how advancements in materials, digital fabrication, and computational design can create a more efficient, affordable, sustainable, and personalised construction ecosystem.
Valeria Carrion
3DPA Coordinator
Valeria Carrion Cruz is a project coordinator and designer with extensive experience in sustainable architecture, innovative construction, and program management. She has successfully coordinated academic programs, including curriculum design and multidisciplinary collaborations, and led participatory workshops for public space interventions. Her role at UCLG involved facilitating global urban policy training and co-authoring influential publications, showcasing her ability to bridge education, technology, and sustainability. With a Master’s in Sustainable Emergency Architecture and a design background, she is well-equipped and looking forward to expanding into the world of advanced construction by coordinating the Robotics and 3D printing Architecture academic programs.
Oriol Carrasco
Fabrication Expert
Oriol Carrasco is a PhD architect from Barcelona and a senior fabrication expert at IAAC, with extensive expertise in composite manufacturing. He currently teaches in the Master in Advanced Architecture (MAA) and 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) programs. Since 2013, Oriol has co-led the Design with Nature research line and teaches in the Metabolic Introductory Studio.
With a career spanning since 2005, Oriol has combined teaching with professional work in the engineering and architectural fields, collaborating with major firms on projects across Europe and South America. He is passionate about computational design, prototyping real-scale mock-ups, and exploring novel fabrication methods.
Secil Afsar
Fabrication Assistant (she/her)
Secil Afsar graduated from Koc University’s Chemical and Biological Engineering department in 2016. She worked as a process development engineer at an H2020-funded biotechnology company, focusing on generating enzyme mixes from microorganisms for hydrolysis experiments on paper sludge waste. Her work contributed to biogas production and green technology, including using hydrolyzed paper sludge as a cement substitute in mortar. Secil also participated in H2020 SME applications and was a Cleantech Open Global finalist.
Driven by her interest in sustainable environments, Secil earned a Master’s in Biodigital Architecture from the International University of Catalonia. During her studies, she interned at Fab Lab Barcelona, worked on European projects like Foodshift and Siscode, and was part of the Remix el Barrio team, which won the Grand Prize for Innovative Collaboration at Ars Electronica.
Secil now teaches as an Associate Professor at UIC Barcelona, focusing on 3D printing with biocomposites, while pursuing her doctoral degree. She also works as a fabrication laboratory assistant at IAAC, specialising in robotic fabrication and biomaterials for design. She has co-authored several book chapters and academic articles throughout her career.
Nestor Beguin
Computational Expert
Nestor Beguin is an architect and computational designer, a graduate of La Cambre-Horta in Brussels and the Postgraduate program in 3D Printing Architecture at IAAC. As a digital enthusiast, Nestor embraces a multidisciplinary approach to design, blending engineering, craftsmanship, and philosophy in his work. He has worked as a computational designer in Brussels, Montréal, and Barcelona.
Currently, Nestor teaches at DFS (La Cambre-Horta, Brussels), the Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction (MRAC), and the 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) program at IAAC.
Elisabetta Carnavale
Material Expert
Amanda Rivera
Material Expert
Alicia Huguet
Structure Expert
Xavi Aguilo
Energy Expert
Marti Riera
Sustainability Expert
Projects & Partners
“I was lucky to join the 3DPA program. The program merged two contrasting elements: the humbleness of clay as an eco-friendly material and 3D printing as a very high-tech technique. That’s why I was eager to feed my hunger and see how the feasibility of both techniques could work together to create what we will see in the end. I have been working on vernacular architecture projects, trying to explore different materials related to sustainability and many things, and even merging high-tech technology with producing something related to architecture.”
Deena El-Mahdy, 3dPA Alumni, 2021-22.
Associate Professor at Architectural Engineering at the British University in Egypt.
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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.
Fee & Scholarships
Review important information regarding our programme fees, average cost of living in Barcelona and scholarships opportunities available for eligible applicants.
Admissions
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