MWC 2023

The Project

1. Mobile World Capital (Hall 6)
The central stage, representing the City of Barcelona, hosted four immersive experiences connecting the Metaverse with the physical city. The design is a 3D representation of the Coat of Arms of Barcelona, incorporating a crown, a cross, and four stripes—each interpreted by IAAC teams.

The Crown was designed by students from the Master of Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities (MAEBB) and fabricated at IAAC’s Valldaura Labs. It is a timber structure with a double-curved mesh made from a three-layer board, showcasing IAAC’s expertise in digital fabrication.

• The Cross takes inspiration from Antoni Gaudí’s designs. Constructed using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels made from sustainably sourced Galician wood, the structure includes meeting spaces for congress attendees and immersive sensory experiences at its base.
• The Columns represent the four stripes of the Catalonian emblem. Designed using active bending techniques, they are composed of precision-engraved firwood strips, forming lightweight yet robust structures.

2. 4 Years From Now (4YFN) Stage (Hall 8)
For the startup event stage, IAAC employed a combination of parametric design and robotic fabrication, creating timber-based structures that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reused. This design prioritised sustainability by optimising material usage and employing low-impact construction techniques.

3. BEAT Barcelona (North Access Terrace)
BEAT Barcelona was designed as a multifunctional space for networking during the day and performances at night, with contributions from leading cultural festivals like Sónar and Cruïlla. The design represents iconic landmarks of Barcelona, such as the Montjuïc hill and the Port of Barcelona, with structures made from sustainable materials like timber and light metallic frames.

• Montjuïc Hill was represented by a parametric timber structure designed by CODA, while
• Ciutadella Park featured a light metallic mesh designed by TAKK Architects, representing natural elements of the park.
• Barcelona Port used timber containers as stages for performances, while the iconic chimneys of Sant Adrià were reproduced at a 1:20 scale for radio shows and concerts.

Our Contribution

IAAC led the entire design and construction process, ensuring the use of sustainable materials like timber, in line with the principles of the MASS MADERA network. IAAC’s Valldaura Labs were central to the fabrication process, along with collaboration from students, faculty, and industry partners.

Who is it for?

This project was designed for Mobile World Congress attendees, including technology professionals, startups, and visitors from around the world. The installations reflect Barcelona’s leadership in innovation, ecology, and technology, appealing to those interested in sustainable urban design and cutting-edge digital fabrication.