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.

GSS26 WORKSHOPS OVERVIEW

We’re preparing something truly exciting for GSS 2026!

Bringing you a fresh and inspiring take on IAAC’s knowledge in the AEC industry, from AI and Advanced Computation to Timber Construction and Robotics.

Stay tuned, workshops will be announced very soon!

GSS26 ON SITE

Key topics: Computational Design, Parametric Modeling, Robotics Fabrication, Digital Fabrication, Material Behaviour, Digital Architecture
Location: IAAC Barcelona
Modality: In person workshop 

SYLLABUS

Eligibility: The GSS26 In-person workshop is open to creative and innovative people who are interested in fields such as Advanced Architecture, Computational Design, Digital Fabrication, Robotics searching for a multidisciplinary experience in an international environment. No previous skills are required, although basic knowledge of Rhinoceros and Digital Fabrication skills are highly appreciated. The official language of the course is English.

Certification: Upon completing the course, participants will acquire both theoretical and practical expertise in computational design, fabrication, and innovation strategies. They will gain proficiency in parametric software, data visualization, and digital fabrication tools. At the conclusion of the workshop, each participant will be awarded a Global Summer School completion certificate.

GSS26 In-person workshop fee is 1000€ for early bird offer within 29th May 2026, including all material costs needed for the course. After that fee will be 1200€. The final application deadline is 30th June. No additional registration fee is required. Flight tickets, accommodation and food are not included in the fee. Each participant should bring his/her/their own computer with the software installed. Further details about the software will be given to the participants closer to the workshop’s beginning.

Visa: Each participant is responsible to for their visa process and should follow embassy guidelines to prepare the required documents for visa with timely manner.  IAAC can provide an invitation letter regarding the attendance of the course, and will assist the visa process, wherever possible. You can refer to [email protected] for any further questions.

Accommodation in Barcelona will not be included. IAAC will support and advise participants looking for accommodation. Upon arrival each participant will receive welcome kit and access card to IAAC facilities. Transportation between IAAC facilities will be taken care by IAAC on necessary occasion.

GSS25 ONLINE

Key topics: Vertical Timber Extensions , Adaptive Reuse, Mass Timber Systems, Lightweight Structural Design, Prefabricated Modules, Modular Construction, Circular Renovation Strategies,  Structural Feasibility, Urban Densification, Low-Carbon Design

Modality: Online (Synchronous & Asynchronous format)

SYLLABUS

Workshop calendar type: Participants can choose to attend the workshop in either Synchronous or Asynchronous format, depending on their preferred learning style and schedule.

Schedule: The workshop runs from Monday to Friday, including awarding Completion Certificate at the end of the program. Participants will attend live lectures, receive mentoring, and complete practical exercises and reviews throughout the week.

Eligibility: The Timber in Top workshop is open to applicants who hold, or are currently pursuing, a Bachelor’s degree in fields related to Architecture, Design, Arts, or Engineering.
No prior knowledge is required to participate. However, having basic familiarity with Rhinoceros (Rhino) software before the workshop will help participants follow the activities more easily.
A CV and portfolio are not required to apply for this workshop.

GSS25 ONLINE

Key topics: Complex Geometry, Rationalization, Environmental Analysis, Machine Learning, Geometry Analysis, Generative Design, Facade Engineering

Modality: Online (Synchronous & Asynchronous format)

SYLLABUS 

Workshop calendar type: Participants can choose to attend the workshop in either Synchronous or Asynchronous format, depending on their preferred learning style and schedule.

Schedule: The workshop runs from Monday to Friday, including awarding Completion Certificate at the end of the program. Participants will attend live lectures, receive mentoring, and complete practical exercises and reviews throughout the week.

Eligibility: The Advanced Computational Design workshop is open to applicants who hold, or are currently pursuing, a Bachelor’s degree in fields related to Architecture, Design, Arts, or Engineering.
No prior knowledge is required to participate. However, any skills and understanding of parametric tools (Grasshopper) are welcome.
A CV and portfolio are not required to apply for this workshop.

GSS25 ONLINE

Key topics: Generative AI, Sustainable design, Regenerative Design, AI-driven workflows, simulation, generative design

Modality: Online (Synchronous & Asynchronous format)

SYLLABUS

Workshop calendar type: Participants can choose to attend the workshop in either Synchronous or Asynchronous format, depending on their preferred learning style and schedule.

Schedule: The workshop runs from Monday to Friday, including awarding Completion Certificate at the end of the program. Participants will attend live lectures, receive mentoring, and complete practical exercises and reviews throughout the week.

Eligibility: The Generative AI for Architecture workshop is open to applicants who hold, or are currently pursuing, a Bachelor’s degree in fields related to Architecture, Design, Arts, or Engineering.
No prior knowledge is required to participate. However, having basic familiarity with Rhinoceros (Rhino) software before the workshop will help participants follow the activities more easily.
A CV and portfolio are not required to apply for this workshop.

GSS BARCELONA NODE & ONLINE WORKSHOPS FACULTY TEAM

HOW TO APPLY

IAAC’s Global Summer School workshops are open to enthusiastic individuals eager to explore new technologies. No CV, portfolio, or educational certificates required. To simplify the process, the APPLY link will be directed to flywire portal. You can participate into one or more GSS workshops by:

  1. Click on APPLY button,
  2. Add the total amount of the workshop in Euros,
  3. Fill in your basic personal data,
  4. Finalise the payment via Flywire portal.

Once your payment is received, you’ll get a confirmation email from the GSS coordinator securing your spot.

Circular Construction: Shifting Value

Date: Monday 7th of July to Friday 18th of July, 2025

Early Bird offer until: 31st May, 2025

Application Deadline: 30th June, 2025 at 16:00 (CEST)

ADVANCED COMPUTATION FOR DESIGN

Date: Monday 14th July to Friday 18th July, 2025

Early Bird offer until: 31st May, 2025

Application Deadline: 11th July, 2025 at 11:00 (CEST)

Generative AI for Architecture

Date: Monday 7th July – Friday 11th July, 2025

Early Bird offer until: 31st May, 2025

Application Deadline: 4th July, 2025 at 11:00 (CEST)

IMAGE BASED ANALYTICS FOR DATA DRIVEN MAPPING OF URBAN VULNERABILITIES

Date: Monday 21st July to Friday 25th July, 2025

Early Bird offer until: 31st May, 2025

Application Deadline: 18th July, 2025 at 11:00 (CEST)

Requirements: CV, Portfolio, or any other education certificates are not required. Depending on the Workshop basic software knowledge is required. It will be shared in prior with Workshop syllabus.

The deadlines for the applications are:

  • Early bird Applications (with reduced fee) are open until: 29th May, 2026 for all workshops

Non early bird applications are open until,

  • In person workshop: 30th June, 2026 at 16:00 (CEST)
  • Any Online workshops:  A week before the official start date, at 11:00 (CEST)

WORKSHOP FEES

GSS26 Applications will be open soon!

Applicants have diverse possibilities to participate in the GSS26 courses, applying to the on site workshop, either choosing the on site workshop combined with any online workshops, or being remote applying to one or more online workshops. Applications early birds fees deadlines is 29th May.

  • ON SITE WORKSHOP

  • 1000€
    EURO
  • 1200€
  • APPLY

  • 1 ONLINE WORKSHOP

  • 340€
    EURO
  • 410€
  • APPLY

  • 2 ONLINE WORKSHOPS

  • 570€
    EURO
  • 680€
  • APPLY

  • 3 ONLINE WORKSHOPS

  • 720€
    EURO
  • 880€
  • APPLY

 Applications will be valid until the maximum number of students is reached and once the online application form and payment has been submitted. The GSS fee is a non-refundable payment. 

GSS NODES NETWORK

The GSS Nodes are back! IAAC has an active Alumni community distributed around the world, allowing a decentralized expansion of IAAC expertise and knowledge.

Thanks to the Alumni collaborations, IAAC empowers the bonds with the community members placing them in strategic countries to allow the GSS program global extension in different Nodes-cities globally, such us: Barcelona, New York City, Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, Bali, Tehran, Melbourne, Beirut, Istanbul, Colorado, Los Angeles, Qingdao, Dubai and more.

Counting on this network, the GSS participants can therefore choose the node to which apply to between the ones present in the IAAC GSS nodes network.

Nodes information will be open soon!

IAAC GSS NETWORK

IAAC has an active Alumni community distributed around the world, allowing a decentralized expansion of IAAC expertise and knowledge.

Thanks to the Alumni collaborations, IAAC empowers the bonds with the community members placing them in strategic countries to allow the GSS program global extension in different Nodes-cities around the world, such us: Barcelona, New York City, Hong Kong, Pune, Manila, Tehran, Melbourne, Beirut, Budapest, Shanghai, Quito and more.

Counting on this network, the GSS participants can therefore choose the node to which apply to between the ones present in the IAAC GSS nodes network.
Explore our GSS nodes and APPLY to one of them from the list below! Coming soon nodes will open soon.

GLOBAL TEAM

IAAC Global Summer School 2020 dates are from the 29th June to the 11th July 2020. You can submit your application until the 31st of May 2020 // seats are limited.

Applications will be accepted until the maximum number of students is reached and considered valid once all required documents mentioned in the online application form of each node, including the receipt of the fee payment, have been submitted. Find detailed information about the fee payment and requirements within each node’s webpage.

FAQ

  1. Can I apply to the GSS courses?
    GSS courses are tailored for participants willing to improve their skills in one or any tools proposed in the GSS workshops.
    Participants can therefore choose to apply for one GSS  course or more than one (see EARLY BIRD OFFER > APPLY section).
  2. Does each GSS course provide a certificate?
    Yes, it does. After the completion of any GSS workshop, each GSS participant will receive the GSS Diploma certificate issued by IAAC.
  3. How can i get the full GSS certificate?
    By applying and attending to the full set of GSS online courses, the GSS participant will receive a full GSS diploma stating all the courses attended during the program.
  4. There will be any in person classes with instructors?
    The GSS on site workshop will be taking place at IAAC Barcelona.
    During the GSS online courses, participants will attend classes, lectures and final presentations connected into a unique online platform with IAAC faculties and international keynote speakers.
  5. How can I interact with other participants?
    For the GSS on site workshop, daily in person interaction will happen in Barcelona, at IAAC. The GSS online courses will be on ZOOM video meeting & conferencing platform, a very powerful tool which allows participants to interact during the classes with faculties and invited lecturers. A specific Slack channel will be available for chat support for the students during each workshop.

CONTACTS

Pujades 102 baixos, Poble Nou, 08005 Barcelona

Direct phone:
(+34) 93 320 95 20

IAAC GSS info at:
[email protected]