IAAC – Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia
Global Summer School Program 2025
Online Course: Synchronous & Asynchronous Agenda.
Duration: 7th July – 11th July, 2025

GSS25 GENERATIVE AI FOR ARCHITECTURE


Credits: Master in AI for Architecture and the Built Environment, IaaC

 

Syllabus

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

Algorithmic design has now been around for more than two decades, serving as a catalyst for transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors. Over the years, genetic algorithms, machine learning, and both genetic and parametric design models have not only enriched our research methodologies but have also fundamentally redefined practical approaches to building design and construction. These tools have allowed us to explore vast design spaces, optimize complex systems, and integrate performance metrics early in the design process. Yet, despite these significant advancements, we are still in the infancy of AI-driven simulation and performative design—a realm where the full potential of artificial intelligence in creating responsive, adaptive, and efficient built environments is only beginning to be realized. The immense computational capabilities of the rapidly growing ML field in the AEC promise to revolutionize our perception and conception of the built environment, offering unprecedented insights into structural performance, environmental interaction, and user experience. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are poised to transform the industry by enabling more sustainable, resilient, and innovative design solutions that not only meet but anticipate the challenges of tomorrow’s built world. 

In this workshop, we will explore emerging trends and the latest developments at the intersection of computational design, AI, architecture, and planning. We will gently  guide participants in developing a practical understanding of these methods through low-code tools and case-studies. 

Setup 

Participants will use low-code methods to develop AI-driven workflows that expand their architectural design capabilities. 

We will explore generative AI models (such as large language models, stable diffusion, and computer vision) and, through theoretical insights and practical examples, develop a custom solution addressing a specific architectural or planning challenge. Possible workflows could include real-time simulations, automated reporting, or AI-based renderings. 

The workshop concludes with final presentations to a panel of experts, followed by a discussion on future directions in AI-assisted design.


 Credits: infrared City GmbH

 


Learning objectives 

At course completion the student will:

  • Gain an understanding of computational design and AI use cases in architecture and planning.
  • Explore existing AI algorithms and their applications in design automation.
  • Conceptualize and prototype Generative AI-driven workflows using Grasshopper and n8n.
  • Be able to present results with a critical review of their own work.

Previous Knowledge / Students background requirements 

The workshop is open to all applicants with a bachelor degree (or in progress) in any field related to Architecture, Design, Arts and Engineering and understanding of any parametric tools. 

The participants do not need any prior coding or parametric design knowledge. Getting familiar with Rhino Grasshopper ahead of the workshop will make progress easier.

 

Faculty team

Stanislava Fedorova (she/her) Stasja works as a data scientist at Hennes & Mauritz and specialises in process automation in architecture, construction, fashion and adjacent fields. Due to the mixed background in computer science and architecture she provides digitalization and programming services to companies operating in her area of expertise.  Stasja collaborates with IAAC, TU Wien and University of Umeå among other organisations. Preferred languages of communication: Swedish, Italian, English. Other interests include linguistics, trail running and system development.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stasja-fedorova/
Website: https://learn.knivkit.com

 

Serjoscha Duering (he/him) is interested in applying spatial data analysis with simulation methods in the realm of performance driven urban planning and design with a particular interest in the intersection of top‐ down driven development and evolutionary city growth.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serjoscha‐düring‐920644173/

 

Angelos Chronis (he/him) is the CEO and Co-Founder of Infrared City GmbH as well as Senior Research Engineer at the Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna and Senior Faculty at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.
He studied Architecture at the University of Patras and Computational Design at the Bartlett, UCL and has been a Marie-Curie Fellow at the Innochain Innovative Training Network. He has previously worked as an Associate at Foster+Partners and has taught at the Bartlett, UCL, the Bauhaus University, the IUAV in Venice and the TU Graz.
His work focuses on performative design, simulation, AI and data-driven design and optimization as well as interactive interfaces and AR/VR. He has led the development of various design and integrated simulation systems, such as infrared.city, a ground-breaking AI-driven climate simulation framework. 

Links

Website: https://www.infrared.city/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ankhelos
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeloschronis/

 

 

Oana Taut (she/her) is a Romanian architect and computational designer specialised in the field of AI in architecture. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Advanced Architecture from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.
Oana is the co-founder and CPO of Infrared City  where she leads product efforts with the goal of enabling AI powered environmental simulations as a driver for urban climate resilience.  Oana is also a dedicated educator leading studios and seminars on topics related to AI and algorithmic design in various master programs at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.
Her overall professional aim is to design quality space based on objective data, and materialise it in a sustainable way. 

Links

Website: https://www.infrared.city/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oana-taut/

 

 

Pol Foreman (he/him) is passionate about architecture, history, 3d modelling, maps and languages.
Experienced in Urban, Architectural, Product and Interface Design.
Always looking for new procedures, workflows and software to solve complex multidisciplinary problems.

Links

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polforeman/

 

Weekly Schedule & Time Table

Option 1 – Synchronous calendar (Barcelona time – GMT+2)
Recommend to European, African, Asian and Australian participants.
From Monday 7th July – Friday 11th July 2025
Teaching activities will run from 10.00 to 14.00 GMT+2
– 8 hrs of live teaching
– 8 hrs of live mentoring and exercises review
– 1 hr of IAAC summer lecture
– Final GSS diploma certificate ceremony

Option 2 – Asynchronous calendar (America time – GMT-4)
Solution recommended to participants from all the time zones who are looking for a more flexible schedule.
From Monday 7th July – Friday 11th July 2025
Live teaching activities will run from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm (GMT-4)
– 8 hrs of recorded teaching
– 8 hrs of live mentoring and exercises review
– 1 hr of IAAC summer lecture
– Final live GSS diploma certificate ceremony

 

Workshop Schedule

A detailed workshop schedule will be shared to the participants prior to the workshop day.

 

Main tools 

Main & secondary software

Rhinoceros 7.0. The 90-day trial version can be downloaded from the website www.rhino3d.com/eval.html – Rhino needs to be able to access internet, so crack Versions won’t work for this workshop

Other software to be specified by session.

*Because Grasshopper 3D works best for the Windows operating system, we recommend students  to have an installation of Windows (preferable Windows 10 x64).  If you have an Apple computer, it is recommended that you install Windows on Boot Camp which will perform better than Parallels or VMWare.  It is recommended that you max out the RAM potential on your computer.  

 

Plugins

All Grasshopper plugins will be provided by the instructors.

 

Hardware

8 GB memory (RAM) or more.
At least 600 MB space in the hard drive.

 

Operational System

Windows 10, 8.1 or 7 SP2 (Grasshopper 3D is only currently available for the Windows operating system. For this reason, every student is required to have an installation of Windows).
Note: If you have an Apple computer, it is recommended that you install Windows on Boot Camp which will perform better than Parallels or VMWare.