Global Summer School Program 2026
Online Course: Synchronous & Asynchronous Agenda.
Duration: 6th July – 17th July, 2026
GSS26 IF GAUDÍ HAD A ROBOT
Brief
In 2026, Barcelona will host the UIA World Capital of Architecture, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s passing and the 25th anniversary of IAAC – Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. Within this unique convergence, the IAAC Global Summer School launches the workshop “If Gaudí Had a Robot”, exploring how Gaudí’s geometric intelligence and experimental approach to form-making might evolve through contemporary digital and robotic fabrication.
While Gaudí’s architecture is widely recognized for its organic expression, its spatial and structural complexity is grounded in rigorous mathematical principles and physical experimentation.This workshop explores how these geometries, historically developed through physical models and manual craftsmanship, can be computationally decoded and materially realized through multi-axis industrial robotic systems.
Credits: After Gaudi Seminar, Master in Advanced Architecture 01
Research Context: From Analogue Logic to Robotic Toolpaths
Gaudí’s architectural legacy in Barcelona stands as an early precursor to computational design thinking. His use of double-curvature geometries allowed structures to achieve optimized load distribution and material efficiency long before the development of digital simulation tools. Despite advances in parametric modeling and digital design workflows, the fabrication of such geometrically complex systems remains a challenge within contemporary construction processes.
This workshop proposes a synthesis between manual experimentation and automated precision. Participants will begin by studying the mathematical frameworks that underpin Gaudí’s geometric systems. These geometric principles will then be translated into computational models. From these models, robotic toolpaths will be generated, enabling the transformation of mathematical geometries into fabrication instructions for industrial robots. Finally, participants will materialize complex morphologies through robotic fabrication, testing how geometric intelligence can be expressed through contemporary manufacturing processes.
Throughout the workshop, the curriculum emphasizes the integration of three key domains.
- Geometric Rationalization: Understanding the generation of complex geometry based on mathematical and physical principles
- Material & Physical Behavior: Investigating how physical constraints, gravity, and material properties inform digital modeling strategies.
- Robotic Augmentation: Leveraging the precision, repeatability, and spatial reach of industrial robots to construct morphologies beyond the limitations of conventional formwork and manual fabrication.
Programme Structure
Week I: Geometric Foundations
During the first week of the workshop participants will:
- Study of the mathematical and structural principles embedded in the Sagrada Familia Basilica
- Analyze of mathematical surfaces and complex geometries
- Perform Hands-on experimentation through physical model-making to understand geometric generation and behavior
Week II: Robotic Integration
The second week of the workshop will be focused on:
- Translation of geometric logic into computational workflows
- Development of parametric models for fabrication
- Automation of production processes through robotic toolpath generation
- Exploration of precision-driven fabrication techniques
The workshop will count with the support of experts from diverse disciplines, guest lectures and site visits.
Previous Knowledge / Eligibility
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 Rhinoceros (Rhino) software ahead of the workshop will make progress easier.
Faculty Team
Pit Siebenaler – Robotic Fabrication Expert, Robotics Lab
Pit Siebenaler is an Architect with a degree from La Cambre Horta in Brussels and a Master’s in Robotics and Advanced Construction from IAAC. At IAAC, Pit specializes in integrating sensing workflows with robotic manufacturing to repurpose waste wood, promoting sustainable building practices. Currently, Pit serves as a research assistant at IAAC, supporting the Master’s program in Robotics and Advanced Construction.
Akshay Madapura – Computational modeling expert, Advanced Architecture Lab
Akshay Madapura is a Computational Design Specialist and Architect from India, with a strong foundation in advanced digital technologies and their application in architecture. He is a graduate of the Master in Advanced Architecture at IAAC, where he has played a key role in numerous projects and seminars that explore the integration of digital tools with physical design processes.
His areas of expertise include algorithmic design, machine learning, computer vision, interaction design, and robotic fabrication. Akshay’s primary focus is on applying data-driven algorithms to real-world architectural challenges, aiming to create innovative, efficient, and sustainable design solutions. With a passion for advancing computational methodologies, Akshay is committed to driving the evolution of architecture through the informed use of technology, pushing the limits of how data and algorithms can shape the future of design
Experts & Guest Lecturers
Mark Burry – Chief Architect of Sagrada Familia (1979-2016), IAAC After Gaudi Seminar Lead
Prof Mark Burry AO FRAIA FTSE is a registered architect and the Founding Director for Swinburne University of Technology’s Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI). His role is to lead the development of a whole-of-university research approach to ‘urban futures’, helping ensure that our future cities anticipate and meet the needs of all – smart citizens participating in the development of smart cities.
He is a practising architect who has published internationally on two main themes: putting theory into practice with regard to procuring ‘challenging’ architecture, and the life, work and theories of the architect Antoni Gaudí. He has been Senior Architect to the Sagrada Família Basilica Foundation since 1979, pioneering distant collaboration with his colleagues based on-site in Barcelona concluding in late 2016.
Recent publications include an edited 4-volume 1,600-page collection of papers setting out the grounds for Digital Architecture as a critical concept, including a 9,000-word introduction to the set with accompanying introductions to each volume (Routledge – Taylor & Francis, March 2020), and an edition of AD titled ‘Urban Futures – Designing the Digitalised City’ (Wiley, May-June, 2020).
Areti Markopoulou – IAAC Academic Director & Advanced Architecture Lab Director
Areti Markopoulou is a Greek PhD architect, researcher, and urban technologist whose work explores the intersection of architecture, cities, and digital technologies. Her research focuses on rethinking the future of urban spaces through an ecological and technological lens, combining design with biotechnologies, new materials, digital fabrication, and big data.
She is the Academic Director at IAAC in Barcelona, where she also leads the Advanced Architecture Group, a multidisciplinary research team studying how design and science can transform the built environment and the way people live and interact. Alongside her academic role, she is an editor, curator, and author who has contributed to important projects in urban regeneration, circular design, and public space innovation, while also founding pioneering programs such as City & Technology and AI for the Built Environment.
Rodrigo Aguirre – Computational Design Expert, IAAC After Gaudi Seminar Lead
Rodrigo Aguirre is a Nicaraguan architect based in Barcelona since 2011, with a background in architecture from UAM Nicaragua and a master’s degree in advanced architecture from IAAC. His work focuses on algorithmic design and design engineering, especially in digital fabrication, robotic fabrication, and 3D printing.
With more than eight years of experience in parametric design and teaching, he has led workshops in several countries and has contributed to both academic and professional practice. He currently works as a senior computational design specialist at MYAA, while continuing to explore the relationship between design, computation, material, form, and space.
Alexandre Dubor – IAAC Robotics Lab Director
Alexandre Dubor is an architect and researcher combining new technologies in an attempt to improve how we build and live in our cities. He holds a Master degree of Architecture & Engineering from EAVT & ENPC (France) and a Master Degree in Advanced Architecture from IAAC (Spain), with a specialization in robotic fabrication and large-scale additive manufacturing (FabBot 3.0).
He holds as well a French architectural licence (HMONP) and has worked in various architectural offices from competition stage to delivery (Libeskind, Atenastudio, iDonati, AREP) while exploring the potential of scripting and coding in a separate practice (Collectif277). Since 2012, he is working at IAAC as an expert in digital and robotic fabrication. He is now leading the Open Thesis Fabrication programme as well as the Master in Robotic and Advanced Construction at IAAC.
Together with IAAC staff, students and industrial partners, he is investigating how new advances in material, digital fabrication and computational design could lead to a better construction ecosystem, towards a more efficient, affordable, sustainable and personalised built environment.
Hardware / Software requirements
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/ Parallels or VMWare. It is recommended that you max out the RAM potential on your computer.
Plugins
Any 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 11 or 10 (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.
Location
Participants will assist to classes, learn and prototype at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), in the recently created district known as 22@, a focus for companies and institutions oriented toward the knowledge society. The neighbourhood is close to the historic centre, the seafront, the Plaça de les Glòries and the Sagrera APT station, making it one of the most dynamics enclaves in the city.
IAAC Main Hall, Pujades 102, Barcelona (Spain).
Workshop Fee
The GSS26 On-Site Workshop fee is €1,000 with the early bird offer available until 29 May 2026. After this date, the standard fee of €1,200 will apply until the final application deadline on 30 June 2026. The fee includes all course materials, and no additional registration fee is required. Please note that flight tickets, accommodation, and meals are not included.
Participants are required to bring their own computer with the necessary software installed. Further details about the software will be provided closer to the start of the workshop.
*IAAC will reserve the right to cancel the on site workshop in case the minimum number of students for the workshop won’t be reached. The GSS coordination ([email protected]) will inform you if this possibility could happen and IAAC will refund the entire fee to the participant.
Accommodation in Barcelona will not be included. IAAC will advise participants on accommodation, if required.
Transportations between IAAC facilities is in charge of IAAC. Upon arrival, participants will be equipped with the IAAC students access card and IAAC welcome kit.