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Master's degree in

Parametric Design in Architecture

Immerse yourself in a creative parametric design laboratory in an international environment.

Duration
9 months
Delivery
Blended learning
Fee
€8,700

Presentation
Training Content
Learning methodology
Teaching team
Associates entities
Career opportunities
Testimonials & news
Request information or admission

Presentation

Information 2022-2023 edition

The 2022-2023 edition of the master's degree has already begun. Shortly we will publish updated information about the new edition of this programme.

Edition

7th Edition

Credits

60 ECTS (448 teaching hours)

Delivery

Blended learning

Online phase: from October 3, 2022 to May 19, 2023.

Face-to-face phase: from May 22 to June 23, 2023.

Master thesis (online phase): from June 27 to Setember 25, 2023.

Language of instruction

English

Fee

€8,700

Payment of enrolment fee options

The enrolment fee can be paid:
- In a single payment to be paid within the deadline specified in the letter of admission to the programme.
- In two instalments:

60% of the amount payable, to be paid within the deadline specified in the letter of admission to the programme.
Remaining 40% to be paid up to 90 days at the latest after the starting date of the programme.

- In four instalments, splitting the payment by direct debit:

40% of the amount payable, to be paid within the deadline specified in the letter of admission to the programme.
The remaining 60% will be divided into 3 direct debit payments, which will be distributed equidistantly between the beginning and end of classes.
The student must have and be the holder of a bank account with IBAN ESXX

Notes 0,7% campaign

Registration open until the beginning of the course or until end of vacancies.

Next course

October 2023

Timetable

Monday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Tuesday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Punctually sessions outside the schedule will be made.

Taught at

ETSAV - Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura del Vallès
C/ Pere Serra, 1-15
Sant Cugat del Vallès

Presentation video

Why this master's degree?

The master’s degree Parametric Design in Architecture (MPDA) is an international program that seeks to teach and explore technology efficiency. MPDA is oriented to the integration of computational tools and digital manufacturing technology in building systems and architectural design. MPDA focuses in:

Design and optimization of lightweight building systems, mainly through form-finding processes, including tensile architecture.
Integration with professional workflows and industrial standards, although keeping a wide space for experimentation, research and industry oriented innovation.
Generation of efficient form by efficient means: guiding computational thinking and tools to the simplification of processes and material efficiency.

The architectural project is a complex process, in which knowledge management must be linked to design in an operational way. In this regard, parameters are all the categories of information that affect decision-making when a project is carried out. This is the aim of parametric architecture: to go beyond geometry and the form, in order to design a system taking in all the variables/categories involved in the process. Hence the potential offered by modern software tools and programming frameworks (Grasshopper, Python), is to change the design process and turn architects into builders of systems.

This master's degree offers a comprehensive approach training professionals in advanced architectural creation, oriented to efficiency in buildings and commitment to the environment. The course opens with practical digital and physical workshops on parametric software, geometry and numerical control machines, aimed at solving real problems in complex architectural design. The second semester, explores real applications through performance driven design aiming to create interaction and synergies between parametric design and other disciplines such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), urban design, planning, construction, structures, installations, services and climate in order to obtain more efficient and sustainable results.

It's taught at the Barcelona Metropolitan School of Architecture where its model workshop, digital laboratory and technology and innovation research team Computational Design Affairs (CODA), support students to explore all the possibilities of parametric design.

Some examples of the projects developed in the different editions of the master's degree.

Master's degree in Parametric Design in Architecture

Modeling and adaptation of complex lightweight building systems (I.Ferrero)

Rationalization in simple planar pieces of smooth double curvature surface (A.Flajszer)

Design and construction of lightweight timber structure (A.Flajszer)

Topology workshop with geometry experts (A.Flajszer)

Systematic data analysis for benchmarking (J.Ogren, C.Muñoz, A.Saavedra, M.Sugai)

State of the art facade engineering (I.Ferrero)

Construction driven aware design for the production of zero waste buildings (A.Flajszer)

International field experts

Geometry solutions for complex architectural projects (A.Flajszer)

Tantalizing performance driven aesthetics of building future (Uri Lewis)

Data landscapes translations to efficient mass customization intricate performative textures (A.Flajszer)

Structural analysis benchmarking by means of digital fabrication (A.Flajszer)

More information:

https://www.mpda.upc.edu

Promoted by:

Aims

Students completing this master's degree will be able to work in offices, bringing new skills and knowledge that will allow them to tame complex architectural creation under the new paradigm based on parametric design:

Increase the design topological space while building resilient flexible design models.
Design and analysis of building systems, including lightweight systems.
Build expertise on rationalizing complicated geometry into complex structured data ready to fabricate.
Avoid unexpected overcharges linked to design changes.
Work in teams on interoperability platforms.
Apply optimization algorithms in any design field and at different design stages.
Identify patterns on large datasets.

Who is it for?

Graduates in Architecture.
Building engineers, quantity surveyors and/or surveyors, industrial engineers in various fields, civil engineers, and technical engineers of public works.
Professionals including consultants, planners and interior designers who have skills in the field of architectural design, building or urban planning, and other professionals wishing to refocus or supplement their skills or begin their own business project.

Training Content

List of subjects

6 ECTS 48h

Online

Studio 1

Through the study of a wide range of complex built architectural study-cases, the student is introduced to generative modelling control and analysis. The work is focused on the generation of the building system by understanding the geometric dependencies and its constructive constraints which have to be defined and evaluated. The challenge is then to propose enhancements to the system and a study of constructive trade-offs when the building system is applied to an arbitrary geometry. This consultancy oriented approach comes along with the study of different form-finding modelling strategies for efficient structures that are the basis of the next semester. The scope of this part covers curvature and topology, complex systems modelling, dynamic relaxation and optimization. Several intensive and transversal workshops will be deployed to ground these subjects.

Form Finding of efficient structures

Form active and bending active strategies: implementation, simulation and analysis.
Form active: springs, catenary, funicular, trusses, tensile.
Bending active: compliant mechanisms, hinges, rods, planks, shells.
Complex modelling: hybrid systems.

Building System Optimization

Analysis and parametric modelling of case study building systems.
Building system adaptation to arbitrary surface and proposal of geometrical and constructive optimization.

6 ECTS 48h

Online

Building Information

Performance driven design. This subject will provide tools to evaluate structural and energetic performance while learning how to control the flow of information in efficient ways. From structural analysis to energy efficiency evaluation, with an intense workshop on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and interoperability.

Structure

Analysis and optimization of structural systems.
Beams and trusses.
Shells.
Structural Optimization.

Energy

Building energy performance analysis and optimization.
Solar heat gains.
Radiation analysis.
Daylight analysis.

Interoperability

Fluid workflows within a team and other ACE industry software.
IO Data management.
Software workflow optimization.

5 ECTS 40h

Online

Parametric Geometry

Geometry is omnipresent at each state of the architectural process, from concepts to details. Compared to the general field of geometry in mathematics, architecture has specific needs in terms of theoretical and numerical tools. This has lead to the emergence of a specific branch of geometry: constructive geometry, also called architectural geometry. This class introduces its main concepts, with a focus on curved objects. The goal is to give students a working knowledge of common geometrical analysis and design techniques, and also a solid geometrical base in order to tackle new geometrical problems.

Analytical geometry

Analysis of curves.
Generation of curves.
Description and analysis of surfaces.
Generation of surfaces.
Description and analysis of meshes.
Generation of meshes.
Elementary geometrical algorithms.
Transformation that conserve particular properties.

Synthetic geometry

Coordinate Systems. Data structures and points. Lines, curves, vectors.
Surfaces, solids, planes.
Meshes. Mesh operations. Mesh tools. Dynamic meshes.

5 ECTS 40h

Online

From Sign to Algorithm

From Sign to Algorithm is a subject dedicated to the study and the application of logic applied architecture.

The course architecture and computation aims to give a theoretical basis to the new forms of generating architecture with computers, whatever its methodology. It provides an introduction to computers and to formal systems and relates these ideas to the architectural trends of the last half-century. It is based on lectures, readings and discussion of a range of topics and representative texts of some of these theoretical ideas, and of the architectural trends to which they are related.

Introduction to programming focuses on the very basic principles behind computer programs execution with an initiation to the design of algorithms using the Python language in Grasshopper environment. Math, Geometry (RhinoCommon) and other libraries are presented gradually along the course.

Architecture and computation

Introduction to computation: formal systems & algorithms.
The electronic computer.
The rationalist tradition.
Logic, reason and language in architecture.
Computation, knowledge and generative grammars.
Form, shape and programming.
Generative architecture.
The genetic code.
Introduction to complex systems.
Properties of complex systems.
Entropy, information and complexity.
Patterns and pattern finding: the new approach.

Introduction to programming

Introduction to python in Grasshopper.

Conditional expressions.
Loops and lists.
Complex loops (nested loops, while...).
Big "in-class" exercise using all the concepts taught so far.
Recursion and fractals.
Functions and more recursion.

5 ECTS 40h

Online

Workshops 1

This subject frames a series of special intensive courses around visual programming, geometry and optimization. These courses are said to be transversal, since they are fundamental and used in all other subjects. Exceptionally they are exclusively taught during the academic week, providing an ambience of concentration, dedication and high interaction. The aim of the subject is to level all students, to provide a common language and to provide a set of basic and intuitive tools for the rest of the master.

Digital seminars

Digital Geometry: geometry and visual programming bootcamp.
Topology workshop: foundations of remeshing.
Optimization and evolutionary multi-criteria optimization.

Physical seminar

Physical geometry seminar: topology and curvature with guest expert teacher.

6 ECTS 48h

Blended learning

Studio 2

The course is focused on construction-aware design and concludes with the fabrication of 1:1 model based on novel and experimental building systems developed by exploiting all fields of knowledge unfolded at the master. Instead of designing a shape and later plan the fabrication, a building system is instead designed and the form may subsequently emerge given the geometrical and mechanical properties.

The confrontation of the parametric modelling including the simulation, analysis and fabrication to the reality of assembly process, organization and building precision, raises the level of self-exigence and highlights the value of computational design.

Building system design

Based on strict restrictions of fabrication efficiency, teams of students explore or enhance simple systems that can produce efficient form by efficient means. Through successive and incremental physical model making, the digital model is calibrated.

Intensive physical building system experimentation.
Form active and bending active strategies: implementation, simulation and analysis.
Parametrization and modelling of physical behaviour.
Calibration of models.
Structural non-linear analysis.

Collective assembly

After successive evolutionary selection, teams merge, self-organise and develop strong potential candidate models that are finally built.

Database Interoperability. Work in several files.
Refined structural analysis.
Fabrication and detailing.
Mockups.
Budget and planning.

5 ECTS 40h

Blended learning

Algorithmics in Technology

The course tackles in parallel the use of algorithms in design for construction technology at different levels of complexity. From the pseudocode and algorithms sketching in visual programming, to scripting in several frameworks. All exercises are around construction and geometry, although to be applied to any specific problem. The subject provides support to specific demands on Studio 2.

Algorithms in Form Finding: Force density method + true deformation

Algorithms in analysis: Linear and non-linear.
Algorithms in patterning: geodesics and patterns.
Other algorithms: drainage, sunlight, data manipulation.

Algorithms in Form finding 2

Algorithmic thinking.
Recursion in visual programming.
Applied programming to membrane design.

Advanced Programming in Python

Introduction to Rhinocommon.
Object-Oriented Programming.
GHPython Utilities for Parametric Design.

5 ECTS 40h

Blended learning

Planning and Landscape

This module focuses on a large scale and is divided into two different blocks. The first one, Territory, is dedicated to searching, study and display of several indicators regarding economic and social reality at the big scale. Plenty of information arises both from Open Data administrations and Social Networks. After an initial discussion on the validity of each parameter for the main analysis, the assignment is to process large amounts of data in order to synthesize it into the minimum amount of ink while maximizing the number the understanding of reality. The second block, Landscape Design, consists on the approximation to nature taming through construction a broad set of parametric tools on top of the classical landscape strategies. Sessions are focused on the modelling of a park in a back-and-forth process where the different layers inform the rest. Students are encouraged to work with as many complexities as possible from the analysis of reality to the design of the final proposal.

Territory

Reality knowledge: analysis through Indicators detection.
Data acquisition strategies: Open Data Administration, Social Networks Data mining.
Data processing: comma separated values (CSV), shapefile formats.
Data visualization techniques.

Landscape design

Cut and fill.
Artificial topographies.
Basins generation.
Paths optimization.
Drainage approximation.
Vegetation and irrigation.
Solar radiation.

6 ECTS 48h

Blended learning

Digital Fabrication

The use of computer-aided-design software tools in architectural and product modelling has shattered the former connection between brain and object usually established by the use of hands in the making process. The emergence of numerical control machinery has allowed the designer to close again this circle in a fully digital process. Data is transformed from bits to matter through code.
Digital Fabrication is composed of a first block dedicated to geometry rationalization. Acknowledging architecture is discrete, and industrial material are mainly planar, different rationalization techniques are studied to reparametrize surfaces of arbitrary double curvature into planar pieces. The second block is focused on subtractive 3D manufacturing where instead of designing an object to be milled, students are encouraged to design the milling process that will define the object.

2D Machining

Planar subtractive operations with 2d cutting tools

Remeshing strategies.
Implementation of processing techniques on complex surfaces.
Metrics extraction, evaluation and statistical analysis, both local and global.
Constructability and detailing.

3D Machining

Superficial and volumetric subtractive operations with a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machine

General CNC and hardware instruction.
Toolpath coding.
Analysis, experimentation and research based on a milling project with small and large machines.

5 ECTS 40h

Blended learning

Workshops 2

This subject frames a series of special intensive courses around structural modelling, analysis and optimization. These courses are said to be transversal, since they are fundamental and used across other subjects. Exceptionally they are exclusively taught during the academic week, providing an ambience of concentration, dedication and high interaction. The aim of the subject is to provide a complementary toolset to the knowledge provided on Building Information and applied to the main work developed at Studio 2.

Isogeometric Analysis.
Large deformations and form finding.

6 ECTS 16h

Blended learning

Master Thesis

Master thesis is dedicated to generating original work, based on research, were the student will show how parametric design has changed his/her skills to produce architectural projects. This research work will be done under assistance of a tutor, one of the professors of the master, a will be evaluated by a jury of several members, from the faculty of the master.

MASTER THESIS GALLERY

Degree

Special master's degree issued by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Issued pursuant to art. 34.1 of Organic Law 4/2007 of 12 April, amending Organic Law 6/2001 of 21 December, concerning Universities. To obtain it, is necessary to have an official university qualification. Otherwise, the student will receive a course completion certificate of the programme issued by the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya. (See details appearing on the certificate).

Learning methodology

The teaching methodology of the programme facilitates the student's learning and the achievement of the necessary competences.

Master is delivered in a hybrid online and stage format: from October 3, 2022 to May 19, 2023 fully online and from May 22 to June 23, 2023 intense face-to-face stage in Sant Cugat (Bcn), including workshops and physical constructions.

The master thesis is conducted online from June 27 to Setember 25, 2023.

Learning tools

Practical classroom sessions

Knowledge is applied to a real or hypothetical environment, where specific aspects are identified and worked on to facilitate understanding, with the support from teaching staff.

Solving exercises

Solutions are worked on by practising routines, applying formulas and algorithms, and procedures are followed for transforming the available information and interpreting the results.

Case studies

Real or hypothetical situations are presented in which the students, in a completely participatory and practical way, examine the situation, consider the various hypotheses and share their own conclusions.

Problem-based learning (PBL)

An active learning methodology that enables the student to be involved from the beginning, and to acquire knowledge and skills by considering and resolving complex problems and situations.

Tutorship

Students are given technical support in the preparation of the final project, according to their specialisation and the subject matter of the project.

Workshops

Students are supported when undertaking group work, including theoretical sessions which provide the tools and knowledge needed to achieve a result. Ideas and results are exchanged between all the participating groups.

Assessment criteria

Attendance

At least 80% attendance of teaching hours is required.

Level of participation

The student's active contribution to the various activities offered by the teaching team is assessed.

Solving exercises, questionnaires or exams

Individual tests aimed at assessing the degree of learning and the acquisition of competences.

Work out projects

Studies on a specific topic, by individuals or groups, in which the quality and depth of the work is assessed, among other factors.

Completion and presentation of the final project

Individual or group projects in which the contents taught in the programme are applied. The project can be based on real cases and include the identification of a problem, the design of the solution, its implementation or a business plan. The project will be presented and defended in public.

Work placements & employment service

Students can access job offers in their field of specialisation on the My_Tech_Space virtual campus. Applications made from this site will be treated confidentially. Hundreds of offers of the UPC School of Professional & Executive Development employment service appear annually. The offers range from formal contracts to work placement agreements.

Virtual campus

The students on this master's degree will have access to the My_ Tech_Space virtual campus - an effective platform for work and communication between the course's students, lecturers, directors and coordinators. My_Tech_Space provides the documentation for each training session before it starts, and enables students to work as a team, consult lecturers, check notes, etc.

Teaching team

Academic management

Bertomeu Farnós, Gerard

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Architect by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Associate partner at CODA. Special focus in data processing and computational design.
Sastre Sastre, Ramon

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PhD in Architecture. PhD Thesis: Design and analysis of structures of bars, completely articulated, with great deformations. He was a professor at the Department of Architectural Technology of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Research member of LITA, CODA and SMIA, has developed his work and research on different subjects: Analysis and programming on architectural technology, computational design affair, structural morphology in architecture, tensile structures, membranes, cables, stereographics studies of solar radiation and illumination. He was director of the Escuela de Arquitectura del Vallés (UPC, from 2002 to 2005). Council member (2004-2010) of EAAE, European Association for Architectural Education. Coordinator of the Architecture & Civil Engineering of CLUSTER (European Consortium Linking Universities of Science and Technology for Education and Research). He's lecture at abroad universities in: United Kingdom, Belgium, Turkey, Brasil, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica.
Soriano Botella, Enrique

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Architect by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). PhD candidate at UPC. CODA researcher, computer equipment and light design structures Lita (Laboratory of Innovation and Technology Architecture) of the UPC. As an intern FPI-UPC has taught in the course "Parametric Architecture" on ETSAV. CODA founder, partner has taught workshops and classes on the use of wood in the computational design at universities in Madrid, Norway, Austria and Hungary.
Tornabell Teixidor, Pep

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Architect by UPC. PhD candidate at UPC. CODA associate partner and researcher at LITA UPC. Lecturer at Massana College of Art and Design. Expert in structural analysis, computational design, digital fabrication and crafting technologies specializing in wood. Founder and researcher of La Deriva, an adisciplinary space for social and technological experimentation.

Teaching staff

Antequera Vacachavez, Angel Beremiz

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Civil Enginyer by the Universidad Autónoma Gabriel Rene Moreno. Architect by the Universidad Privada de Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Master in Parametric Design in Architecture by the UPC. 11 years as engineering manager of ANSA Consultores S.R.L., 14 years of professional experience in works involving simulation by finite elements, metal structures, reinforced concrete and wood within the civil and industrial field.
Antolín Sánchez, Andrés

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Architect by IE University. He has completed postgraduate studies in Project Management at the Pompeu Fabra University and GIS Development (Esri). He is currently a BuiltTech Specialist Architect in Modelical, where he develops his interest in the improvement opportunities offered by new digital tools in all phases of AEC projects.
Bauer, Anna Maria

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PhD and Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the Technical University of Munich. Currently working as a structural engineer at Mayr | Ludescher | Partner. Creator of Kiwi!3d for CAD-integrated isogeometric structural analysis.
Bertomeu Farnós, Gerard

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Architect by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Associate partner at CODA. Special focus in data processing and computational design.
Chilton, John Carter

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PhD in Civil & Structural Engineering from Trent Polytechnic, now Nottingham Trent University, UK. Currently Emeritus Professor of Architecture & Tectonics, Department of Architecture & Built Environment, at The University of Nottingham. Honorary and Advisory Board Member of International Association for Shell & Spatial Structures (IASS). Former Chair IASS WG12 Timber Spatial Structures and Vice-Chair TensiNet Association. Author of Space Grid Structures (1999), Heinz Isler (2000), Timber Gridshells: Architecture, Structure and Craft (2016) and Michael Balz ' Shells and Visions (in press).
Davis, Daniel

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PhD in computational design from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). BArch from Victoria University of Wellington. Currently a senior researcher at Hassell.
de Solà-Morales, Pau

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He holds a degree in Architecture and Urbanism from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC-ETSAB) and a PhD in Design from Harvard University. He specializes in "architecture, information and complexity", and in the use and application of information technologies in architecture and design, areas in which he has written numerous articles. Since 2001, he has been a visiting professor at the Harvard Design School, and is a professor and head of the computer science department of the Accademia d'Architettura at the University of Italian Switzerland. He is currently the director of the architecture school from Reus (URV), where he teaches architecture theory and representation techniques.
Fernández Justo, Sara

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MSc. in Structural and Construction Engineering and BSc. in Architectural Studies by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Sara leads BIM services for Sustainability at Modelical. She has a background in BIM modelling, coordination and management, and she currently works in the fields of industrialised construction, green building certifications, energy simulations and Life-cycle assessments.
Godoy Muñoz, Alfonso

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Architect by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). Master in Sustainability from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and doctoral student at the UPC. Specialist in energy efficiency and simulation of buildings. Trainer in energy certification, passive air conditioning strategies and simulation tools. Tutor professor in the master's degree in Sustainable Design and Bioclimatic Architecture and in the postgraduate course in Energy Simulation of Buildings jointly taught by the University of Barcelona (UB). Founding partner of arqbag cooperativa d’arquitectura.
Grace Martin, Alison

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Independent researcher studying natural structures and complex patterns in nature and applying the findings to design and construction concepts. She runs courses in UK and European universities on experimental methods in form-finding, and especially in weaving techniques, topology and materials geometry. She studied at Exeter College of Art and St. Martin's College of Art and Design, graduating in Graphic Design in 1979.
León, David Andrés

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Architect with focus in computational design and robotic fabrication. He holds an ICD Master of Science Degree and an Elisava Master's Degree in Advanced Design and Digital Architecture. He has been involved in several research undertakings of which stand out his participation in German research platform FAT-LAB and his collaboration as a research assistant in CITA for the EU-David is an architect with focus in computational design and robotic fabrication. He holds an ICD Master of Science Degree and an Elisava Master's Degree in Advanced Design and Digital Architecture. He has been involved in several research undertakings of which stand out his participation in German research platform FAT-LAB and his collaboration as a research assistant in CITA for the EU-Horizon 2020 Future and Emerging Technologies Proactive Action project Flora Robotica. David is also the co-author of publications of architectural research and robotics.Horizon 2020 Future and Emerging Technologies Proactive Action project Robotic Flora. Co-author of publications of architectural research and robotics.
Melville, Stephen

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BEng in Civil Engineering from the University of Nottingham. Masters degree in Concrete Structures from Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine. Chartered Structural Engineer. Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Member of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) education panel and IStructE digital committee, formerly member of the RIBA awards panel and Bristol urban design forum. Currently Founder and Director of Format Engineers, formerly the founder of the Ramboll Computational Design team. With over 30 years experience of Structural Engineering projects across the world.
Molinos Esparza, Roberto

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Roberto co-founded Modelical in late 2011. Prior to that he worked for SENER and IDOM as architect and parametric design specialist. He regularly lectures on Geometry Modeling, BIM and Technology Management at IE School of Architecture and Design, IE University Madrid. Roberto earned a Bachelor in Architecture from Barcelona Tech and holds a Master in Structural Design from Madrid Tech.
Nebot Roca, Jordi

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Architect and Master in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). Director of Architecture Agronomia SLP, an architecture company from the country to Barcelona. In the last 25 years he has participated in some of the most important contemporary landscape architecture projects in Europe. He will be professor of the Department of Architecture of the University of Virginia (UVA) from 2012 to 2014 and previously he will be professor of the Master of Landscape Architecture of the UPC and he will teach classes of Architectural Analisi (Project I) to the La Salle School of Architecture in Barcelona.
Pajares Sánchez, Ivan

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Architect from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). Associate professor of the Department of Architectural Graphic Ideation of the ETS of Architecture of Madrid (UPM). BuiltTech Specialist at Modelical.
Quintero Avila, Juan Pablo

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Architect and Venezuelan designer based in Barcelona, pioneer in the use of emerging processes of digital manufacture applied to design and architecture. He is the founder of Medio Design, a studio-workshop dedicated to the development of non-standard projects through mixed processes that include both traditional manufacturing techniques and new manufacturing tools.
Rynne Vidal, Alan

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Building Engineer with a broad skill set ranging from Architectural Design & Construction Management to Web & Software Development. Alan specialises in rationalizing freeform surfaces in Architecture; optimizing structural behavior and construction processes; and developing new tools with C# to help in those tasks.
Sastre Sastre, Ramon

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PhD in Architecture. PhD Thesis: Design and analysis of structures of bars, completely articulated, with great deformations. He was a professor at the Department of Architectural Technology of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Research member of LITA, CODA and SMIA, has developed his work and research on different subjects: Analysis and programming on architectural technology, computational design affair, structural morphology in architecture, tensile structures, membranes, cables, stereographics studies of solar radiation and illumination. He was director of the Escuela de Arquitectura del Vallés (UPC, from 2002 to 2005). Council member (2004-2010) of EAAE, European Association for Architectural Education. Coordinator of the Architecture & Civil Engineering of CLUSTER (European Consortium Linking Universities of Science and Technology for Education and Research). He's lecture at abroad universities in: United Kingdom, Belgium, Turkey, Brasil, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica.
Serra Ureta, Marc

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Architect and master's degree in Parametric Design in Architecture from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Professor associated with the Department of Architectural Representation of the UPC. Specializing in the calculation of structures and the introduction of new digital tools in the process of design, calculation and manufacturing in architecture.
Soriano Botella, Enrique

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Architect by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). PhD candidate at UPC. CODA researcher, computer equipment and light design structures Lita (Laboratory of Innovation and Technology Architecture) of the UPC. As an intern FPI-UPC has taught in the course "Parametric Architecture" on ETSAV. CODA founder, partner has taught workshops and classes on the use of wood in the computational design at universities in Madrid, Norway, Austria and Hungary.
Tellier, Xavier

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Engineering diploma from Ecole Polytechnique in Paris. Master of Science in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia (Canada). Four years of professional experience in design and analysis of structures (at COWI North America, Leicht Structures, CEA Saclay).
Tornabell Teixidor, Pep

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Architect by UPC. PhD candidate at UPC. CODA associate partner and researcher at LITA UPC. Lecturer at Massana College of Art and Design. Expert in structural analysis, computational design, digital fabrication and crafting technologies specializing in wood. Founder and researcher of La Deriva, an adisciplinary space for social and technological experimentation.
Ustárez Rodríguez, Franxesca Valeria

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Graduated in Art and Design with a mention in object and space from the Escola Massana (Autonomous University of Barcelona, UAB). She investigates new design paradigms and digital fabrication technologies. She is the founder of Coudre.studio in Barcelona with Raul Nieves and Jude Serena. She is currently a member of the Elisava teaching team in the design and engineering degree and in the Master of Research of New Materials at Elisava. She is part of the teaching team of the Applied Arts Postgraduate at the Escola Massana. She has participated in presentations at the Consorci de Comerç, Artesania i Moda de Catalunya (CCAM), Crafts Now 2019, and at the Terracotta 3D Biennial, La Bisbal.

Lecturers

Apellániz Quintana, Diego

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Civil Engineer, Canals and Ports from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. He currently works as head designer at EDD Holding and as a research associate at the Berlin University of the Arts. He has more than 8 years of experience in structural projects of various types, from skyscrapers and artistic sculptures to rehabilitation of historic buildings. He is also a self-taught programmer. Its Grasshopper plugins for structural analysis, LCA, and machine learning have thousands of users.
Lienhard, Julian

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Structural Engineer from the University of Stuttgart and since 2019 director of the Institute for Structural Design (TWE) at the University of Kassel. His interest is in the innovative and resource efficient structures created at the intersection of research, development and practice. In 2008, he co-founded the engineering and design practice studio LD now str.ucture GmbH.

Associates entities

Strategic partners

CODA
- Disseminates the programme in the professional sphere and area of expertise.
- Provides teachers and lecturers.
- Participates in the design of the contents of the programme, and ensures they are appropriate to the needs of the professional sphere.
- Offers professional internships for students on the programme.

Collaborating partners

Career opportunities

Expert in computer design in architecture.
Consultant of companies in the construction sector.
Manager of analysis of the structural and energetic behavior of the buildings and the programming of customized solutions.

Testimonials & news

Testimonials

The Master's Degree in Parametric Design in Architecture was a good decision. First, thanks to the teachers and their extensive curriculum in the fields of research, teaching and innovation. And also because of the wide range of topics covered, which go beyond those offered by other renowned schools, as well as the diversity and multidisciplinary nature of the student group, which enriched our exchange of points of view and our learning. The master's degree also gave me a kit of very powerful digital and intellectual tools, and provided me with the confidence to face challenges in the workplace. Since taking the master's degree, I have worked on innovation in the architecture field, and I am currently specialising in the design of large-scale projects. A position that I face every day with the new challenges of the construction industry.

Anna Rizou Architect at K Studio Architecture

For me, the master's degree in Parametric Design has been the perfect complement to my professional development. After 10 years working as a civil engineer, I decided to study architecture, and during this period I discovered the interesting world of parametric design, which is now becoming very important as a result of technological breakthroughs and the demands of an increasingly competitive market.
This master's degree is theoretical-practical, with a comprehensive vision that is applied to real professional needs. It covers everything related to parametric design and modelling, solutions optimization, structural analysis, prototyping and the manufacture and assembly of structures. This training is backed by an excellent teaching team, who are always ready to answer your questions. Having completed this master's degree has given me the opportunity to open a new studio in my country of origin, inspired by the master's degree and backed by the knowledge and design techniques I learned during the training. I would recommend it 100%!

Ángel Antequera Structural Engineer at Modularem

I was looking for some training in the area of my interests, but also a specialist field capable of enhancing my skills beyond the boundaries of traditional design. When I discovered this master's degree in parametric design, it completely exceeded my expectations. We were a group of international students led by a young and passionate team, who showed us a new approach to design analysis and control, and provided us with a set of tools with unlimited potential that can be applied on a 360° basis, in both the field of architecture and in product design. Shortly after finishing the master's degree, I was hired by a computer design studio specializing in engineering complex geometries for large projects.

Giacomo Gasbarri Bim Architect at Computational Design and Complex Geometry

Other news

Rhino News: Master Parametric Design in Architecture

21-06-2021

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Masters degree Parametric Design in Architecture

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