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Start   >  Master's & postgraduate courses  >  Education  >  Continuing education master's degree in Parametric Design in Architecture
We advise you! Request information or admission
  • Presentation
  • Training Content
  • Learning methodology
  • Teaching team
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  • Career opportunities
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  • Request information or admission

Presentation

Information 2024-2025 edition
The 2024-2025 edition of the continuing education master's degree has already begun. Shortly we will publish updated information about the new edition of this programme.
Edition
9th Edition
Credits
60 ECTS (448 teaching hours)
Delivery
Blended learning
  • Online phase: from October 7, 2024 to January 23, 2025.
  • Face-to-face phase: from February 3 to June 19, 2025 in Sant Cugat (Barcelona).
  • Master thesis (online phase): from June 23 to Setember 30,  2025.
Language of instruction
English
Fee
€9,500
Special conditions on payment of enrolment fee and 0,7% campaign
Registration open until the beginning of the course or until end of vacancies.
Next course
October of 2025
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 continuing education 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.



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
Continuing education master's degree in Parametric Design in Architecture, issued by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Issued by virtue of the provisions of art. 7.1 of Organic Law 2/2023 of 22 March, concerning the University System, and art. 36 of Royal Decree 822/2021 of 28 September, which establishes the organisation of university education and the procedure for ensuring its quality. A prior official university qualification is necessary to obtain it. Otherwise, the student will receive a certificate of completion of the programme issued by the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya. Lifelong learning studies at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya are approved by the University's Governing Council on an annual basis. (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 7, 2024 to January 23, 2025 fully online and from February 3, 24 to June 19, 2025 intense face-to-face stage in Sant Cugat (Barcelona).

The master thesis is conducted online from June 23 to Setember 30, 2025.



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 continuing education 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
    Bertomeu Farnós, Gerard
    info

    Architect by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Associate partner at CODA. Special focus in data processing and computational design.
  • Sastre Sastre, Ramon
    Sastre Sastre, Ramon
    info
    View profile in futur.upc
    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
    Soriano Botella, Enrique
    info
    View profile in futur.upc / View profile in Linkedin
    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.
  • Soriano Botella, Enrique
    Tornabell Teixidor, Pep
    info

    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
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    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
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    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
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    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
    info

    Architect by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Associate partner at CODA. Special focus in data processing and computational design.
  • Escoda Llorens, Joaquim
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    Architect from the Vallès School of Architecture (ETSAV), Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). Master in Complex Wooden Structures by BFH. He has been working at BBG since 2014. Lecturer at the School of Architecture of Barcelona (ETSAB), UPC, in the Department of Structures. Collaborator at CODA Office. Currently working at the Institute of Timber Construction, Structures and Architecture, IHTA, at BFH.
  • Fernández Justo, Sara
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    Master in Structural and Construction Engineering and degree in Architecture from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. She is a specialist in software development, automation of industrialized construction processes and assessments aligned with the European Taxonomy and the Level(s) framework. Leader in digital innovation for the sustainable transformation of the built environment with more than 8 years of experience in the AECO sector. Co-founder and host of the Liana Series of Episodes podcast.
  • García Sosa, Bruno
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    Architect from the Technological University of Havana. Master in Parametric Design from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. He has 5 years of experience in the field of architecture, urban planning and interior design. Currently, he is a member of the Computational Design Affairs (CODA) team, which specializes in the design and consulting of structures with lightweight materials.
  • Godoy Muñoz, Alfonso
    info

    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.
  • León, David Andrés
    info

    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.
  • Nebot Roca, Jordi
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    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.
  • Pros Martin, Arnau
    info

    Has a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). He has interest in new technologies applied to architecture, such as parametric design with Grasshopper3D or BIM methodology. This experience and concern have led him to participate as an intern in projects of great geometric complexity, such as the modeling of the Glory façade of the Sagrada Familia, especially its bell towers. He joined Modelical to expand his knowledge in this sector and to be able to participate in projects of great magnitude and complexity at an international level.
  • Quintero Avila, Juan Pablo
    info

    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.
  • Riachy, Rudy
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    Master's degree in Parametric Design in Architecture from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Head of computational design team at Ramboll Middle East. Currently developing computational design training program at Ramboll, and integrating new tools and workflows. Over 7 years in experience in various multidisciplinary and international companies, including Nadim Karam Studio (NKS) and Ramboll, as an architect and computational designer on projects related to architecture, arts, structures, and specialisms such as sustainability, facades, and acoustics.
  • Robeller, Christopher
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    Doctor of Sciences from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology EPFL, and a Professional Diploma in Architecture with Distinction from London Metropolitan University. Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Bremen, where lead the Digital Planning and Building Team DPB. Previously he have worked as a Junior Professor at TU Kaiserslautern, as a Postdoc at the NCCR dfab at ETH Zurich, and as a researcher at EPFL IBOIS at EPFL Lausanne.
  • Sánchez Domínguez, María
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    Architect from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), with a Master's Degree from the Universitat Politècnica de Madrid (UPM). Currently BIM specialist at Modelical. He has advanced knowledge in Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper, as well as BIM software (Revit+Dynamo) and various rendering software (Vray, Enscape, Lumion). He started his professional career in a series of architectural offices to later focus on the world of BIM and new technologies in construction.
  • Sastre Sastre, Ramon
    info
    View profile in futur.upc
    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
    info

    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
    info
    View profile in futur.upc / View profile in Linkedin
    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.
  • Suzuki Erazo, Seiichi Eduardo
    info

    Post-doctorate in the Bio-inspired Lightweight Design Research Group at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) Helmholtz Center. PhD in Engineering from the University of Stuttgart (Uni-Stuttgart) at the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE). Master's Degree in Advanced Architecture from the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC-UPC). Master in Advanced Design and Digital Architecture from the Faculty of Engineering and Design Elisava UPF. He is currently a post-doctoral researcher at the Geometric Computing Laboratory (GCM) at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
  • Tellier, Xavier Eric Andre
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    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
    info

    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.
  • Torres Lopez, Belen
    info
    View profile in Linkedin
    Architect specialized in Computational Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Architect by the UPC. Master in Advanced Design and Digital Architecture by Elisava-UPF. Master of Science from the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICDC) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) of the University of Stuttgart. He has collaborated on several research projects applied to the AEC industry.

Associates entities

Strategic partners
  • CODA
    • 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.
    • Provides teachers and lecturers.
    • Disseminates the programme in the professional sphere and area of expertise.
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
Testimonials
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

Testimonials
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
Testimonials
Other news
Rhino News: Master Parametric Design in Architecture
21-06-2021
Read article
Videos
Student's project - MPDA - Pentaura Shell
MPDA - 3wayGridshell
Master’s degree Parametric Design in Architecture

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Information and guidance:
Eva Villanueva Beltrán
(34) 93 112 08 83
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Course: Parametric Design in Architecture

Fee: €9,500

Submit and make the payment
  • If you have any doubts about the continuing education master's degree.
  • If you want to start the registration procedure.
How to start admission
To start the enrolment process for this programme you must complete and send the form that you will find at the bottom of these lines.

Next you will receive a welcome email detailing the three steps necessary to formalize the enrolment procedure:

1. Complete and confirm your personal details.

2. Validate your curriculum vitae and attach any additional required documentation, whenever this is necessary for admission.

3. Pay €110 in concept of the registration fee for the programme. This fee will be discounted from the total enrolment fee and will only be returned when a student isn't admitted on a programme.

Once the fee has been paid and we have all your documentation, we will assess your candidacy and, if you are admitted on the course, we will send you a letter of acceptance. This document will provide you with all the necessary information to formalize the enrolment process for the programme.





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ACADEMIC AND ECONOMIC REGULATIONS

The Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya reserves the right to modify content, price, location, timetable and dates prior to the start of the course. Registration on the course will not be confirmed until payment has been made.

Registration rights. The interested party must make payment of the specified registration fee for the course. This fee will be deducted from the full course fee and will only be reimbursed if the applicant is not admitted.

Cancellation or deferment.The Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya reserves the right to cancel or defer a course if the minimum number of students is not met. In case of cancellation or non-admittance, the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya will return all amounts paid in full, without any additional compensation. In case of deferment, applicants may request reimbursement of fees paid.

Cancellation of registration.
In the event of withdrawal or cancellation of the registration, the student must notify the UPC School in writing beforehand.
  • If this request for cancellation is made 45 days before the start of the programme, the UPC School will retain only 30% of the total registration fee and refund the difference paid.
  • In the event that the application request is made within 45 calendar days and the beginning of the programme, the UPC School will retain 60% of the registration fee.
  • No applications for refunds may be made after the programme has started.
Under exceptional circumstances, refunds of the registration fee will be made if the student's cancellation is due to one of the following circumstances:
  • Denial of a visa, subject to submission of supporting documentation. In this case, the UPC School will refund the registration fee less 300 Euros for administrative expenses.
  • Serious illness or accident accredited by an official medical certificate, stating the start date of the illness and the anticipated convalescence period. In this situation the UPC School's decision will be as follows:
    • If the notification takes place up to one month after the start of the programme, it will refund the amount actually paid, less 300 Euros as administrative expenses.
    • No refunds will be made after a month after the start of the programme. It will be only be possible to use the amount paid as a deposit for the registration fee of the next programme. This procedure entails no administrative fee for the student. The price difference between the new registration fee and the amount previously paid will be payable by the student under all circumstances.

Changes in registration. Any changes in registration, previously authorised by the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya, will incur a 300 € administration fee.

Discounts.
  • Discounts are non-accumulable. The greater discount of those requested will be applied.
  • Discounts can only be applied under prior application and approval.
  • Once registration has been confirmed, no discount will be applied.
  • Students are responsible for placing applications for any discounts.

Qualification. In order to obtain the Qualification/Diploma issued by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, the student must be in possession of a recognised university qualification or internal university qualification equivalent to a degree or diploma. If this is not the case, the student will receive a certificate of completion for the course, issued by the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya. Students with outstanding payments due to the Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya or who has not approved all the credits necessary to overcome the program before the date of completion of this program will not be eligible to receive any qualification, diploma or certificate.

Barcelona, October 31, 2017


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