Never Enough Architecture

Mingzhu Nerval - Birds singing through architecture - Integrating nature into built structures
2023-11-29 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Madrid) | Zoom Call
This presentation will cover

How plants can magnify architecture, and contribute to buildings’ environmental performance
How to keep live-green installations healthy and sustainable over time
What’s behind the scenes is the landscape industry
Mingzhu Nerval’s horticulture practices and how to bring rare species back to life
and more!

About Mingzhu Nerval
Mingzhu Nerval is a world-class art & engineering studio with offices in Shanghai, Paris and London. We are dedicated to conceiving vertical living greenery walls and artful, luxury gardens worldwide.
Mingzhu Nerval was founded in 2010 by Mingzhu Bai, a fashion designer from China, and Antoine Nerval, an agricultural engineer from France—both previously educated in fine arts. We have since expanded globally and are joined by a multi-talented team with a range of expertise from botanical horticulture, to landscape architecture to structural engineering. Our team strives to create the most beautiful, ressource-efficient vertical gardens in the world, with ever-expanding biodiversity and innovation.
Mingzhu Nerval has been working with and recommended by architects like Zaha Hadid, SWA, KPF, and contracted by clients like Apple, MGM, Dior, for high-profile projects, including multi-million-dollar commissions on three continents.

Tiffany Dahlen - MAD Architects’ vision in Adaptive Reuse and Placemaking
2023-11-28 18:00 - 19:00
MAD Architects is an international practice that seeks to connect people to nature through architecture, using organic geometry and futuristic forms to create iconic and memorable spaces for people. Through projects such as the Yuecheng Courtyard Kindergarten, MAD Architects weaves the historic with the contemporary, breathing new life into old spaces and respecting the history of the site while creating new experiences for people today.
About Tiffany Dahlen
Tiffany Dahlen is an Associate Partner at MAD Architect’s Los Angeles studio. She is a Hawaii-born architect who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and joined MAD’s Beijing headquarters in 2010 and moved to the LA office in 2021. Leading projects and competitions both in China and abroad, she has experience with large scale projects in dense urban conditions that aim to emulate MAD’s future focused design philosophy of connecting people to nature through design.
She currently leads several projects at MAD, including a mixed-use tower in Quito, Ecuador, while working to foster a sense of community and education for the young designers and architects in MAD’s worldwide offices. She has worked on several of MAD’s iconic projects including the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, Shenzhen Bay Culture Park, Melbourne Southbank competition, Nanjing Zendai Himalayas Center, Chaoyang Park Plaza in Beijing, Huangshan Mountain Village, and Xinhee Design Center in Xiamen. She has also been involved in the realization of several MAD art projects, including: “Moon Landscape” for Swarovski and the “Vertu Mobile Pavilion”.

DOSIS - Experimenting with Engaging Architecture
2023-11-24 17:00 - 18:00
More than just construction, DOSIS employs each project as a canvas for design research and experimentation, achieving beyond the ordinary. In this lecture, dive into their unique approach, focusing on practical building technologies and sustainable practices while championing creativity.
About DOSIS
DOSISis a multidisciplinary architecture & design firm with a team formed by extraordinary architects and designers with expertise on architecture, urban design, landscape, graphic, furniture & object design, 3D modeling, digital manufacturing and virtual reality. This holistic approach to design allows the team to tackle each project from a wide range of directions to acquire the best results.
Their projects have been exhibited in London, Geneva, San Francisco, Paris, Madrid and Valencia and have been awarded with multiple international prizes and awards.
ISABEL COLLADORIBA, PhD, MArch, COAMIsabel is an architect registered in Spain and United Kingdom. She is a chartered member of RIBA. She studied Architecture at the Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM). She holds an international PhD from the Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM), which she obtained with her dissertation ‘Towards Weightless Architecture’. She is a passionate teacher and scholar that has lectured at prestigious universities such as the Architectural Association in London, ETSAM, and IE University among others.
IGNACIO PEYDRORIBA, PhD, SMArchS, MArch, COAMIgnacio is an architect registered in Spain and United Kingdom. He is a chartered member of RIBA. He studied Architecture at the Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM) and at the Bartlett in London, obtained a post professional advanced master degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Fulbright scholar and an international PhD in the Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM) with his thesis ‘Contingency in Post-Situationist Architecture’. He is a passionate teacher and scholar that has lectured at prestigious universities such as the Architectural Association in London, MIT, ETSAM, and IE University among others.

100 Architects - Hyper-Stimulating Public Spaces
2023-11-23 13:00 - 14:00
100architects was born with the mission of improving our cities and the experience of citizens in the public realm, by providing high-quality, innovative and stimulating public spaces, inclusive & accessible to everyone.
Our architecture studio doesn’t do buildings (at least not in the conventional way). Through our experimental design approach, our work aims to transform the cityscape we know today into the hyper-stimulating one we envision tomorrow.
We specialize in public spaces & spaces for entertainment, generating innovative solutions that encourage the occurrence of joyful social dynamics.
In this Masterclass, you will get to know our design approach and methodology for turning conventional public spaces into captivating and hyper-stimulating ones.
About Marcial Jesús and Javier González
Marcial Jesús, the founding partner and CEO of 100architects, boasts over 12 years of architectural design and building experience in Asia. Before establishing 100architects in 2013, Marcial took the lead on projects as an Associate Director at BENOY (UK) and as a Senior Architect at HASSELL (AU). His international stints include roles at FUKSAS in Rome, Italy, and OMA in Rotterdam, Netherlands. A graduate from the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning (FAU) of the Universidad de Chile in Santiago, he became a licensed architect in the Chilean Architects’ Association in 2011. Marcial is at the helm of the 100architects Studio in Shanghai, focusing on projects that enhance the public realm.
Javier González, Partner and Managing Design Director at 100architects, ventured to China in 2013, spearheading projects as a Project Manager at RTA-Office (Shanghai) and ADOS – Architecture & Design On Site (Shanghai). His global exposure includes roles at GENETIC DESIGN in Copenhagen, Denmark, and FabLab Tenerife & LPA in the Canary Islands, Spain. With a Master’s Degree in Advanced Architecture from IaaC (Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia) in Barcelona, Javier specialized in Computational Design and Digital Fabrication. Since joining 100architects in 2015, he has been co-managing the studio in Shanghai alongside Marcial. Together, they drive innovation and design excellence in the architectural realm.

David Engwicht - From Spaces to Places: The Art of Placemaking Unpacked
2023-11-22 10:00 - 11:00
Ever wondered, “What are the ingredients that make a vibrant public place?” In this masterclass we unpack the principles of “placemaking” – the art of turning spaces into places. I show how placemaking is a lot like homemaking and the difference between a design-centric approach and a people-centric approach. We will also explore why master-planning often results in sterile public places and the agile alternative, which delivers more dynamic and satisfying spaces. I will share how, using an agile approach, we transform entire town centres in just seven days.
About David Engwicht
David Engwicht is a sculptor, artist, master story-teller, author and world-renowed placemaker. He is the inventor of the Walking School Bus and the 7 Day Makeover in which his team work with community volunteers to transform entire town centres in just seven days. David is a TEDx presenter and popular keynote at international conferences. He has run three-day training courses for design professionals, acted as a high-level consultant on large development projects, reviewed pilot projects for the EU and authored four books on urban design and one on how to maximise your creativity.

Sara Candiracci & Dasha Moschonas - Cityscapes Reimagined: The Playful Approach to Urban Design
2023-11-21 17:00 - 18:00
Sara Candiracci and Dasha Moschonas, authors of the “Playful Cities Design Guide,” will explore the integration of play into urban design. The guide offers innovative ideas for embedding playful elements into city planning suitable for all age groups. In their masterclass, they will discuss how to incorporate play elements in urban spaces, design inclusive play areas for diverse demographics, and highlight the significance of play in skill development and fostering a connection with our environment. This session promises a deep dive into the transformative power of play in urban settings.
About Sara Candiracci and Dasha Maschonas
Sara Candiracci is an urban planning and development expert, and a social researcher, with more than two decades of experience in designing and leading programmes and projects focused on more equitable, inclusive, healthy and resilient cities. She is Arup’s Global Social Value & Equity Leader, driving the firm’s ambition to embed social value & equity knowledge and practice in all disciplines across the business, to elevate the social impact of Arup’s projects. Prior to Arup, she has worked with UN Agencies, Development Banks and NGOs, establishing and implementing urban development projects and programmes together with cities and partners in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia. She holds a PhD in urban planning, with a thesis on the role of cultural heritage in place-making and sustainable development in East Africa. Examples of her work are the Proximity of Care Design Guide; the Playful Cities Design Guide: Play for Anyone, Anywhere; and the Cities Alive Publication Designing Cities that work for Women. Her work has been featured in several articles, including by dezeen, Forbes, BBC, City Monitor and Thomson Reuters.
Dasha Moschonas is a design researcher, architect, and planner, working in the intersection of social and physical dimensions of space. She is a participatory design specialist, experimenting with design processes in infrastructure and public space projects. Dasha worked across professional cultures and geographies, in Serbia, Netherlands, UK, Australia, Belgium, Indonesia and Fiji, and is able to combine theoretical and practical knowledge in bringing various stakeholders into the designing process. She completed a practice-based PhD in Architecture, in a research project on the global scale “Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments”, designing and implementing the participatory strategy for water and sanitation infrastructure. Currently, she works on projects that nurture playful and nature-positive cities.

Darius Maïkoff - Converting an Old Power Station into a Cultural Center
2023-11-20 15:00 - 16:00
By presenting GES – 2 (completed in 2021) developed with and for the VAC Foundation, we will give a testimony on how the studio sought to create a vibrant space that is both open to citizens, as an extension of the city and internationally, with an aspiration to connect people through art beyond borders. We will explore the enthralling challenge of articulating this new civic function within an existing site that carries a strong identity. During this presentation, we will also share our reflections on the significance of a space dedicated to art and culture in our contemporary world, whilst exposing the choices made to obtain an appropriate discussion between existing and new features. We will finally invite you to a journey through the careful detailing that made this place come to life.
About Darius Maïkoff
Darius Maïkoff, based in Paris, is an architect and engineer with dual French and Swiss citizenship. He earned his degrees from Politecnico University in Milan, Italy (2010) and from École Spéciale des Travaux Publics in Paris, France (2007). Before joining RPBW in 2015, Darius gained valuable experience at several architectural firms, where he worked on significant cultural projects. At RPBW, he has contributed to a range of projects, including Shard Place, a 26-story residential development adjacent to the Shard tower; Bishop Ranch, an open commercial center in San Ramon, California; and the GES 2 Cultural Foundation in Moscow.

Konishi Gaffney - Bridging the Old and New: The Transformation Journey of an Edinburgh Church
2023-11-17 16:00 - 17:00
Kieran Gaffney will speak on behalf of Konishi Gaffney on their refurbishment, improvement, and extension of a former church in Edinburgh. Competition winning in 2017 and opened in 2022, the design reconfigured the main entrance with the insertion of a timber ‘link’ building between the church and the neighbouring office block to provide flexible workspace, a community hub and events spaces. A new triple-height, top lit atrium opens the building up visually and gives lift access to all levels. The new building was clad externally in terrazzo panels with a sculptural relief pattern developed in collaboration with an artist (Chalk Plaster).Along with the extensive use of timber in the project, significant environmental improvements were made to the existing church building including high levels of insulation, new glazing and a 24kW solar array on the building’s large south facing roof, hidden from the street.
About Kieran Gaffney
Kieran trained at Strathclyde University and University College London graduating in 1992 and 1998 respectively before qualifying as an ARB / RIBA / RIAS accredited architect in 2003. He spent the first 4 years of his life Zambia, where his parents were teaching, and then grew up in Scotland; his international outlook continued with many years working overseas; in the USA, Zimbabwe, London, Berlin and Tokyo along with a period studying in Florence.
Moving back to the UK in 2007 Kieran self-built his own family house in Portobello before setting up Konishi Gaffney Architects in 2009. Having worked on a variety of creative and artist-led projects including six years in London working with Thomas Heatherwick on public art commissions he continues to collaborate with artists and makers on projects around the fields of art, landscape & architecture.
Kieran is a Fellow of the RSA and has sat as trustee on the boards of the RIAS, the EAA (twice) and Art in Healthcare. He has been invited critic at Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Aberdeen Universities and has lectured in Brighton, London, Stuttgart and at all of the Scottish Universities.

Jochen Klein - Transforming Dresden's Military History
2023-11-15 17:00 - 18:00
Dive into the world of architectural innovation with Jochen Klein, the mastermind behind the transformative design of the Dresden Museum of Military History for Studio Daniel Libeskind. This isn’t just a building; it’s a statement. A striking glass shard disrupts the museum’s facade, symbolizing the chaos of war and Dresden’s rebirth. Klein’s masterclass will unravel the challenges and triumphs of converting a historic arsenal into a modern marvel, emphasizing the museum’s metamorphosis. Join us for a captivating journey that bridges past and present, architecture and history.
About Jochen
Degreed from TU Berlin 1996. As a member of Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes he received a DAAD fellowship for a Master at Pratt Institue Brooklyn NY in 1998. He studied at Columbia University NY and joined Studio Daniel Libeskind 2000-2016. He founded Jo Klein Architekten in 2016.

Plácido González - Heritage Conservation And Contemporary Architecture: Values, Criteria, Discussion
2023-11-15 14:00 - 15:00
Through a critical heritage approach, this lecture analyzes the influence of dominant heritage discourses on both heritage conservation and contemporary architectural production, with a particular focus on where the two overlap. The conference aims to explore the heritage narratives underlying architectural design in a historical context beyond the connection to “fashions” or “trends”. The focus will be on the connection and the implications they entail, looking at architecture and heritage as a set of interests that include developers, designers, builders and users.
About Plácido
Plácido González Martínez is a renowned Doctor in Architecture and Urbanism, as well as a Distinguished Researcher ‘María Zambrano’ at the University of Seville. Currently on sabbatical leave, he has been a Professor at Tongji University in Shanghai, China. Moreover, he holds the position of Vice-President of the Association of Critical Heritage Studies (ACHS) and is the Executive Editor of the Built Heritage journal.
For over twenty years, González Martínez has dedicated his academic career to critical heritage studies in two main contexts:
In Spain (2023-2024), he is affiliated with the Department of History, Theory, and Architectural Composition at the University of Seville, funded by the EU’s Next Generation funds. His current research focuses on comparing heritage conservation between Spain and China, addressing topics such as urban regeneration and the critical study of the modern movement’s heritage.
In China (2016-2023), he was attached to the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University. During this period, he received a grant from the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and led research on urban regeneration in Shanghai. He also participated in international projects, highlighting his collaboration on research concerning collective housing of the modern movement and modern industrial cities.
Earlier, in Spain (2002-2016), González Martínez worked at the University of Seville, leading research projects related to built heritage and other topics. A significant portion of his career unfolded at the Andalusian Institute of Historical Heritage.
Furthermore, he has been part of prominent commissions in the Spanish Ministry of Culture and has authored over 100 publications, among which stands out his book “”In Light of Hilberseimer””. He has been awarded accolades such as the prize from the XIV Biennial of Spanish Architecture 2018 and has been actively involved in meetings and conferences nationally and internationally.

Louise Browne - From Nature to Architecture: Exploring Biomimicry and Biophilia in Grimshaw's Work
2023-09-28 13:00 - 14:00
Louise will explore themes of biomimicry, biophilia, and other natural phenomena within Grimshaw’s vast body of work. Nature has long been a source of inspiration Grimshaw’s projects, the lecture will uncover the close but not always obvious connections to nature within each project
About Louise
Louise Browne is an accomplished architect with nearly two decades of international experience in design, covering diverse sectors across Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. Currently, she manages Grimshaw’s East Asia Portfolio from Hong Kong, tackling a variety of large-scale projects that require both innovation and practicality.
During her 13-years with Grimshaw, Louise has contributed to a range of cutting-edge projects. Including a new airport terminal and transport hub in Shenzhen, China. The design takes its inspiration from nature, incorporating multiple transport modes, native planting and water landscapes, and a roof design taking its form from mangrove trees, integrating complex systems into a cohesive and comfortable environment.
With an eye to the future her projects seek to fuel innovation and inspire future generations, Louise’s interest in the future of design is also evident in her work on a Technology and Innovation Campus in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, as well as a unique 17-storey vertical high school in Australia. These projects highlight her ability to rethink traditional concepts and implement innovative approaches to research and learning environments.
Before joining Grimshaw, Louise worked on significant international projects, such as the Grand Museum of Egypt and a UNESCO world heritage site at Giza. Her work also includes various transport and infrastructure projects across Asia and the Middle East, demonstrating a breadth of expertise and a commitment to quality design.

Diego Castro - Synthesized Nature: Exploring the Symbiosis of Architecture and the Environment through AI Art
2023-09-26 17:00 - 18:00
Diego’s AI-generated artwork, Synthesized Nature, explores the relationship between nature and architecture. His vision is to create organic structures that blend seamlessly with their environment, resulting in a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Through Artificial Intelligence Generational Models, Computer 3D modeling and ray-tracing rendering software, MONOMO is pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring audiences to envision a future where nature and buildings can coexist in harmony, creating breathing architectural systems.
About Diego Castro
Diego Castro alias MONOMO is a CGI and AI digital artist/architect with a sharp focus on digital creation with an architectural background currently based in London, dedicated to delivering high-quality computer generated imagery and animations for unbuilt projects across the world. His exceptional Talent endorsement from the Arts Council England and mastery of CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) and AI CLIP (Contrastive Language Image Pre-Training) Diffusion Models has enabled MONOMO to push the boundaries of digital creation, conceptual design, and art, to recreate futuristic bio-focused concepts.
He focused almost the past decade on building the MONOMO brand as a Computer-Generated Imagery powerhouse, initially focused on ArchViz, and now heading to the realms of digital worlds, conceptual design, and art His artwork has been featured in exhibitions in Paris and London, including the meta_contra_verse exhibition curated by Shiva Lynn Burgos and George Bak. With an exhibition in Times Square Billboards, New York, and has also been exhibited during the Venice Biennale.

Alberto T. Estévez - Biodigital Architecture: Natural Intelligence & Artificial Intelligence.
2023-09-21 17:00 - 18:00
Renowned architect Alberto Estévez presents “Biodigital Architecture: Natural Intelligence & Artificial Intelligence” in a conference that explores the fusion of nature’s wisdom and AI-driven innovation. Participants gain insights into a visionary approach, envisioning ecologically responsive and intelligent structures, shaping a promising future for architecture.
About Alberto T. Estévez
Alberto T. Estévez (Barcelona, 1960), Architect (UPC, 1983), Architecture Ph.D. of Sciences (UPC, 1990), Art Historian (UB, 1994), Art History Ph.D. of Arts (UB, 2008). With a professional office of architecture and design (Barcelona, 1983-today). Chairman-Professor (Catedrático) in Architecture, teaching in different universities, in the knowledge’s areas of architectural design, architectural theory and art history (TU Wien, UB Barcelona, Uni-ak Wien, Elisava- UPF, UDEM Monterrey). Founding as first Director the ESARQ School of Architecture (UIC Barcelona, 1996), as an avant-garde international school in its first decade: it was then the first school in the world with an architecture curriculum including –among other things– mandatory subjects of sustainability and international cooperation, as well as laboratories for biological architecture (genetics: for first time in the history of architecture, geneticists working with architectural objectives, in a real application of genetics to architecture) and digital architecture (manufacturing). He also founded two research lines there, with two officially accredited research groups, two masters’ degrees and Ph.D. programs: “History, Architecture and Design” (UIC Barcelona, 1998- today) and “Genetic Architectures / Biodigital Architecture” (UIC Barcelona, 2000-today). As well as the Master of International Cooperation with Alex Levi and Amanda Schachter (UIC Barcelona, 2004-today). He was also the Founder and 1st Director of the UIC Barcelona PhD Program of Architecture. He has written more than two hundred publications, and has participated in a large number of exhibitions, congresses, committees and juries. Invited to give more than one hundred lectures around the world, presenting his ideas, research, projects and works of architecture and design: in the last 20 years on biodigital architecture & genetics. He was also Vice-Chancellor/General-Manager of UIC Barcelona (Universitat Internacional de Catalunya), where he is currently the Director of iBAG-UIC Barcelona (Institute for Biodigital Architecture & Genetics) after founding it.

Mario Andruet - Beyond Imitation: Gaudí's Biomimicry and the Modern Architectural Paradigm
2023-09-21 15:00 - 16:00
“Nature is my master.” In this brief statement, Antonio Gaudí summarized his fundamental idea about architectural creation: Studying the natural environment as a book that offers countless lessons applicable to the creation of healthy, safe and comfortable spaces. In this class we will deepen into some of the solutions inspired by laws and processes of nature with which Gaudí anticipated the modern concept of Biomimesis by a century.
About Mario Andruet
Mario Andruet, an architect based in Barcelona, boasts 35 years of expertise in architectural projects ranging from new constructions to historic restorations. He is a co-founder of BSMA Architects and currently serves as the President of the Antonio Gaudí Foundation. His career not only highlights hands-on architecture but also extends to research, cultural endeavors, and academic pursuits.
Some notable accomplishments include:
– A decade-long research tenure (1993-2007) at the Gaudí Chair of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, where he also organized exhibitions on Antonio Gaudí’s works.
– Teaching stints at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Barcelona and the Escuela de Arquitectura, Universidad de Navarra.
– Collaborations on over a hundred architectural projects at the Bassegoda firm in Barcelona.
– Restoration of eight Gaudí masterpieces, including Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and Casa Calvet.
– Lectures on Gaudí’s work and sustainable architecture across countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, the US, and Peru.
– Production and organization of 16 international exhibitions.
– Curation of Gaudí-themed exhibitions in cities like Madrid, Lima, and Sao Paulo.
– Authorship of numerous publications, spanning books, articles, and research, primarily affiliated with the Gaudí Chair and Antonio Gaudí Foundation.

Mick Pearce - Learning from termites: The Eastgate Center
2023-09-18 17:00 - 18:00
In this enlightening talk, renowned architect Mick Pearce will delve into the innovative design of The Eastgate Center in Harare, Zimbabwe, and its inspiration from the natural world. Drawing parallels between the intricate structures of termite mounds and modern architectural designs, Pearce will highlight the importance of biomimicry in sustainable building practices.
The Eastgate Center stands as a testament to the potential of nature-inspired design. Pearce will discuss how the building’s passive cooling system, modeled after the ventilation systems of termite mounds, reduces energy consumption and provides a comfortable environment for its occupants. This architectural marvel not only showcases the benefits of integrating natural systems into urban designs but also emphasizes the role of indigenous knowledge in modern architecture.
Expanding on the theme of biomimicry, Pearce will also talk about other projects, such as the Council House 2 in Melbourne. This building, like The Eastgate Center, draws inspiration from termite mounds to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability. Pearce will elaborate on the design elements that make this building a shining example of green architecture.
Pearce will underscore the importance of looking to nature for solutions to modern architectural challenges. By studying and emulating the strategies employed by organisms like termites, architects can create buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.

About Mick Pearce:
Mick Pearce is a renowned Zimbabwean architect known for his innovative approach to sustainable architecture and his commitment to environmentally-friendly building practices. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Pearce’s work is deeply influenced by the natural landscapes and ecosystems of his homeland.
Pearce gained international acclaim for his design of The Eastgate Centre in Harare, a building inspired by the natural ventilation systems found in termite mounds. This groundbreaking project showcased Pearce’s dedication to biomimicry, a design approach that seeks solutions from nature to address human challenges.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pearce has championed the integration of indigenous knowledge and traditional building techniques with modern architectural practices. His designs, which span across various countries, are a testament to the potential of blending nature with urban development.
A visionary in the field of sustainable architecture, Mick Pearce continues to inspire architects worldwide with his unique perspective on design and his unwavering commitment to creating a harmonious balance between the built environment and the natural world.

Jennifer Durand - AI-Driven Architectural Concepts: Mastering Materiality and Atmospheres with Midjourney
2023-09-17 15:00 - 17:00
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, architects have had to adapt their design process to new technologies. This workshop will offer an overview of how to integrate our creative way of thinking and seeing the world with a very popular AI image generated tool called Midjourney. On the one hand, students will understand what the Midjourney tool is about and its basic commands in order to generate a quality result. And on the other hand they will develop. And on the other hand, they will develop a way of thinking about how to create prompts for midjourney based mainly on materiality and creating atmospheres.
About Jennifer Durand
Jennifer Durand is part of the Computation and Design Research Group at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA CODE). She is a certified Architect in Peru and holds a master’s degree in Architectural Management and Design from IE University in Madrid, Spain, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism from Ricardo Palma University in Lima, Peru. Before joining ZHA, Jennifer worked at her own studio, OLA, which focused on web3 design, and at OVA, which focused on small to medium commercial and housing projects.
Jennifer also served as the main professor at Ricardo Palma University from 2020 – 2022, and was an assistant professor at the same university from 2019 – 2020. Additionally, she has taught various workshops on the application of technology in design.
Her metaverse projects have been featured in Archdaily, Parametric Architecture, and on Peruvian television channels and in newspapers. She has been invited to present her personal research and work at South Summit Madrid 2022, London Design Week 2023, and Pecha Kucha at the Pub organized by the Archi – Tech Network in 2023. Her interests lie in metaverse design and AI-focused architecture.

Jennifer Durand - Architectural Design in the Age of AI: Unleashing the Potential of Midjourney
2023-09-16 15:00 - 17:00

Jamie Miller - Introduction to Biomimicry
2023-09-14 17:00 - 18:00
Biomimicry is a new term for a very old idea. It’s the way in which we look to nature to inspire better designs. And for the last twenty years, it’s been emerging as a powerful lens for helping us confront the wicked problems we face as a species. In this masterclass, we intend to provide two things: An introduction to its application and, a deeper dive into the ways that biomimicry can go beyond just copying the form and how the deeper principles of emulating nature’s processes and systems are where we will see the greatest advancements in its application.
About Jamie Miller
Jamie is a visionary in the field of biomimicry and is a renowned expert as the Director of Biomimicry for B+H Architects. He is also the President of Biomimicry Frontiers and Founder of the Biomimicry Commons, Jamie’s award-winning sustainability consultancy and education platform, which help him accelerate his commitment to shifting our perception of nature and creating harmonious systems. Jamie holds a Ph.D. in engineering, specializing in biomimicry and urban resilience, where he worked closely with Indigenous communities and learned how to blend indigenous wisdom and deep biomimicry principles. Jamie’s three TEDx talks and directorship at OCAD University’s Biomimicry Program also his ability to inspire and educate. Through his mission, Jamie elevates the potential to transform visions into regenerative realities.
