Over the past decade, the provision of shelter in afflicted communities around the world has gone from being a behind-the-scenes relief effort solely associated with large NGO's to a design-integrated discipline advocated by some of the most prestigious architects in the field. It couldn't have happened without the pioneering efforts of key figures like Fred Cuny, organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the design-build educational programs of Rural Studio, the media-savviness of Architecture for Humanity, or the countless individual architects who have contributed their services and skills for the cause. Thanks to them, design for the greater good has risen to the surface, riding a wave of sweeping social consciousness that resonates deeply with a generation that has (only just) begun to witness the very serious consequences of our ill-management of natural and economic resources on the planet.

Soe Ker Tie Orphanage in Noh Bo, Thailand by TYIN Tegnestue

Now that humanitarian design has picked up the momentum to make a greater positive impact, the world is taking note. While demand for emergency architecture grows with the rise of natural and man-made catastrophes (and the need to prevent them), so does the interest of budding architects and designers, eager to make a difference--in their own community or abroad. If there was ever a time to harness that volition and intent, it is now. And if there is a place, it's in the classroom.

As Emiliy Piloton, the founder of Project H, said:

"What students want to learn is often not what teachers are teaching. Student populations, as we all know, are communities of activism--one walk through a picket-sign-filled college will evidence this point. But that type of activism gets checked at the door of most design studios--a huge missed opportunity."

Right here in Barcelona, a new academic program is trying fill that void. As one of the few masters programs in the world to offer such a specialization, the Masters of International Cooperation in Sustainable Emergency Architecture focuses uniquely on the architectural response to emergency situations brought on by natural disasters, conflict, and poverty around the globe.

It's true when they say that the term "sustainable" or "green" shouldn't even be a descriptive term, but rather, an inherent quality to any design. Add an emergency situation to the mix, however, and the expertise required to deal with it becomes far more specific and complex. Disaster mitigation, prevention and reconstruction is a task intricately tied to international cooperation, which is why this masters degree has an equal focus on both aspects. If architects are to engage ethically to improve the lives of others, they must not only know the most adequate building techniques but also acquire a cultural sensitivity and the knowledge necessary to put them into practice.

Last year's course at the UIC campus in Barcelona

Initiated in 2009, the program was made an official degree (60 ECTS credits) under its new director, Giovanna Carnevali, who is also the founder of Architecture for Humanity’s Spain chapter.

"The aim is to establish the strategies and criteria for taking action in the area of urban planning, developing neighborhoods and implementing architecture projects, while bearing in mind energy-saving systems and sustainability criteria in all areas related to materials and local cultures.”

The one-year course, taught in English, is geared at university graduates in the fields of Architecture, Urban development, Construction, Civil Engineering or Design and International cooperation. This year’s visiting staff includes prominent practitioners in the field such as BaSiC Initiative’s Sergio Palleroni, Burkinabé architect Francis Kéré, AFH cofounder Cameron Sinclair, and Rural Studio, among others.

We're excited to see such a meaningful and potentially influential academic program take root right here in our backyard. If you're interested in finding out more about this program, review the information below or apply here. In any case, we hope you help us spread the word--for many architecture students, it could mean the start of a challenging, fulfilling and world-changing journey of designing with intent.

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This MA is organized by ESARQ (Superior School of Architecture) and UIC (International University of Catalonia) within the Mundus Urbano European cooperation program, considered to be one of the most prestigious programs in the world.

You can apply online, or for more information visit the website or send any questions to mdponce@uic.es. For news, updates and related discussions, you can also follow the master’s Facebook page and on twitter: @Masters_SEArch

INFO

Duration
October 2010 – July 2011

Schedule
Term 1: CRITERIA
October - February, Monday to Thursday, between 15 and 19h.

Term 2: FIELD TRIP/INTERNSHIP
between March-April

Term 3: STUDIO PROJECT
May-July, Monday and Wednesday, between 15 and 19h.

Location
Classes will be taught in the Iradier-Barcelona Campus
Calle Inmaculada, 22 08017 Barcelona +34 932 541 827

Credits
The syllabus has a total of 60 credits ECTS, distributed in 30 theory credits, 15 personal work credits and 15 practical credits during the academic year.

Cost
€9.035,00

Application deadline:
20 September 2010

Required documents:
Application form, Curriculum vitae, valid passport copy, Copy of the university degree, letter of interest.
Please send all materials electronically in pdf format (maximum 6 mb) to mdponce@uic.es or by post to:
Servei d’Informació i Admissions Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Inmaculada, 22 - 08017 Barcelona