Formerly known as Construmat, Beyond Building Barcelona, the Fira de Barcelona’s revamped International Construction fair, concluded its 19th edition by highlighting the guidelines for the future of 21st-century construction: innovation, design, sustainability and restoration. The event consolidated Beyond Building Barcelona as a platform that fosters international business and supports the industry. 

Felipe Pich-Aguilera, the Director of the School of Architecture’s CEIM Chair and a professor who teaches the Sustainability and Projects subjects, along with the rest of the team at Pich Architects, was responsible for coordinating the area of sustainability, an important factor in the future recovery of the industry. 

The School of Architecture was also present throughout the Barcelona Ceramics exhibition, which showcased 20 ceramic pieces celebrating the 10th anniversary of the UIC’s Ceramics Chair, which was created thanks to the support of the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association (ASCER). The exhibition includes pieces crafted by School of Architecture students and overseen by the Ceramics Chair teaching staff. 

The International Master’s Programme in BIM Processes was also very well received among visitors to Beyond Building Barcelona. Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodologies and technologies were presented as an innovative and edgy alternative to the work systems currently in place in the construction industry. 

Enrique Rovira-Beleta, a professor of Accessibility who teaches on the School of Architecture’s Postgraduate Programme in Accessibility and Design for All, sat on a panel at the event on Tuesday, 19 May 2015, to discuss the factors that prevent access to accessible housing. The panel took time to discuss the real needs to be met. 

The School of Architecture was able to attend Beyond Building Barcelona thanks to an initiative by Barcelona City Council to design the prototype of a self-sufficient home in the Torre Baró neighbourhood in the Nou Barris district. This project was presented to professionals and companies in the construction industry, Barcelona City Council and the media at Beyond Building Barcelona on Friday, 22 May 2015. 

Beyond Building Barcelona attracts professionals, students and construction companies every two years to present new processes, materials and services and the latest technological innovations.