The symposium explored the latest developments and theories concerning the application of new biological and digital techniques in Architecture and Design, which is precisely what defines today’s architectural avant-garde

The event was opened by Alberto T. Estévez, full professor at UIC Barcelona and director of the University Master’s Degree in Biodigital Architecture. In his address, Estévez cited the most recent studies, projects and works carried out by the Genetic Architectures Office in the field of Biodigital Architecture.

Afterwards, Bob Martens, an architect and lecturer at TU Wein specialised in simulation and interior design, presented the speakers. This was followed by speeches by Maria Mallo and Daniela Frogheri, architects and former University Master’s Degree in Biodigital Architecture students

The symposium was brought to a close by architect and designer Neri Oxman, director and founder of the Mediated Matter Group at MIT’s Media Lab. In her talk, Oxman gave an overview of the works that exemplify the research in which her group is involved. From the micro scale to the building scale, Neri Oxman imagines and creates structures and objects that are inspired, informed and engineered by, for and with nature. Oxman coined the term and has been a pioneer in the field of Material Ecology, which spans computation, fabrication and materials, inseparable dimensions of design.

The event, which was attended by roughly fifty people, served to reflect on today’s international architectural avant-garde.