Barcelona to Explore How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Architecture and Construction at the ZIGURAT Summit 2025

Barcelona will become the epicentre for examining the real impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on architecture, engineering, and construction during the third edition of the ZIGURAT Summit. The event will be held in person on 19 June at Valkiria Hub Space (Poblenou) under the theme “Entering the Age of AI.”

Organised by ZIGURAT Institute of Technology — which recently hosted the 1st Online AI Congress with over 6,000 professionals registered — this international gathering will bring together more than a hundred professionals from around the world to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and practical applications of AI in the AECO sector (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations).

The event will feature internationally renowned speakers in both Spanish and English. Attendance is free, but places are limited, so prior registration is required to secure a spot (access the registration form here).

Presentations from International Experts

“The ZIGURAT Summit has become a key meeting point for the global AECO community,” says Pau F. Aldomà, CEO of ZIGURAT Institute of Technology. “We aim to foster a space for idea exchange that accelerates sector transformation through AI.”

The day will be structured into two language blocks. The English-language programme of the ZIGURAT Summit 2025 will focus on global trends and forward-looking perspectives for the digital transformation of the AEC sector. The first session will be “It all begins with BIM”, delivered by Vicki Reynolds, Technical Director at One Creative Environments, ambassador for Women in BIM and NIMA, and Director of the Master’s in Global BIM Management. Reynolds will explore how Building Information Modelling (BIM) serves as the foundation for digital innovation across construction processes, emphasising its role in enabling structured, collaborative and intelligent project delivery.

This will be followed by Lilian Ho, Digital & BIM Lead and Director of the Master’s in Artificial Intelligence for Architecture & Construction, with her session “Digital Transformation through AI,” where she will delve into the integration of AI technologies into large-scale infrastructure and architectural projects.

Chris Dymond, Founder of Unfolding, will close the programme with the session “What do Smart Cities need from Smart Buildings?”, examining the relationship between building intelligence and wider urban strategies. The English block will conclude with a panel discussion and open debate, moderated by Bruno Mota (Associate Director at Assystem, Lean Director at SIPPRO and Director of the Master Internacional em Gestão de Projetos na Construção), featuring all speakers and representatives from leading companies and public institutions, including the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB). This session will offer a unique opportunity for collective reflection on the technological, social and urban challenges facing the industry today.

The Spanish-language block will begin with a keynote by Fernando Iglesias, Head of Innovation at Kronos and Director of the Máster en IA para Arquitectura y Construcción, entitled “Más allá del hype: Retos técnicos y humanos de la IA en BIM” (Beyond the Hype: Technical and Human Challenges of AI in BIM). He will explore the technical barriers and human challenges involved in implementing AI within BIM processes, helping participants distinguish between marketing hype and practical advancements.

Next, Carles Farré, co-founder of AECOTECH and lecturer on the same master’s programme — the first online master’s entirely focused on AI in architecture and construction — will present “Agentes IA en obra: Tus nuevos aliados digitales” (AI Agents on Site: Your New Digital Allies), analysing how AI can enhance automation, real-time supervision, and data-driven decision-making on construction sites.

Finally, José Javier Laborda, Senior BIM Consultant and BIM Manager at Ingecid, will present “Project Manager 2.0: Supervisar obras con IA” (Project Manager 2.0: Supervising Sites with AI), where he will highlight how intelligent tools can optimise project planning, cost control and on-site efficiency.

This block will also conclude with a roundtable discussion, where speakers and industry representatives will exchange experiences, discuss practical strategies, and share concrete examples of AI implementation.

Barcelona: A Hub for Technological Innovation

The choice of Barcelona as the host city is no coincidence. The city has established itself as one of Europe’s leading hubs for technological innovation and smart urban development. ZIGURAT leverages this context to reaffirm its commitment to sustainability, digitalisation, and international collaboration — priorities it shares with Barcelona City Council.

Participation in this strategically located event is open to professionals from around the world who are keen to deepen their knowledge of AI’s practical applications and its influence on the future transformation of the AECO sector. In addition to technical presentations, the event will also provide dedicated networking spaces to help attendees forge strategic connections with industry leaders, innovators, institutions, and public bodies.

You can find the full agenda and further details on how to attend on the official ZIGURAT Summit 2025 website.