The Forschungsfeld Grounded Futures pt. II is the second of two consecutive research modules conducted within the framework of the BIT HABITAT project in Barcelona, focused on creating new construction materials by using urban mineral waste and a natural binder made from alginate.

In the past semester, students visited recycling centers, conducted research on algae, and carried out material experiments in hands-on workshops. In the summer semester 26, the focus will be on knowledge transfer in scientific and academic research. Both modules can be taken independently, but students are encouraged to participate in the sequence to develop a coherent research trajectory from material experimentation to its communication.

Students will have the opportunity to contribute to the exhibition of the Grounded Futures research project at the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 in Barcelona. Based on texts from the exhibition catalogue, three groups will work on communicating and situating the research within a broader architectural discussion. The task will be to elaborate and visualize the topics of biogeology, city as metabolism, and soft materials, and to turn them into an exhibition piece using modelmaking, drawing, and references respectively.