Final-year bachelor’s students graduated in a memorable event held in the Aula Magna on the Barcelona campus. The ceremony was presided over by Dr Iñigo Ugalde, Director of UIC Barcelona School of Architecture, and featured architect Miquel Lacasta, who has been affiliated with the University for 25 years, as guest of honour for the graduating class.
The Doctor of Architecture and urban planner, winner of the 2021 National Urban Planning Award, co-founder of the Archikubik studio and lecturer at UIC Barcelona School of Architecture, encouraged students to face the challenges of the future of architecture. “Architects now have a new client: the planet. Whereas in the past our clients were citizens and society, today it is the Earth itself,” explained Miquel Lacasta The lecturer emphasised the responsibility of future architects, noting that “individual actions have a direct impact somewhere else in the world”.
In line with the theme of sustainable architecture, this year’s guest of honour, who also presided over the 2022 graduation ceremony, urged the new graduates to work with “principles”. “You are responsible for rebuilding the planet, so you must accelerate the transition towards a world that is economically, socially, energetically and ecologically transformed,” he insisted.
The director of the School of Architecture, Iñigo Ugalde, also addressed the audience, “If you ever feel unable to solve a problem, always remember that there will be someone more powerful by your side, ready to help and encourage you,” he said. Student representatives Lina Maël Proust and Nona Georgieva Kadieva also spoke during the ceremony, highlighting the years of effort and perseverance required to complete their university studies, as well as the constant support among classmates.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of stoles to the graduates and the traditional singing of the University anthem, Gaudeamus Igitur. With this event, the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture proudly bids farewell to a new class of architects and welcomes them into the UIC Barcelona Alumni community.
