UIC and PAPIK Group have entered into an agreement with the aim of working jointly on research projects and initiatives and exchanging information to support studies and research of mutual interest. The research arising from this agreement, which has an initial term of five years, will be led by Ricardo Gómez Val, a lecturer in the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture and vice-dean of the Faculty.

The aim of this partnership is to advance research in the field of passive architecture, an innovative trend that offers significant climate-related benefits. “In a context shaped by heatwaves such as those we are currently experiencing, research in this field can generate findings that are applicable to the wider field of architecture,” explains Lecturer Gómez Val.

Passive architecture, a sustainable trend

Passive architecture is a design and construction approach that aims to maximise thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings while minimising the need for heating and cooling systems. To achieve this, it leverages factors such as building orientation, insulation, airtightness, controlled ventilation and high-performance materials. Its main benefits include reduced energy consumption and lower CO₂ emissions, as well as greater comfort for the people inhabiting the buildings.

The agreement between the University and the company has already resulted in several concrete initiatives. “We are installing sensors in PAPIK’s passive homes, which will provide us real-time data on their thermal performance,” said Ricardo Gómez Val. According to the researcher, the agreement will also benefit students, who will have the opportunity to attend expert lectures and visit passive houses (Passivhaus).

The partnership between UIC Barcelona and PAPIK Group combines the expertise of a company specialised in the development, construction and refurbishment of highly energy-efficient buildings in Catalonia with the research capabilities of the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture.