LA 488/588 Island Futures Media

Instructor

Ignacio López Busón is a Spanish architect, landscape architect (OR), and urban designer from the Canary Islands, with extensive international experience across Europe, Asia, and the USA. He is the principal and co-founder of MAPS (Methods for the Architecture of Patterns and Systems), a research initiative dedicated to innovative design solutions that integrate human and natural systems at all scales. Ignacio is recognized for his expertise in merging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with computational generative design, and he has led numerous courses and international workshops in landscape architecture and urbanism.

Location

Canary Islands

Course Description

The major technological breakthroughs resulting from the digital revolution at the end of the 20th century have allowed for dramatic advancements in the measurement, analysis, and prediction of complex environmental processes that have increased the general awareness of climate change and its consequences. In addition, growth in computational power and continuously evolving design tools allow architecture, landscape, and engineering professionals to model and evaluate projective scenarios at unprecedented speeds and scales.

GIS and remote sensing technologies like satellites, drones, and sensors have revolutionized spatial planning and our abilities to understand climate change scenarios by providing accurate data on environmental dynamics. They enable precise mapping of vulnerable areas, monitoring of changes over time, and informed decision-making for resilience strategies, essential for mitigating climate risks and preserving island ecosystems.

This media class offers an immersive exploration into the mapping of islands, with a specific focus on the comprehensive analysis and measurements of Gran Canaria. Students will explore advanced methods and technologies for island metrics, spanning environmental, urban, and social domains. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on practical exercises, students will master tools such as drones, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 3D modeling, algorithmic analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and on-site surveying. By the end of the course, students will possess the skills to conduct thorough island assessments, providing valuable insights for sustainable development and resilience planning.