The first two weeks of the University of Navarra’s Architecture “Master's Degree ” were devoted to a wood construction workshop. Throughout those days, we combined theoretical and practical classes with presentations by architects who shared their experiences and projects built with wood, as well as presentations by specialized companies that gave us firsthand insight into various construction systems, materials, and their potential applications. This combination helped us approach wood construction from different perspectives—not only from a theoretical standpoint but also through real-world examples and solutions that are already being implemented. Personally, I found it to be a dynamic way to start the “ Master's Degree ” and a great opportunity to discover a construction system that, although it has been with us since the origins of architecture, is regaining an increasingly prominent role.

Investigate buildings

The “ internship ” portion of the workshop involved working as a team to study an existing wooden building, create a model, and produce a presentation sheet explaining the “ project ” through disciplinary drawings, architectural details, and images. In our case, we chose the Dymark HQ by BIG— project —which required us to research the building, understand its design approach, and delve into its construction methods so we could then translate that into a model. This process was particularly interesting because it allowed us to go beyond mere images of the building and gain a deeper understanding of how it is organized and constructed.

Beyond the Workshop

The model thus became a tool for learning, analyzing, and representing the project in a much more direct and entertaining way. The result of this work will participate in a contest in 2027, which provides added motivation and the possibility that the work created during these first few weeks will continue beyond the workshop itself.

Beyond the knowledge I gained about wood construction, I believe one of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the opportunity to meet classmates whom I might not otherwise have crossed paths with. Starting the Master's Degree with a team-based work helped us break the ice, shake off some of the shyness of the first few days, and build initial relationships with the people with whom we’ll be spending the rest of the course. This becomes even more important in a “ Master's Degree ” program that emphasizes participation, the “ exchange ” of ideas, and an active attitude on the part of the student. In that sense, the workshop served not only as an introduction to woodworking but also as a first “ contact ” with the way of working that awaits us throughout the year.

Back to the Roots

At staff, I also get the sense that wood is going to play an increasingly important role in architecture. Although it is one of the oldest materials we have used for building, today it once again offers new possibilities and occupies a prominent place in the architectural discussion . Being able to learn about its systems, applications, and possibilities right from the start at Master's Degree seems to me like a good way to begin thinking about how we want to build in the future.

Text by Álvaro del Castillo Mayorga, a student in the University Master's Degree e in Architecture in Madrid

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