BUILDING BYTES: Growing Architecture

2-day masterclass with Virginia San Fratello.

How can we design building elements that are not only structural, but also ecological and spatially responsive? BUILDING BYTES is a two-day masterclass for architects, designers, artists, and other creatives interested in digital fabrication, material experimentation, and new approaches to designing living infrastructure.

In this hands-on masterclass, you will explore the intersection of 3D printing, ceramics, and living systems. Working in groups, you will develop and prototype a system of 3D-printed ceramic modules — bricks, tiles, or blocks — that connect into larger structures designed to support plants. Using digital modelling and clay 3D printing, you will test how form, print orientation, and assembly methods affect the production, function, and spatial potential of each individual element.

Why apply

• because the programme connects clay 3D printing, digital modelling, and architectural thinking into one unified research process;
• because you will develop concrete modular systems and test them through physical prototypes;
• because the masterclass opens questions of materiality, assembly, print orientation, and the integration of plants into architectural systems;
• because it is led by a mentor with internationally recognised practice at the intersection of architecture, design, and experimental 3D fabrication.

The programme is not designed as a conventional technical workshop, but as an intensive course for future ways of building. Participants will design a modular system with multiple units, 3D print clay models, develop strategies for connections and hybrid assemblies, and translate their concepts into physical prototypes and visual material. The focus will be on how architecture can function as living infrastructure.

Masterclass Schedule

June 12, 2026

9:00 – 9:30

• Welcome, introductions, workshop program overview
• goals, expectations
• short participant introductions

9:30 – 10:00

• Introduction to 3D printed ceramics (Emerging Objects)
• materials, references, best practice examples

10:00 – 11:00

• Design aspects, workflow (lecture)
• constraints (material, printer capabilities)
• file preparation

11:00 – 12:45

• Group formation + concept development
• defining concept and constraints
• sketching and idea discussion
• design development: first modules

12:45 – 13:45

• Lunch

13:45 – 16:30

• Preparation for printing
• 3D printing (active production + observation)

16:30 – 17:00

• Conclusion

June 13, 2026
10:00 – 10:30

• Reflection, review of printing results

10:30 – 13:00

• Design adjustments + presentation development
• continuation of 3D printing

13:00 – 14:00

• Lunch

14:00 – 15:30

• Final printing
• preparation of final results

15:30 – 17:00

• Conclusion

About the mentor

Virginia San Fratello is an architect, interior designer, and educator, Head of the Department of Design at San José State University, and partner at the studios Rael San Fratello and Emerging Objects. She is the recipient of the National Design Award for Digital Design, and her studio has also been recognised with the Beazley Design of the Year award. Her work is included in the collections of institutions such as Museum of Modern Art, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Design Museum.

Student discount – masterclass price only €240

Students with active student status receive a 20% discount on the member price when paying at the Made in Rog shop. Not a member yet? By registering and paying for the course, we will gift you a one-year membership.

Payment in two instalments

Courses costing more than €100 can be paid in two instalments. Payment is possible at the Made in Rog shop or by bank transfer based on a pro forma invoice if you contact us at tajnistvo@center-rog.si.

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Participants should arrive 15 minutes before the start of the programme in the entrance lobby of Center Rog. Please store your personal belongings in the lockers, which will be shown to you by the mentor. Please do not be late, as this disrupts the working process. In case of late arrival, we unfortunately cannot guarantee entry into the lab.

The programme is held in English.

The programme is intended for participants aged 14 and above unless stated otherwise.

In case of cancellation, we will notify you two days before the scheduled start.

If you are unable to attend, participation fees are non-refundable and the date cannot be changed. You may transfer your participation to another person by informing us at least 24 hours before the start at steklokeramika@center-rog.si.

We look forward to your company and creating together!