The Norman Foster Institute (NFI) has officially inaugurated the 2026 edition of its Master’s programme on sustainable cities in Madrid, marking the beginning of a new academic year. The programme brings together students from a broad range of nationalities and professional backgrounds, including architecture, journalism, research, urban planning, design and engineering.
Organised by the NFI in collaboration with the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology among others, the one-year programme is structured around three interconnected phases: Foundations, Diagnosis and Interventions, with learning taking place across classrooms, studios and real urban environments. A core component of the course is its close collaboration with city administrations, enabling students to develop applied, evidence-based strategies for sustainable urban development.
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For the 2026 academic year, the programme will focus on three pilot cities: Manchester, Lusail and Mexico City. These cities reflect diverse geographic, economic and cultural contexts, allowing students to engage with a wide spectrum of urban conditions, from post-industrial regeneration and rapid urban expansion to climate resilience, mobility and social equity. The methodologies and tools developed throughout the programme are designed to be adaptable and transferable to cities worldwide.
As the programme progresses, students will work towards developing strategic proposals to be presented directly to city authorities. Strong emphasis is placed on advocacy, communication and policy-oriented design, reinforcing the idea that cities learn from one another and that local insights can inform global approaches to sustainable city-making.
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The opening week offers students an introduction to the NFI’s academic leadership through a programme of lectures and seminars led by its co-directors and distinguished academic body. Contributors include Lord Norman Foster, NFI president and Master’s programme co-director, president of the Norman Foster Foundation, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, and advocate of the United Nations Forum of Mayors.
The opening week also includes roundtable discussions and student presentations, providing a platform for participants to share their backgrounds, motivations and initial perspectives. These exchanges establish the foundation for a year of collaboration, critical inquiry and innovation, as students work collectively towards designing more sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities.