Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Artificial Island Architecture

This master's prepares you to lead the future of territorial expansion at sea and sustainable innovation. You will learn to design, plan and build multifunctional artificial islands from concept to execution, taking into account economic feasibility, environmental impact and resilience to climate change, and you will master coastal engineering, the management of complex projects and the international rules that govern these works.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

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About the program

What is the Master's in Artificial Island Architecture?

This master's covers the artificial island as a piece of territory created from scratch. You will study marine geotechnics, sediment dynamics, dredging, hydraulic fill and ground stabilization; offshore foundations with monopiles, composite piles, anchored platforms and floating modules; breakwaters, submerged reefs, geotubes and modular coastal defenses; hydrodynamics, CFD, GIS and fluid-structure interaction; predictive models and AI for extreme events and sea level rise; integrated renewable energy with floating solar, offshore wind, wave and tidal power and storage; drainage, water reuse and wastewater treatment in closed island systems; IoT, SCADA and digital twins for structural and environmental monitoring; BIM, Agile, Lean Construction and PMI project management; ecological restoration with artificial reefs and marine habitats; environmental impact assessment, ISO 14001, LEED and life cycle assessment; and the legal status of artificial islands under UNCLOS, governance, financing and lessons from Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and the North Sea energy islands.

What sets this master's apart: it integrates architecture, coastal engineering, ecology and maritime law, so an island is conceived as a living, governed place and not only as a fill or a platform; it puts self-sufficiency in water, energy and food at the center of the design; it analyzes landmark international projects critically, including their environmental and social controversies; and it closes with a Final Project in which you design, plan and justify a complete smart, resilient artificial island.

Program typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Program highlights

Building new land: dredging, hydraulic fill, ground stabilization, marine geotechnics and sediment dynamics.
Offshore foundations and coastal defense: piles, anchored and floating modules, breakwaters, geotubes and submerged reefs.
Hydrodynamics and prediction: CFD, GIS, fluid-structure interaction, AI forecasting and climate change scenarios.
Self-sufficient islands: floating solar, offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, storage, water reuse and waste management.
Smart, green infrastructure: IoT, SCADA, digital twins, BIM, artificial reefs and ecological restoration.
Law and governance: UNCLOS status, environmental impact assessment, financing, social acceptance and international cases.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Artificial Island Architecture

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Advanced design and construction of marine infrastructure for sustainable artificial islands

1.1. Foundations and international regulations applicable to the construction of marine infrastructure: IMO rules, MARPOL and environmental protection conventions for urbanized maritime areas
1.2. Advanced geotechnical studies for foundation design in marine environments: subsoil characterization, sedimentation analysis and strength of dredged materials
1.3. Structural engineering applied to floating platforms and piers: hydrodynamic load calculations, wave impact and seismic design for island structures
1.4. Innovative technologies for building dikes and breakwaters: composite materials, geotubes and modular coastal defense systems for resilience to extreme weather
1.5. Drainage and wastewater management systems on artificial islands: sanitation network design, ecological treatment techniques and water recovery
1.6. Energy optimization and use of marine renewables in island infrastructure: integrating tidal turbines, floating photovoltaic panels and offshore wind systems
1.7. Environmental impact and mitigation strategies during construction: effects on benthic ecosystems, habitat restoration and continuous monitoring protocols
1.8. Advanced structural monitoring with IoT and smart sensors: early detection of deformation, corrosion and material fatigue for predictive maintenance
1.9. Logistics planning and works management in ocean environments: BIM models adapted to marine projects, multidisciplinary coordination and advanced control of resources and time
1.10. International case studies: critical analysis of landmark artificial island projects in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, with a focus on technical solutions and long-term sustainability

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Innovation in ocean engineering systems and emerging technologies for creating smart artificial islands

2.1. Advanced foundations of ocean engineering: marine fluid dynamics, soil-water interaction and hydrodynamic modeling applied to artificial structures
2.2. Smart materials and adaptive structures: properties, selection and behavior in extreme marine environments
2.3. Design and optimization of offshore foundation systems: piles, anchors and floating modules for artificial islands
2.4. Emerging technologies in underwater construction: autonomous robotics, marine 3D printing and modular assembly systems
2.5. Integrating sustainable energy systems: wind, photovoltaic and wave energy farms for island self-sufficiency
2.6. Sensing and real-time monitoring: IoT sensor networks, underwater drones and satellites for environmental and structural control
2.7. Advanced computer simulation: CAE software for modeling stresses, corrosion, sedimentation and dynamic resilience
2.8. International regulations and certifications applicable to marine and environmental construction
2.9. Comprehensive management of multidisciplinary projects: planning, execution and supervision with BIM tools and digital twins
2.10. Future outlook and disruptive trends in smart island architecture: artificial intelligence, blockchain and full automation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Integrating sustainable technologies and innovative strategies in the design and construction of smart artificial islands

3.1. Foundations of sustainability applied to maritime engineering: ecodesign principles and life cycle analysis of island infrastructure
3.2. Advanced, eco-efficient materials: green composites, low-carbon concretes and nanotechnology for resistance to the marine environment
3.3. Integrated renewable energy: floating photovoltaic systems, offshore wind turbines and wave energy technology
3.4. Environmental modeling and simulation: assessment of hydrodynamic and sedimentological impact with CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and GIS geospatial models
3.5. Design strategies for climate resilience: mitigation of storms, sea level rise and extreme events in artificial island environments
3.6. Automation and intelligent control: integrating IoT, neural networks and SCADA systems for real-time monitoring and autonomous infrastructure management
3.7. Innovation in sustainable drainage and efficient water management: collection, reuse and management of stormwater on constructed islands
3.8. Green infrastructure and applied biotechnology: biofilters, ecological restoration with artificial corals and design of marine habitats for biodiversity
3.9. International regulations and regulatory frameworks: compliance with environmental standards, permits and certifications for projects in marine environments
3.10. Case studies and comparative analysis: review of pioneering smart artificial island projects with sustainable integration and assessment of their performance

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Advanced engineering of offshore foundations, coastal protection, dynamic stabilization systems and environmental management for sustainable, smart artificial islands

4.1. Foundations of geotechnical engineering applied to offshore foundations: seabed soil properties, geomechanical characterization and in situ testing
4.2. Advanced foundation design: monopiles, composite piles, anchored platforms and hybrid systems to support dynamic and static loads
4.3. Structural analysis methods under extreme environmental loads: wind, waves, currents and earthquakes
4.4. Coastal protection systems against waves, erosion and sedimentation: physical barriers, submerged breakwaters and innovative shoreline defense technologies
4.5. Numerical modeling and CFD simulations to optimize structures and mitigate environmental impact in coastal environments
4.6. Dynamic stabilization with active and passive control technologies: dampers, adaptive anchoring systems and real-time monitoring
4.7. Integrating IoT sensors and SCADA systems for continuous monitoring of structural stability and environmental conditions
4.8. Comprehensive environmental management: environmental impact assessment, mitigation plans and ecological restoration in artificial island projects
4.9. International regulations and sustainability parameters for offshore construction: ISO 14001, LEED certification standards and life cycle assessment (LCA)
4.10. Global success stories of smart, sustainable artificial islands: benchmarking analysis and continuous improvement strategies

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Hydrodynamic optimization and predictive modeling for the resilient development of smart artificial islands

5.1. Hydrodynamic foundations applied to coastal engineering: basic principles of fluid dynamics in marine environments and their impact on the morphology of artificial islands
5.2. Advanced computational modeling: CFD (computational fluid dynamics) to simulate currents, waves and sedimentation around artificial islands
5.3. Optimizing geospatial design: integrating hydrodynamic models with GIS (geographic information systems) for dynamic planning and adaptation of the island design
5.4. Predictive algorithms based on artificial intelligence to anticipate extreme hydrometeorological events and their impact on island infrastructure
5.5. Fluid-structure interaction: detailed analysis of hydrodynamic forces on emergent and submerged structures, with an emphasis on resilience and durability
5.6. Assessing and mitigating the risk of coastal erosion: technical strategies and innovative materials to protect the perimeter and stabilize the substrate
5.7. Comprehensive simulation of climate change scenarios: modeling of sea level rise and thermal variability and their effect on smart island systems
5.8. Real-time monitoring and adaptive control systems: design of integrated sensor networks for continuous supervision and automatic adjustment of structures and defenses
5.9. Energy optimization of hydraulic and wind systems on artificial islands: efficiency analysis and use of renewable resources through predictive modeling
5.10. Advanced predictive maintenance protocols: big data and machine learning to anticipate wear and schedule interventions on marine infrastructure

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

Innovative technologies and sustainability in the design and construction of smart artificial islands

6.1. Foundations of coastal engineering applied to artificial islands: marine geotechnics, sediment dynamics and structural analysis
6.2. Advanced materials: geotextiles, innovative marine concretes, lightweight composites and self-healing technologies for submerged structures
6.3. Integrated renewable energy systems: design and optimization of floating solar farms, offshore wind turbines and tidal generation for energy self-sufficiency
6.4. Digital modeling and simulation: BIM (building information modeling) with a focus on marine ecosystems and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations of currents and waves
6.5. Artificial intelligence and IoT for real-time monitoring: environmental sensors and predictive analytics platforms for maintenance and operational optimization
6.6. International regulations and certifications: compliance with ISO standards, MARPOL and international conventions on environmental impact and sustainable construction in coastal zones
6.7. Biophilic design and ecological restoration strategies: integrating marine habitats, artificial reefs and natural filtration systems to purify the surrounding water
6.8. Advanced construction technologies: deep foundations and the use of drones and autonomous robots for construction and maintenance in extreme maritime conditions
6.9. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint: methods to minimize environmental impact from the extraction of materials through operation and decommissioning
6.10. Comprehensive risk management: resilience strategies for extreme weather events, subsea earthquakes and the effect of climate change on island stability

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Innovation in design, engineering and sustainability for creating smart, resilient artificial islands

7.1. Advanced foundations of structural design and geomorphology applied to artificial islands
7.2. Integrating emerging technologies in marine engineering to create resilient infrastructure
7.3. Numerical modeling and hydraulic simulation to study coastal dynamics and their impact on island stability
7.4. Innovative, sustainable materials: properties, durability and adaptability in aggressive marine environments
7.5. Design of smart environmental and structural monitoring systems based on IoT and distributed sensors
7.6. Integrated environmental management strategies to ensure the ecological and social sustainability of artificial islands
7.7. Climate risk analysis and adaptation through resilient architecture and rapid recovery solutions
7.8. Energy optimization: incorporating renewable energy and self-consumption systems into island infrastructure
7.9. Applying international regulations and best practice for the safety and feasibility of coastal engineering projects
7.10. Case studies and international benchmarking on innovation in design and technologies for creating and maintaining smart islands

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Comprehensive management of architecture and sustainable development projects on smart artificial islands

8.1. Foundations of comprehensive management in artificial island architecture projects: definition, scope and multidisciplinary objectives
8.2. Feasibility analysis and environmental impact studies: advanced methods for assessing marine ecosystems and sustainability
8.3. Strategic and territorial planning applied to maritime environments: zoning, regulation and international rules
8.4. Technological innovation in island construction: advanced materials, fill techniques and seabed stabilization
8.5. Integrating intelligent systems for urban management: environmental sensing, energy control and IoT communication networks
8.6. Sustainable development and circular economy: principles applied to island architecture projects, recycling of materials and waste minimization
8.7. BIM modeling and GIS software applied to the creation and monitoring of smart artificial islands
8.8. Risk management and resilience to natural hazards: tsunamis, storms, coastal subsidence and climate adaptation
8.9. Advanced project management methods: PMI, Agile and Lean Construction adapted to complex maritime contexts
8.10. Economic, financial and environmental evaluation: long-term cost-benefit analysis and financial sustainability of island infrastructure

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Innovation strategies and technologies in the design and construction of sustainable, resilient artificial islands

9.1. Foundations of coastal engineering applied to artificial islands: geotechnical analysis and sediment dynamics
9.2. Sustainable design: climate resilience criteria, adaptation to sea level rise and mitigation of environmental impacts
9.3. Advanced construction technologies: dredging, hydraulic fill and stabilization of marine ground
9.4. Innovative materials: geotextiles, high-durability concretes and prefabricated modular systems for island structures
9.5. Integrating renewable energy systems: photovoltaics, offshore wind and energy storage in island infrastructure
9.6. Numerical modeling and simulation: tools to study waves, currents and erosion in artificial coastal zones
9.7. Implementing IoT technologies for real-time monitoring: environmental, structural and water quality sensors
9.8. Water resource management and wastewater treatment systems adapted to closed island ecosystems
9.9. International regulations and regulatory frameworks for the construction and operation of artificial islands
9.10. Strategies for ecological regeneration: design of marine habitats and biological corridors integrated into infrastructure

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Environmental impact, governance and international experience of artificial islands

10.1. Environmental impact assessment of marine land reclamation
10.2. Effects on sediment dynamics
10.3. Biodiversity and environmental offsetting
10.4. The legal status of artificial islands under UNCLOS
10.5. Governance and urban management models
10.6. Financing of large projects
10.7. Case studies: Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong
10.8. Energy islands in the North Sea
10.9. Social acceptance and communication
10.10. Lessons learned from international projects

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Final Project

11.1. Foundations of design and urban planning in maritime environments: territorial integration, mixed-use zoning and environmental impact assessment
11.2. Applied geotechnical and maritime engineering: special foundations, ground stabilization and mitigation of seismic movement in island structures
11.3. Advanced design of smart infrastructure: renewable energy networks, water management systems and efficient waste management on artificial islands
11.4. Digital modeling and environmental simulation: 6D BIM tools, CFD analysis of sea currents and forecasting of extreme weather events
11.5. Innovative materials and sustainable construction technologies: marine composites, high-durability concretes and modular prefabrication techniques
11.6. Implementing resilience and climate adaptation systems: smart coastal barriers, sustainable drainage and protection against sea level rise
11.7. Integrating IoT and automation: distributed sensors for structural monitoring, real-time energy management and centralized control of critical systems
11.8. Assessment and regulatory compliance: international frameworks, LEED certification and ISO standards applicable to artificial island architecture projects
11.9. Comprehensive project management: agile methods, risk control, life cycle analysis and long-term operation and maintenance plans
11.10. Presentation and technical defense of the final project: technical reports, construction drawings, sustainability reports and advanced functional simulations

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Artificial Island Architecture

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

Hours per week

4 h30 h

With 12 h per week

months to finish

125 weeks

weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance

Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints

Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator

Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory

Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator

Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator

Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line

Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator

Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Artificial Island Architecture

01Design and manage self-sufficient island ecosystems, implementing renewable water, energy and food management strategies that optimize efficiency and minimize dependence on outside supply.

02Develop building solutions resilient to extreme marine environments, selecting materials and construction techniques that minimize corrosion and degradation from salinity, waves and storms and ensure durability and safety.

03Optimize logistics and connectivity for remote islands, developing optimized routing strategies that take into account tides, currents, local weather and limited port infrastructure, with safety and efficiency as priorities.

04Implement innovative strategies for renewable energy on artificial islands, assessing hybrid wind and marine systems integrated with advanced storage such as batteries and hydrogen to guarantee a continuous, resilient supply.

05Build sustainable financial models for artificial island development, integrating environmental and social impact metrics into the valuation and ensuring long-term profitability that accounts for maintenance costs, climate risks and benefits for local communities.

06Lead urban planning and territorial development on artificial islands, integrating environmental and socioeconomic risk analysis into planning decisions with long-term resilience and sustainability in mind.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Artificial Island Architecture

01Artificial island designerdrawings, 3D modeling and conceptual design of new islands.

02Artificial island project engineerend-to-end project management from planning through construction and commissioning.

03Artificial island development consultantadvice to governments, companies and organizations on feasibility, environmental impact and development opportunities.

04Environmental impact specialistassessment and mitigation of the impacts of building and operating artificial islands.

05Island infrastructure managerplanning, maintenance and operation of energy, water and transport systems on artificial islands.

06Urban planner or landscape architect for artificial islandssustainable, livable urban spaces and resilient landscapes adapted to local conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Artificial Island Architecture

The design and construction of artificial islands, taking into account their technical, environmental, legal, social and economic aspects, from land reclamation to urban planning and governance.

Reclaimed and floating islands for urban expansion, tourism and housing, energy islands for offshore renewables, and projects that combine infrastructure with ecological restoration.

Yes. One module covers their status under UNCLOS, governance and urban management models, financing, social acceptance and international cases such as Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and the North Sea.

Yes. Environmental impact assessment, sediment dynamics, biodiversity offsetting, artificial reefs, habitat restoration and life cycle assessment are covered across several modules.

Environmental consultants, developers and researchers can enroll with relevant experience; the admission interview confirms that the program suits your profile and technical level.

Through practical cases, modeling exercises and design work in each module and a Final Project in which you design a complete smart, resilient artificial island, presented before a panel.

A master's issued by Navalis Institute, together with the designs, simulations and technical documentation you develop during the program.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7 with live sessions that are recorded, forums and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements

Profile: aimed at architects and urban planners, civil and maritime engineers, environmental consultants and sustainability specialists, entrepreneurs and real estate developers, and researchers interested in landscape integration, climate resilience and maritime law applied to artificial islands. A degree in architecture, civil or maritime engineering or a related discipline, or demonstrable professional experience in coastal or maritime construction projects, is recommended; familiarity with CAD, BIM and simulation tools is an advantage.
Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and CAD or BIM software.
Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.

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