A community for computational design
We connect architecture, science, design and art with programming, artificial intelligence and new technologies. We run workshops, talks and research projects for professionals, students and practitioners.
About
SPECT Community z.s. is an independent association founded by architects, researchers and educators Lukáš Kurilla, Šimon Prokop and Šimon Knettig.
It brings together architects, designers, scientists and artists who believe that the future of making lies where traditional disciplines meet new technologies. Our goal is to develop education, research and community in computational design – and to respond actively to the changes that artificial intelligence brings to the field.
AI is fundamentally changing how architects and designers work: from generative design and shape optimisation to automated documentation and the simulation of environmental impact. SPECT Community creates space for critical and practical reflection on these changes – not as a passive observer, but as an active community of professionals and students who work with these tools, test what they can do and ask what it means for the role of the architect and designer in the near future.
Beyond AI tools, we focus on computational thinking in a wider sense – a way of reasoning that includes parametric modelling, procedural workflows, scripting and non-destructive design methods. These approaches are not a technical extra; they are becoming part of the core skill set of every architect who wants to work on complex and ambitious projects.
SPECT Community runs workshops, talks, courses and research projects. We work with educational institutions and connect academia with practice to prepare the Czech and European professional community for the challenges of the field’s digital transformation.
What SPECT stands for
- Spatiality
- Performance
- Evidence
- Computation
- Thinking
What we do
How we pursue the purpose of the association.
- Courses and workshops
- Hands-on teaching of computational design tools and methods, from first scripts to advanced analysis.
- Talks and conferences
- Meetings where people from practice, research and schools show what they are working on.
- Learning materials
- Tutorials, publications and digital content that stay available after the event.
- Research and development
- Our own projects in computational design and environmental analysis.
- Collaboration
- Partnerships with schools, research organisations and other associations.
- Online platform
- Community tools for learning and sharing between events.
Events
Workshops, talks and community meetups.
We are preparing our first events. Write to us if you want to hear about the dates first.
Tell me about eventsMembership
Anyone who agrees with the purpose and statutes of the association can join: individuals aged 18+ (15+ with a guardian’s consent) and legal entities.
| What membership includes | Associate member | Full member |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | CZK 500 | CZK 1,000 |
| General meeting | Attend with an advisory voice | Attend and vote |
| Elect and be elected to the Board | No | Yes |
| Take part in events | Yes | Yes |
| Information on activities and finances | Yes | Yes |
- An associate member can ask to become a full member at any time.
- Associate membership ends if the member takes no part in any activity for 24 months.
How to join
- Write to the Board and tell us which membership you are interested in.
- The Board decides on your application within 30 days.
- Once approved, you pay the membership fee and your membership begins.
Our team
The association is run by a three-member Board, elected by the general meeting for five years.
Ing. arch. Lukáš Kurilla, Ph.D.
Board member
Architect, researcher and educator at the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University in Prague (FA ČVUT) and the international school ARCHIP. Specialises in computational design, AI in architecture and simulation serious games for analysing complex urban systems. Connects an academic background, developed also during research at ETH Zürich, with practice as co-founder of the consultancy CodingARCH and the start-up AICA Innovations.
Played a key role in the computational modelling and AI analysis for the Ostrava Concert Hall (with Steven Holl Architects), which received an international award at eCAADe 2023. In 2025 co-led an architectural studio together with Winy Maas (MVRDV).
Ing. arch. Šimon Prokop
Board member
A graduate of FA ČVUT, currently completing a PhD there and teaching CAD Scripting and Computer-Aided Design – courses that bring computational thinking and procedural modelling into architectural education. Leads a studio at ARCHIP together with Lukáš Kurilla; together they have prepared a series of workshops on the practical use of AI tools for educators, administrative staff and architecture students.
Has also worked on experimental pavilions (LOOP2, DreamCatcher, TreeHugger) and collaborated with institutions such as CIIRC ČVUT, Škoda Auto and LEGO. Co-founder of CodingARCH, founder of ArchiDAO and organiser of the conference Architecture in the Expanded Field.
Ir. Šimon Knettig
Board member
Architect, researcher and educator, trained at FA ČVUT in Prague and TU Delft in the Netherlands. Works at the internationally renowned MVRDV on innovative architectural and urban projects in the Czech Republic. Co-founded Spacing Lab with Lukáš Kurilla, which tests these and other solutions through UX research in the built environment to optimise them for the well-being of their users. The research builds on rapid prototyping with generative AI and virtual reality, following a master’s thesis at TU Delft.
Taught architectural studios at FA ČVUT and ARCHIP together with Winy Maas (MVRDV), exploring scenarios for the cities of the future – the projects Biotopia, CZ2 and (Im)Possible Prague(s). Currently teaches a studio at ARCHIP focused on user-centric rapid prototyping with AI.
We work with
Support us
We are a non-profit. Donations, grants and partnerships go only to education, research and running the association. Donations on top of the membership fee are welcome.