(Above: Javier Peña explaining to students how to use a solar collector like a new façade) This week MAA students in the Self Sufficient Buildings Development Studio took a trip to Construmat 2011 with studio instructor, Javier Peña. Construmat is an annual trade show for the construction industry held in Barcelona. This year over 1,300 companies were at the trade show presenting their new products and innovations. MAA students learned about new materials and technologies such as solar panels, solar water heaters, shading systems and water saving home appliances. Students had a chance to learn about the current market of construction materials and to see how they can incorporate them into their research at IAAC.