Quantum computers are at once a scientific revolution, an architectural challenge, and a speculative idea. The starting point of the discussion is the film Building for Quantum, which follows the construction of Spain’s first quantum computing facility. Speakers Ivona Brandic (TU Wien), Marina Otero (architect and researcher), and Manuel Correa (artist and filmmaker) will explore the topic, moderated by Ana Prendes (Arts at CERN). The conversation addresses not only billion-scale investments and technical hurdles but also artistic and critical perspectives on quantum reality.

Quantum computers are simultaneously a scientific revolution, an architectural challenge, and a speculative idea. The discussion on the philosophical, physical, and speculative dimensions of quantum architecture and theory between Ivona Brandic (scientist and professor of high-performance computing systems, TU Vienna), Marina Otero (architect and researcher), and Manuel Correa (artist and filmmaker) will be moderated by curator Ana Prendes (Arts at CERN) and will take place as part of the Civa Festival 2025 |indeterminate⟩ ⟨apparatus| at Belvedere 21. The starting point is the film “Building for Quantum”, in which Otero and Correa accompany the construction, planning, and goals of Spain’s first quantum computer facility at the Quantum Basque Center. With billions in investment required and uncertain implementation deadlines, this is about more than just science—namely, the material and labor-intensive requirements for shielding sensitive qubits as well as the need to engage with quantum reality using artistic and critical tools.