How can architecture and urban planning help to solve Barcelona’s main challenges? 

At this event, we will reflect on Barcelona’s present and future from the perspective of architecture, urban planning and landscaping. The city, which has been recognised by UNESCO-UIA as the World Capital of Architecture 2026, is a European touchstone in urban innovation, the transformation of public spaces and architectural quality, yet it is also facing major challenges associated with sustainability, housing, mobility and adaptation to climate change.

Barcelona is at a key juncture for rethinking its urban model. Strategic projects like the Ciutadella Knowledge Hub, the renovation of La Rambla, the urban innovation initiatives promoted by BIT Habitat and decarbonised renovation programmes are opening up new opportunities for the sector and creating an attractive ecosystem for European companies, professionals and investors.

Guided by institutional representatives and European architecture and engineering studios with a presence in Barcelona, this event will present success stories and best practices that exemplify how public-private cooperation can have a positive impact and bring the city long-term value.

The session will end with a networking space and a drink to facilitate contact between the speakers and audience, and to provide an opportunity to exchange impressions with representatives of the European Chambers of Commerce and learn about their business services and networks.

PROGRAMME

Event led by 
• Jelena Prokopljevic, architect and professor at Pompeu Fabra University

4:45 pm – Opening and registration

5 pm – Greeting and introduction to the event
• Mario Rubert, Director of International Economic Promotion, Barcelona City Council
• Christian Marion, Director General of the French Chamber of Commence of Barcelona and coordinator of the European Chambers of Commerce in Spain

5:15 pm – The Barcelona of the future: How major urban development projects are transforming the city
• Elena Amat Serrano, Manager of Metropolitan Coordination and Major Urban Transformations, Barcelona City Council

5:45 pm – Business round table:
Barcelona as a European architecture and engineering laboratory: Success stories that are transforming the urban environment
• Sofia Alexanderson, Partner Interior Designer, TBI Arquitectura, Enginyeria i Interiorisme
• Oscar Conde Pérez, Connectivity and Automation Expert at GEZE Ibèria
• Daria de Seta, architect and partner at Garcés de Seta Bonet Arquitectes
• Itziar Huarte, architect and partner, expert in urban planning, at L35 Arquitectos

6:45 pm – Q&A session
7 pm – Conclusions and close
7:15 pm – Business networking
8:00 pm – End of event

Activity promoted by the Barcelona City Council Directorate of International Economic Promotion in conjunction with the European Chambers of Commerce in Barcelona