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24.04.2026

BarcelonaNOW brings together Catalan architects at AIA New York

The AIA New York, in collaboration with the Fundació COAC and the support of Ajuntament de Barcelona, hosted the BarcelonaNOW conference on 22 April at the NYU Espacio de Culturas.

More than a dozen architects and urban planners presented projects and proposals for the city of Barcelona, focusing on three specific challenges: neighbourhood regeneration, the revitalisation of industrial heritage, and affordable social housing.

The closing session, chaired by the Dean of the COAC, Guim Costa Calsamiglia, highlighted Barcelona’s urban planning experience as an exportable model for other global cities. The event, which was free to attend, was supported by cultureNOW and formed part of the Sant Jordi celebrations in New York.

All the talks are available to watch online.

Part 1: History of Urbanism in Barcelona

  • Joan Busquets, Professor of Urban Planning and Design at Harvard GSD
  • Maria Buhigas, Chief Architect at Barcelona City Council

 

Part 2: Transformative Projects/International Teams

  • The Three Chimneys
    Guido Hartray, AIA, Partner at MARVEL
    Daria de Seta, Partner at Garcés-de Seta-Bonet Arquitectes
  • Fira Barcelona Business Center
    Agustín Pérez Torres, Partner at BIG BCN

 

Part 3: Urban Initiatives in Barcelona

  • La Sagrera, Transport Hub
    Fermín Vázquez, Founder of b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos
  • Social Housing and Community Building
    Josep Maria Borrell, Director of IMPSOL
  • Gateways to Collserola
    Vicente Guallart, Founder of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia
  • Superblocks
    Xavier Matilla, Co-founder of Territoris XLM

 

Part 4: Showcase of Emerging and Established Architects from Barcelona

  • Anna Bonet, Partner at Garcés-de Seta-Bonet
    Daria de Seta, Partner at Garcés-de Seta-Bonet
  • Albert Casas, Partner at Metrònom
  • Josep Toral, Founder of Peris+Toral Arquitectes
  • Adrià Orriols, Founder of h3o Arquitectes
  • Ivet Gasol Escuer, Partner at Cierto Estudio
  • Roger Tudó, Founder of H Arquitectes
  • Fermín Vázquez, Founder of b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos
  • Claudi Aguiló, Partner at DATAAE
  • Bet Capdeferro, Founder of bosch.capdeferro arquitectura
  • Carme Pinós, Founder of Estudi Carme Pinós

 

Part 5: Panel Discussion/Q&A
Moderated by Guim Costa Calsamiglia, Dean of the COAC