History
Fundació COAC is a not-for-profit organisation set up by the Col·legi d’Arquitectes de Catalunya (COAC) to promote and shape the cultural environment of architecture, drawing on the knowledge and practice of Catalonia’s community of architects.
Linked to the COAC, Fundació COAC carries forward the legacy of an institution with more than 150 years of roots in the country and commitment to Catalan society, as well as a long-standing reputation as a point of reference in the field of architecture and urban planning.
In recognising the transformative capacity of architecture and urban planning in shaping society, Fundació COAC becomes a key player in shaping the country’s architectural environment. The Foundation’s aim is to be an instrument that promotes debate and dissemination as tools for contributing to quality of life and health in cities and across the territory.
Against a backdrop of constantly changing environmental, social and professional circumstances, Fundació COAC not only celebrates and preserves the intellectual legacy of Catalan architectural culture, but also drives forward new areas of knowledge that support the development of professional practice. Through research, innovation and continuing professional development, it helps to address contemporary challenges and drive growth in the sector.
Through collaboration with public authorities, public and private bodies, businesses and other professional institutions and civil society organisations, Fundació COAC creates spaces for debate and shared knowledge, with a clear ambition for national and international reach.
Values
Involvement: active commitment to projects and people, working together to generate a positive impact on society.
Responsibility: acting with integrity and rigour in all actions, taking ownership of their consequences and contributing responsibly to improving the urban environment and the wider territory.
Community: fostering an open, participatory and collaborative ecosystem that strengthens the sense of belonging and mutual support among architects, as well as with the agents and groups linked to the Foundation.
Knowledge: generating, preserving and transmitting knowledge as a driving force for innovation, research and continuing professional development, in the service of quality in architecture and urban planning and of professional progress.
Solidarity: social responsibility committed to equity, inclusion and support, promoting professional practice and cultural activity that are sensitive to diverse social realities.
Transparency: clear, open and accessible communication that ensures understanding of, and trust in, the Foundation’s processes, decisions and activity among the architectural community and society at large.
Objectives
Promotion of architecture and urban planning
Driving forward the dissemination of architectural and urban planning culture through exhibitions, publications, conferences and panel discussions open to society, as well as support programmes aimed at the community of architects.
Support for innovation and research
Encouraging applied research in architecture and urban planning, promoting the development of innovative and sustainable solutions that address contemporary needs.
Training and professional development
Promoting the continuing professional development of the architectural community through courses, seminars and specialist resources, with the aim of strengthening excellence and ensuring the constant updating of professional practice.
Conservation and dissemination of cultural heritage
Promoting the protection and dissemination of architectural heritage, as well as the holdings of the Historical Archive of the Col·legi d’Arquitectes de Catalunya, as key cultural assets in the service of the profession and society.
Fostering cooperation and cross-disciplinary work
Encouraging collaboration with institutions, organisations and diverse disciplines, both locally and internationally, to enrich debate and promote quality in architecture and urban planning in cities and across the territory.
Commitment to sustainability and social responsibility
Contributing to sustainable urban and territorial development that promotes quality of life, social cohesion, energy efficiency, urban resilience and the beauty of the built environment.
Board of Trustees
Sandra Bestraten
President
Marina Povedano
Secretary
Miquel Sitjà
Treasurer
Ignacio Paricio
Member
Mariona Genís
Member
Robert Brufau
Member
Olga Felip
Member
Lluís Nacenta
Member
Executive Board
Alba Méndez
Jaume Soldevilla
secretari
Joan Arnau
Xavier Gallego
Orland Martí
Cristina Mora
Elena Rosales
Team
Marta Bugés
Technical Secretary
Support
Escofet
A Barcelona-based company founded in 1886, which designs and manufactures urban elements and architectural concrete to transform cities and encourage the use of public space. Its work can be found in streets, squares and promenades around the world.
Simon
Founded in 1916 in a small workshop in Olot, this family-run group has spent more than 100 years manufacturing lighting fixtures, switches and electrical solutions. With more than 5,500 products on the market, it is now present in over 90 countries.
Fluidra
Founded in 1969, Fluidra is a global leader in the pool and wellness sector, manufacturing and distributing equipment for building, improving and maintaining residential and commercial swimming pools. It currently operates in more than 45 countries.
Roca
Roca began its activity in 1917, manufacturing cast-iron radiators in Gavà (Barcelona), and entered the bathroom sector in 1929. Today it is a world leader in bathroom spaces, with a presence in more than 170 countries and over 20,000 employees.