From a Landmark Public Library to Industrial Heritage Sites and FAD Award-Recognised Works

Elderly women sitting on a bench in the Sants neighbourhood, © Vicente Zambrano González – Ajuntament de Barcelona, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, modified

As Barcelona continues its journey as World Capital of Architecture 2026, the second half of the year offers new opportunities to explore the city through the lenses of architecture, urban transformation, and collective memory. Following the activities presented in the first installment of our program, we are pleased to share our tours and debates scheduled between July and November.

This second chapter focuses on three themes that reflect some of the most pressing questions in contemporary architecture and urban culture: the role of public facilities in fostering social cohesion, the architectural legacy recognized by the FAD Awards, and the relationship between industrial heritage and sustainability. Through guided visits and public conversations, participants will discover exemplary buildings, evolving neighborhoods, and inspiring initiatives that reveal how architecture continues to shape everyday life.

As one of the collaborating organizations of Barcelona World Capital of Architecture 2026, Guiding Architects Barcelona remains committed to making architectural culture accessible to all through free activities that encourage observation, discussion, and shared learning.

We invite you to join us for this new series of tours and debates and continue exploring the city from fresh perspectives.

Gabriel García Márquez Library, © GA Barcelona

Singular Libraries: Spaces for Social Cohesion
Series of guided tours
July

TOUR
Gabriel García Márquez Library

A guided visit to the Gabriel García Márquez Library (SUMA Arquitectura, 2022), an award-winning example of contemporary library design in Barcelona. Far from its traditional role as a repository of books, the building is conceived as a flexible civic space that fosters access to culture, knowledge, and community life.

The tour highlights its architectural qualities, sustainable construction systems, and its strong connection to the neighbourhood, positioning the library as a reference for how these facilities can act as active agents of urban cohesion.

Saturday, July 4, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Saturday, July 11, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Friday, July 17, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Saturday, July 18, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Free activity. Prior registration required.

Sala Beckett, © Adrià Goula

Revisiting the FAD Awards
Series of guided tours organized in collaboration with Arquin-FAD
September (part two)

TOUR
Revisiting the FAD Awards: Poblenou

An urban route through the Poblenou district exploring a selection of buildings recognised in the FAD Architecture and Interior Design Awards over its 67 editions. The visit includes key projects such as Can Framis by Jordi Badia and Jordi Framis Ferrer, the Sala Beckett by Eva Prats and Ricardo Flores, and the Mediapro Building by Carlos Ferrater, Patrick Genard and Xavier Martí.

The tour reflects on the evolution of Barcelona’s contemporary architecture through awarded, shortlisted and selected works, placing each project within its historical context and highlighting the role of the FAD Awards as one of the most important architectural recognitions in the Iberian Peninsula.

Saturday, September 5, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, September 12, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Free activity. Prior registration is required.

Can Batlló, © GA Barcelona

Industrial Heritage and Sustainability
Series of activities
October to November

DEBATE
Industrial Heritage and Sustainability: A Complementary and Conflictive Relationship

This debate explores the complex relationship between industrial heritage and sustainability, highlighting both its opportunities and tensions. While the reuse of industrial buildings helps reduce environmental impact and preserves cultural value, it also raises challenges when adapting these structures to contemporary standards of energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

The session will reflect on how innovative architectural and urban strategies can reconcile heritage conservation with sustainable design, turning industrial sites into key resources for a more circular and environmentally conscious city.

Speakers: to be confirmed
Moderators: Patricia Tamayo and Lorenzo Karasz (GA Barcelona)

Thursday, October 22, 6:30 – 8:00 pm | Biblioteca Montserrat Abelló
Free activity. Prior registration is required.

La Comunal, © GA Barcelona

TOUR
Industrial Heritage and Sustainability: Can Batlló + La Comunal + Lleialtat Santsenca

This guided tour explores three key examples of industrial heritage rehabilitation in Barcelona: Can Batlló, La Comunal and Lleialtat Santsenca. The route focuses on how former industrial and cooperative spaces are being adapted for new community uses, guided by principles of social, cultural and environmental sustainability.

The visit highlights contrasting approaches to reuse and transformation, from large-scale community-led regeneration to cooperative cultural projects and energy-efficient rehabilitation, showing how industrial heritage can be reactivated within the contemporary city.

Friday, October 2, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Friday, October 9, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Free activity. Prior registration is required.

Fabra i Coats, © Lluís Casals

TOUR
Industrial Heritage and Sustainability: Fabra i Coats – Fàbriques de Creació

This guided tour explores Fabra i Coats, a 19th-century former textile factory transformed into a contemporary cultural and community space in Barcelona. The visit focuses on the architectural adaptation of the complex and on how the reuse of industrial heritage can support sustainability and cultural innovation.

As part of the Fàbriques de Creació network, Fabra i Coats has become a reference for creative production and community engagement, demonstrating how industrial buildings can be preserved and reactivated while maintaining their historical identity and contributing to the evolving needs of the city.

Friday, November 13, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Friday, November 20, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Free activity. Prior registration is required.

Barcelona, World Capital of Architecture 2026, is supported by Barcelona City Council, the Government of Catalonia, and Spain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda. The full program is available on the City Council’s website.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Text: Stefanie Herr