Lab Talk

The Crowning of Transformation

How to Take Heritage into the Future

A Lab Talk in a landmark year for architecture in Catalonia, reflecting on historical legacy and contemporary transformation

© Agència Catalana de Turisme (ACT)

Date: Thurs., 28.05.2026, 18:30

Place: Aedes, Christinenstr. 18–19, 10119 Berlin

Registration: www.eventbrite.de

The event will take place in English. Admittance is free.

Introduction

Marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death, the “crowning” of the Sagrada Família’s cross and Barcelona’s designation as World Capital of Architecture 2026, the talk explores the future of urban development through the lens of history.

How can a city with such a rich architectural heritage evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow?

In Catalonia – and in Barcelona in particular – the dialogue between past and present is ever-present. Visionary architects of earlier eras can now be seen as pioneers of climate-adapted design. Bringing together leading voices from planning, architecture and engineering, the discussion examines how the legacy of modernism is being transformed today, with a focus on social responsibility, urban greenery and strategies for climate adaptation and resilience in contemporary cities.

Programme

Welcome
Miriam Mlecek, Aedes, Berlin

Inputs
Michael Grau, Manager Computational Design, Josef Gartner GmbH, Gundelfingen
Josep Miàs, Founder, MIAS Architects, Barcelona
Josep Ferrando, Dean, School of Architecture ETSALS, Barcelona

Dialogue and Discussion
moderated by Marie Kapretz, Delegate of the Catalan Government to Germany, Berlin