Barcelona's Three Chimneys to Become Media Hub for 2026 Architects Congress

The Tres Xemeneies thermal power plant in Barcelona, a notable brutalist structure along the Mediterranean, is set to be redeveloped into Catalunya Media City, a significant center for research, education, exhibitions, and conferences. This initiative, led by the architectural firms MARVEL and Garcés de Seta Bonet Arquitectes, will be the venue for the 2026 UIA World Congress of Architects. The three towering chimneys, each 200 metres tall, have stood unused for 15 years. The architects intend to retain much of the original building while introducing a transparent rectangular extension to the turbine hall, along with new green areas, pedestrian walkways, and direct access to the beach. The design incorporates passive strategies, featuring 4,500 square metres of solar panels on the roof and north-facing terraces with views of the River Besòs and Badalona. Previously, the site has hosted events such as the Manifesta Biennial and outdoor cinema screenings.