hub.brussels Agenda Economic Mission to Catalonia

Economic Mission to Catalonia

15/04/2617/04/26

Join hub.brussels and Catalan partners for an exclusive architecture mission in Barcelona, 15–17 April 2026. Discover cutting-edge urban projects, connect with key decision-makers, and unlock strategic insights in the world’s Architecture Capital. Elevate your practice with inspiration and high-level networking opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.

About

This architectural mission will bring together a select Belgian delegation in partnership with the City of Barcelona, the Cities Connection Project, and Wallonie-Bruxelles Architecture. Taking place during Barcelona’s year as 2026 Architecture Capital, it offers privileged access to experts, major urban projects, sustainable housing, and B2B meetings with Catalan architecture and construction professionals. This strategic opportunity allows architecture studios to draw inspiration from international models, expand their networks, and explore an ecosystem renowned for excellence in urban and architectural practices.

Program

Tuesday 14 April

Arrival of the delegation and welcome dinner to introduce the programme and encourage exchanges between participants

Wednesday 15 April – Urban Planning and Housing

Morning – Ajuntament de Barcelona

• Presentations on the transformation of public spaces in Barcelona (Parc de les Glòries, Avinguda Diagonal, Avinguda Meridiana)
• Focus on climate adaptation, sustainable mobility and urban quality
• Presentation on social housing in Barcelona

Site visits
• Walking tour of the Glòries and Meridiana neighbourhoods to explore urban regeneration projects

Afternoon – Sustainable Construction
• Visits to two architecture studios specialising in industrialised construction with a low environmental impact
• Discovery of innovative public housing projects

(Subject to confirmation)
• “Novíssims” workshop: lecture series showcasing emerging contemporary architecture practices in Catalonia

Thursday 16 April – Networking and Cooperation

Brussels House – Barcelona
• B2B meetings between Brussels-based and Catalan companies
• Networking lunch
• Belgian–Catalan round table on best practices in the architecture and construction sectors

Evening – Cities Connection Project
• International conference bringing together 12 participating cities
• Opening of the Cities Connection Project exhibition at the Oliva Artés Museum

Friday 17 April – Urban Visits

• Guided tours of buildings and projects in the Poblenou / city centre area
• End of the mission

Practical info

Participants will benefit from an exclusive economic mission organized, including B2B meetings with Catalan companies, networking lunches, visits to major urban and sustainable housing projects, and access to side events such as workshops and exhibitions. Participation is intended for architecture studios from Brussels interested in urban transformation, sustainable construction, and innovative housing. Limited places are available; priority will be given to studios demonstrating a clear interest in these topics.

Flights

Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Barcelona. Participants should arrive on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, in time for the evening welcome dinner. Departure is planned on Friday, 17 April 2026, after the guided visits.

Hotels

hub.brussels is not responsible for hotel bookings, but can recommend hotels that are logistically convenient and close to the program venues to facilitate participation and networking.

Fees

  • SMEs: €100 excl. VAT
  • Others: €500 excl. VAT

Subsidies

Due to the absence of a government in the Brussels-Capital Region, the processing and granting of subsidies are currently suspended until further notice. At this stage, we do not know whether these subsidies will be reinstated before the start of the mission.

Useful resources

You’ll find more information on Spain in our country summary ‘Export to Spain‘.

You can get more information on Barcelona 2026 World Capital of Architecture on their website.

Any questions? Just ask Federica and Carmen!

Federica Lorenzoni

Project & Budget Assistant

+32 (0)490 67 79 75

florenzoni@hub.brussels

Carmen Coca

Catalonia

Belgian Consulate
C. Pujades 340, local bajos
Torre Pujades
08019 Barcelona
Spain

+34 93 272 26 05
+34 62 865 78 88

barcelona@hub.brussels