The Three Chimneys renovation in Sant Adrià de Besòs will transform the old thermal power plant into a major digital and audiovisual hub, starting in 2026. This ambitious project aims to position Catalonia as a key player in the international digital culture scene.
Three Chimneys Renovation: Vision and Design
The winning proposal, titled “E la nave va,” was selected in March 2025 and is a collaboration between Garcés de Seta Bonet and Marvel Architects.
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It envisions creating the Catalonia Media City, a centre for training, research.Production in audiovisual, digital, and video game industries. The project will largely preserve the existing brutalist structure, a relic of Spain’s 1970s-80s industrialisation, converting it into a hub for the specialised cultural economy. The site will also host events for Barcelona 2026, the World Capital of Architecture.
Preserving Structure and Building Sustainability
The existing building will maintained, with a new structure added to connect the turbine hall with exterior spaces. The refurbishment of 22,600 square metres has a budget of €70.8 million, with work slated from summer 2026 to late 2028. It includes a new building for educational centres, business incubators, and co-working spaces. A key highlight is 4,500 square metres of solar panels, aiming for near-total energy self-sufficiency, alongside a large concert hall for 4,500 people.
Connecting to the Sea and Urban Integration
A vast 5,600 sqm top-floor space will host exhibitions and technological events. The design physically and symbolically opens towards the sea, aiming to connect Badalona with the coastline. Transverse cuts through the building will integrate it into the urban field and restore its seafront facade. Vegetation inside will soften the concrete, providing a significant natural presence.
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