Building the circular and regenerative cities of tomorrow 

What if the cities of the future could do more than reduce their environmental impact? What if they could actively regenerate resources, restore ecosystems and create new opportunities for people, businesses and communities? 

As cities face growing challenges related to climate change, resource scarcity and urban transformation, circularity and regenerative design are becoming essential to rethinking how we plan, build and experience our urban environments. 

Against this backdrop, 22@Network Barcelona, in collaboration with the Netherlands Business Support Office – Barcelona, presents Circular Cities, an international gathering connecting two leading innovation ecosystems: Barcelona and the Netherlands. 

Bringing together representatives from architecture, construction, research, industry, technology and public institutions, the event will explore how emerging materials, innovative design approaches and circular business models can accelerate the transition towards more sustainable, resilient and regenerative cities. 

From pioneering architectural practices to new circular construction materials, the conversation will focus on turning ambitious visions into real-world solutions, identifying opportunities for innovation, pilot projects and international collaboration. 

Held as part of Barcelona World Capital of Architecture 2026 and within the international context of the Smart City Expo World Congress, the event will also highlight the role of the 22@ Innovation District as a living laboratory for urban transformation and a platform for connecting ideas, talent and innovation across borders. 

 📅 Monday, 2 November 2026 

🕓 16:00 – 19:30 h 

📍 SMART Offices – Auditorium, Carrer de Pere IV, 313, Barcelona 

Programme

16:00-16:30 | Registration & Welcome Coffee

16:30-16:45 | Institutional Welcome

Osmar Polo · President, 22@Network Barcelona
Martijn Huisman · Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Barcelona

16:45-17:05 | Opening Keynote

Circular and Regenerative Cities: From Global Narrative to Urban Action.

María José Sarrias Galcerán, Cap de l’Oficina Catalana de Canvi Climàtic

17:05-18:05 | International Panel Discussion

Regenerative Architecture and New Materials: From Innovation to the Built Environment

International discussion on circular construction, regenerative design, innovative materials and the solutions shaping the cities of tomorrow.

Mariona González – directora de BAC Barcelona Circular y Directora de TeamLabs

Barcelona / 22@ ecosystem

• Batlle i Roig Arquitectura – Sustainable architecture, landscape and urban planning.

• ZIGURAT Institute of Technology – Architecture, urbanism, digital transformation and sustainable built environment.

The Netherlands

• Arcadis – Sustainable urban development, regenerative design and circular infrastructure.

• Maeconomy – Circular construction materials and innovative solutions for the built environment.

18:05-18:20 | Institutional Closing

Isabel Sabadí · Managing Director, 22@Network Barcelona
Lotte Engels · Director, Netherlands Business Support Office Barcelona

18:20-19:30 | Cocktail & International Networking

An opportunity to connect with professionals and organisations from both ecosystems, exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships and collaborative projects.

Join us!

We would be delighted to welcome you to this special international gathering and explore together how innovation and collaboration can shape the circular cities of tomorrow.

Places are limited and prior registration is required.