The spaces that explain Barcelona: between architecture and narrative

Cities do not have a voice, but they do communicate. They do so through their form, their streets, and the spaces that, over time, end up defining their identity. Iconic buildings that cease to be just architecture to become symbols, spaces that explain what a city is like and, above all, how it wants to be perceived. In Barcelona, emblematic points such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, or La Pedrera, have decisively contributed to building the collective imagination and the international narrative of the Catalan capital.

The relationship between architecture and the city is so intense that, when thinking about Barcelona, it is difficult not to think about its most iconic spaces. But who builds the narrative of these emblematic buildings today —and, in turn, that of the entire city— and how should it be managed? And what role do the communication managers of these institutions play in the projection of the city? These questions will be the guiding thread of the conversation Spaces that communicate: architecture, narrative and reputation of Barcelona, organized by Dircom Catalunya with the collaboration of The New Barcelona Post, Barcelona de Serveis Municipals and Park Güell, within the framework of the World Capital of Architecture.

The conversation, which will take place next June 18 at 9:15 a.m. in the Patio de la Casa Jaqués of Park Güell, will serve to reflect on how iconic spaces are an inseparable part of the current city and the challenge of balancing their local dimension with international projection.

The session will be moderated by Paula Zapata, Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs at Veolia and member of the Board of Directors of Dircom Catalunya, and will bring together communication managers from institutions closely linked to Barcelona's architectural, cultural, and urban identity. Participants will include Esther Grávalos, Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Barcelona Global; Xavier Purcallà, Director of Communication, Brand and Institutional Relations at the Basílica de la Sagrada Família; Ana Lorente, Director of Communication at the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera; and Ana María Álvarez, communication director of 48h Open House Barcelona and collaborator of The New Barcelona Post.

From diverse perspectives on the city, heritage, culture, and communication, the round table will address issues such as the construction of Barcelona's image, the role of iconic spaces in city life, and the challenges these emblematic buildings face today in an increasingly global and digital city.

Once the conversation concludes, attendees will also be able to enjoy an optional guided tour of Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí's most universal works and one of the great symbols of Catalan modernism, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Although Dircom Catalunya usually organizes meetings exclusively for its members, on the occasion of the World Capital of Architecture and with the aim of broadening the discussion, the event is exceptionally open to communication directors external to the association, linked to the fields of culture, architecture, and reputation, upon prior registration.