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. 

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

17:05 – 18:05 | International Panel Discussion

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

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

Invited organisations:

Barcelona / Catalonia:

• Batlle i Roig Arquitectura

• ZIGURAT Institute of Technology

The Netherlands:

• Arcadis

• Maeconomy

18:05 – 18:20 | Institutional Closing

• Isabel Sabadí – Director General, 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.