Eight architecture teams have been chosen to design the interiors of the Fàbrica Nova in Manresa, marking a new phase in the complex's transformation into a centre for technological and university innovation. This selection coincides with the final stages of façade and roof rehabilitation work, which is expected to finish in June.
The Manresa City Council's Governing Board approved the first round of the project competition for the site's interiors. This step brings the Fàbrica Nova closer to its goal of becoming a significant hub for training and innovation.
Selecting Top Architectural Talent
The jury evaluated 21 admitted proposals from 23 applications, selecting eight teams based on formal interest, solution coherence, and budget. All chosen teams scored above the minimum threshold of 70 points, with half achieving the maximum 140 points and the rest 133 points. These teams must now submit their detailed interior design proposals by the end of June.
The selected teams are recognised for their experience in important architectural projects, including new constructions, rehabilitations, and heritage work. DATA Arquitectura i Enginyeria, known for bioclimatic architecture in Catalonia, is collaborating with architect Joan Ramon Pascuets Iglesias. DATA designed the ICTA-ICP Research Centre at UAB, which has received several awards, while Pascuets was a finalist for the Catalonia Construction Awards.
Julià Arquitectes brings extensive experience in public facilities and heritage interventions. Their work includes the Terrassa Municipal Auditorium and Conservatory, and the restoration of the Royal Monastery of Pedralbes, which won a City of Barcelona Award. They are also responsible for the ongoing façade and roof rehabilitation of the Fàbrica Nova.
Another team combines Camps Felip Arquitectos and Tuñón y Albornoz Arquitectura. This group unites Arquitecturia, which has award-winning projects like the Balaguer courthouses, with Emilio Tuñón's firm, a recipient of the Spanish Architecture Gold Medal and designer of facilities such as the MUSAC in León and the Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid.
Ravetllat Arquitectura, Carles Enrich Studio, and Taller 9s Arquitectes form a team specialising in historical heritage interventions. Their projects include the rehabilitation of the Sant Antoni Market and the restoration of the Merola Tower, both recognised with several awards.
Diverse Expertise for a Strategic Project
Vivas Arquitectos Barcelona, working with Tomàs Morató Pasalodos, offers experience in civic centres and complex public buildings. Their recent projects include the Sant Gervasi First Reception Residential Centre, an award-winning European project. Morató has also received several Bonaplata Awards.
B720 Arquitectura, led by Fermín Vázquez, is an internationally recognised firm. They are behind projects such as the Encants Market in Barcelona and the new Sagrera station, both with international accolades.
Nogué Onzain Arquitectes and Iker Alzola Molina present a contemporary vision for urban spaces. They have worked on projects like the CAP Raval Nord and the transformation of the Sant Antoni Superblock.
Finally, Agència Material Agència Immaterial has partnered with Civic Architects, a Dutch firm internationally known for the LocHal project in Tilburg. This library, located in a former locomotive hangar, has won international awards, including World Building of the Year.
The involvement of these teams, with their national and international project experience, aims to ensure the Fàbrica Nova's future interior design is at the forefront of architectural innovation. This project continues to move forward, defining the interior spaces that will give new life to the Fàbrica Nova.
