The “Tessel” project recovers the Catalan textile tradition as a catalyst for urban renewal, through a space that transforms used garments into reusable textiles. Juan Gaitán has been recognised for the originality and pioneering approach of his project in the convergence between textile tradition and sustainable urban renewal in the industrial estate of La Verneda, in the town of Sant Adrià del Besòs.

The complex planned by Juan Gaitán is a textile cloister designed to transform used garments into reusable textiles, thus promoting entrepreneurial initiatives, training and workshops accessible to the community. “Tessel” is articulated around three main axes, designed to continue and improve the existing layouts of industrial buildings through a system of wooden porches that culminate in two emblematic towers that mark the entrance to the city.

The architect Xavi Martínez Tomeo, professor at UIC Barcelona School of Architecture and member of the jury of the TFG Daikin Award, valued the courage and innovation shown by Gaitán in the development of his project saying that  “he has shown great meticulousness and attention to detail in his work.”

This year, the ROCKWOOL Sustainability Awards were attended by Anna Noguera, founding architect of the Anna Noguera Arquitectura studio, who was this year’s special guest and jury spokesperson. “The winning project has a huge impact on urban regeneration and revitalisation of the area. It also stands out for the use of passive systems and attention to the life cycle of the materials, and for the power of its architecture, with two towers that mark a milestone in this area of the river Besòs”, said Noguera, dedicating a few words to the winning project.

The TFG Daikin - Schneider Electric Installations Award highlights the importance of integrating facilities into architectural projects. It also exemplifies the environmental policy and social responsibility of the two companies, and strengthens the link between universities and the business world.

On the other hand, the Rockwool Sustainability Awards, organised by the leading company in sustainable rock wool insulation, ROCKWOOL Peninsular, are awarded to the best Final Degree Projects by UIC Barcelona School of Architecture students. These awards recognise the Architecture TGFs at UIC Barcelona that incorporate the best solutions in the field of sustainability in a coherent manner and from the initial conception of the project. The company promotes these awards to recognise projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of climate neutrality and social equality in construction, set by the European Union for 2030 and 2050.