On 17 April, UIC Barcelona and the Official College of Architects of Catalonia (COAC) signed a collaboration agreement in which both institutions commit to establishing joint lines of work in the field of architecture, urbanism and the environment.  Xavier Gil, the rector of the university, signed the agreement on behalf of UIC Barcelona, and dean Assumpció Puig, signed on behalf of the COAC. 

The two institutions will work side by side to initiate collaborative research and technology development projects, cooperate on training programmes and launch awareness campaigns. “Architects have the chance to transform our cities with a view to facing local and global challenges and improving residents’ quality of life”, said the COAC dean; “the only way we’ll achieve this is by harnessing great expertise and focusing on innovation.” Josep Lluís i Ginovart, director of the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture, also pointed how “complex the profile of a 21st century architect is: they need to manage their professional practice, participate in teaching and to do research. Therefore, signing this collaboration agreement with the COAC represents an essential step in helping us construct this professional profile that is so necessary today.”

The agreement is for three years and provides for the forming of a Steering Committee made up of representatives from both organisations, who will be responsible for ensuring the collaboration projects are carried out successfully.