1. The Design sector
in Barcelona and Catalonia

2. Barcelona City Council Government of
Economic Promotion Catalonia
www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
Invest in Catalonia
www.22barcelona.com www.investincatalonia.com
Economic Promotion is the department With headquarters in Barcelona and 35
of Barcelona City Council dedicated to overseas offices, ACC1Ó, through Invest
promoting Barcelona as an attractive in Catalonia, provides advisory services
place to do business and to supporting and assistance adapted to the needs
companies, professionals and institu- of companies interested in setting up
tions interested in setting up and doing or expanding their operations and
business in the city. investments in Catalonia.
22@Barcelona is one of the city
of Barcelona’s strategic projects.
A space where companies and
institutions from the Media, Medical
Technology, ICT, Energy and Design Barcelona Chamber of
sectors can interact with knowledge Commerce
centres like universities and R&D
centres to foster economic deve- www.cambrabcn.es
lopment and innovation has been The Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
created in the central neighbourhood is the institution that represents
of Poblenou. companies in the city of Barcelona.
Through its individualized services for
companies and its actions, it promotes
its member companies and business
in Catalonia.

3. Presentation Index
Barcelona and Catalonia 06
Catalonia and its capital, Barcelona, has always been a welcoming place;
throughout history different peoples have passed through and almost all
10 reasons to invest 08
have established themselves here. This has made Catalonia a very
welcoming, tolerant, and dynamic place which is open to all that is new.
Design: a strategic sector
Catalonia and Barcelona have now become one of the main economic hubs of for Barcelona and Catalonia 10
Europe. A driver of the Spanish economy, 21st century Catalonia is an innovative
country with a highly-qualified labour force, an enviable geographical position 10 reasons in favour of the Design Sector
(at the heart of Europe and connected to the rest of the world thanks to its for Barcelona and Catalonia 12
Mediterranean ports and its international airports) and top-notch infrastructure
and facilities that draw important investments year after year. 01. Large design projects 12
It is a pleasure to present this economics dossier that shows the characteristics
02. Design associations and the concentration of creative talent 14
of one of Catalonia’s and Barcelona’s main business sectors both in terms of 03. Barcelona: model of an accessible city 16
weight in the overall economy, its importance in comparison with other 04. Design in commerce and the hotel and food services industry 18
European regions, and in terms of the importance given to it by companies,
universities and centres of research working in this area: Design sector.
05. Training in design and design management 20
Thanks to the collaboration of the principal four institutions in the economy of 06. The Catalan design system 22
the city of Barcelona and of Catalonia, this dossier shows what Catalonia can 07. Barcelona: headquarters of corporate design centres 24
offer companies in its role as a cutting-edge business country in this economic
sector.
08. The Barcelona Brand 26
09. Barcelona Design Innovation Cluster 28
We remain at your disposal to help you and advise you with your investment.
10. Testimonials on Barcelona and design 29
Glossary 30
04 Presentation The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 05

4. Barcelona and Catalonia
Barcelona, located in northeast Spain on the The foundation of economic growth –highly relevant in recent years–
Mediterranean coast, is one of the main can be found in this metropolis with a polycentric and economically
European metropolises and the centre of an diversified business structure, which fosters its role as an incubator for
extensive metropolitan area with more than new ideas, companies and products.
160 municipalities, home to nearly 5 million If we look at the gross value added by sector of activity, Catalonia,
inhabitants. It is the economic, cultural and regarding industry, is the autonomous community that carries the most
administrative capital of Catalonia and leads the weight in Spain (24.4%) and is ranked second, for the service sector,
emerging economic area of southern Europe, in the gross national value added generated (19.5% of the total). In
with 17 million inhabitants and more than Catalonia, companies in industrial sectors that have a high or mid-high
800,000 companies. This Euromediterranean technology content and knowledge-based services make up 28.2% of
region, which includes the Balearic Islands, the national total.
Valencia, Aragon and southeast France, focuses Additionally, Catalonia’s entrepreneurial activity rate for 2008 was 7.3%,
mainly on new strategic sectors that are above both the Spanish and European averages, according to the report
competitive and international and is being from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2008.
consolidated internationally.
The Barcelona Fairgrounds, the Port, the Airport, the Zona Franca
Consortium, the Barcelona Tourism Consortium and the new
technological innovation districts are the main driving forces behind
international economic activity in the Barcelona area. Given the
importance of innovation in fostering competitiveness, productivity
and internationalization of companies, the design sector is key for
Barcelona and Catalonia.
Barcelona and its metropolitan area are home to the most important
companies and training centres in the Spanish design sector, as well
as the highest concentration of design companies and professional
associations in Spain. The city has become a benchmark in Spain, with
aspects like the 22@Barcelona district, the top innovation and
technology district, a large network of leading service companies, a
deeply rooted entrepreneurial spirit and a long educational and business
tradition in the design sector.
Currently Catalonia and Barcelona are benchmark destinations for
international companies that want to establish their design studio,
students that want the best educational opportunities in the country,
and professionals from all design disciplines to seek out inspiration and
enjoy quality cultural diversity, inspiring architectural heritage and an
ideal climate and lifestyle to develop design projects.
Barcelona
Catalonia
Euro-Mediterranean region
06 Barcelona and Catalonia The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 07

5. 10 reasons to invest
Barcelona offers a number of different elements that
make it an attractive place to live, work and do
business. The city today is a highly interesting location
for new economic activities. Some good reasons to
invest are as follows:
01 Strategic geographic location 06 Human resources prepared for the future
Two hours by road from France and one of the main European cities. Gateway to Southern Europe Highly responsible; highly productive, one of the best in Europe according to the OCDE; 8 public and private
and capital of the Mediterranean Union, Barcelona has a port, airport, logistics parks, international universities and prestigious business schools: ESADE, IESE, EADA, IESKA; 27 international schools; wide-
fairgrounds and city centre in only a five-kilometre radius. spread use of new technology; predisposed to innovation and creativity.
02 Complete transport infrastructure 07 Excellent quality of life
Two hours by road from France and just two hours flying time from most major European cities. Ranked number one in European cities for quality of life*. Stable climate, sun, beach, skiing; great cultural
Gateway to Southern Europe and capital of the Mediterranean Union, Barcelona has a port, airport, activities; network of 4,500 educational institutions; modern and accessible healthcare system. Easily
logistics parks, international fairgrounds and city centre in only a five-kilometre radius. accessible using public transport. A system of natural parks surrounding the city.
03 Centre of a large, dynamic and diverse economic area 08 Large-scale urban-planning projects for the future
The Barcelona area has nearly 5 million inhabitants. It is the capital of Catalonia, with 7 million Transformation of 1,000 ha and 7 million m 2 of ceiling. Llobregat Area: commitment to logistics and
inhabitants, and is the centre of the Mediterranean rim, an economic area with 18 million internationalization, with expansion of the port and airport; Besòs Area: urban renewal, sustainability and
inhabitants. It concentrates 70% of the GDP of Catalonia and it is the sixth largest urban area in research centres; La Sagrera-Sant Andreu: arrival of the high-speed train; Poblenou-22@Barcelona: the
Europe and the fifth in industrial concentration in Europe. new technology and innovation district.
04 Successful foreign investment 09 Competitive real estate market
Ranked the fourth best city in Europe for business *, Barcelona accounts for approximately 20% Wide range of offices, retail spaces and industrial warehouses with excellent price/quality balance and a
of all annual foreign investment in Spain. In Catalonia there are more than 3,000 foreign companies, high rate of occupation.
approximately 34% of all those operating in Spain. Barcelona is also being consolidated as a centre
for European headquarters of multinational companies.
10 Unique public-private cooperation
05 Renowned international position The Barcelona City Council and the Catalan Government are dedicated to companies; success of the
traditional public/private collaborations has been key to Barcelona’s transformation.
Barcelona is ranked highly in a number of international lists, which rate its urban infrastructure,
ability to attract foreign capital, entrepreneuring spirit and quality of life highly.
* According to the European Cities Monitor 2007 Research from Cushman & Wakefield.
08 10 reasons to invest The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 09

6. Design: a strategic sector
for Barcelona and Catalonia
Barcelona has long been Over the past 25 years, Barcelona has positioned itself as one of the
committed to design as one world design capitals. Its rise began in the 1980s. It was in this decade The objective of this document is to describe the basic current and
of the 10 strategic sectors that the Barcelona design boom took place. Two different phenomena future characteristics of the design sector in Catalonia and the city
that make up the city's coincided to produce this: a professional and teaching background of Barcelona by means of 10 strategic lines:
and a culture of design in the city, which had been very active and
portfolio, understanding
now saw an opportunity for growing and expanding. Internally, the
01 Large design projects
that design is the sector
that adds value to the
desire of the society, institutions and businesses to modernize was 02 Design associations and the concentration of creative talent
very important. Furniture, graphics, leisure areas, and urban spaces
Barcelona proposal and is
centred the image of the new design consumption. Meanwhile,
03 Barcelona: model of an accessible city
one of the key driving
forces of the economy,
outside, Europe and the world appeared to be discovering a country 04 Design in commerce and the hotel and food services
(Catalonia) and a capital city (Barcelona) with new ideas and concepts industry
knowledge and innovation. in the area of design. It was also in the 1980s that Barcelona and the
main Catalan cities began to orient themselves toward the service
05 Training in design and design management
Design has become one
of the key elements of sector and cultural tourism began to boom. All of this has meant that, 06 The Catalan design system
over recent years, Barcelona has become aware of its identity as a
business strategies. Being
world design capital.
07 Barcelona: headquarters of corporate design centres
different, innovative and
competitive in a globalized Currently, all the industries associated with the design sector are working
08 The Barcelona Brand
world means applying to create a solid and cohesive system. The situation is optimistic. 09 Barcelona Design Innovation Cluster
Barcelona is currently the centre of operations for designers from more
design management with
than 50 countries; it has big, internationally recognized professionals
10 Testimonials on Barcelona and design
guarantees of success.
who favour the creation of a powerful and differentiated image brand;
Also, there are few places it has a knowledge industry; and training is driven by almost 50 training
in the world that can boast centres and institutions such as the BCD Barcelona Design Centre, the
their own distinctive design FAD and the industry's professional associations. This situation is
culture. Catalonia and, strengthened by new projects to publicize and integrate the sector in
especially, Barcelona are Catalan culture and business fabric, such as the Barcelona Design
two of these places. Innovation Cluster (BDIC) or the future Design Hub Barcelona, the
gateway to 22@Barcelona, the city’s innovation district.
An important focus of foreign investment
The Barcelona area is an important centre for attracting foreign
investment, particularly in industry and advanced services. The
following are the city's strong points:
1. Catalonia has the largest and most consolidated base of foreign
companies in Spain; nearly 34% of these companies have their
headquarters or main activity in Catalonia. The Barcelona area
concentrates 90% of foreign companies in Catalonia.
Source: “La inversió estrangera a l’àrea de Barcelona"
(Foreign investment in the Barcelona area) 2. 5% of foreign companies in Barcelona carry out design activities.
Catalan Investment Agency and Economic Promotion
Department of Barcelona City Council (2007)
10 Design: a strategic sector for Barcelona and Catalonia The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 11

7. 10 reasons in favour
of the Design sector
01
Barcelona Design Week. BCN Design Week has been organized since
Large design 2006 on an annual basis by BCD Barcelona Design Centre, and has created
an enriching and internationally recognized meeting point for the
projects professional design world and the business world. Its objectives are to
promote a wider knowledge of design and its strategic value among the
different target populations, to strengthen relations between design and
enterprise and to promote Barcelona as a city of creativity, design and
Catalonia has used design to create an image of progress and trend-setting. knowledge.
Barcelona has been the epicentre of this Mediterranean and universal design Design Hub Barcelona. Design Hub Barcelona is the umbrella that
image. Furthermore, the city has been the cradle of large Catalan design encompasses the pre-existing museums – the Museum of Decorative Arts,
projects and has fostered its own personality and style, which have spread the Textile and Clothing Museum, and the Graphic Arts Museum– and aims
throughout Catalonia and been popularized throughout the world. to observe the past and present of the design world in order to drive
research and promote activity in this field. The new museum will be one
The city is currently facing new challenges to achieve a central position in design in the of the main driving forces behind design culture in Barcelona, and an
coming years. Events such as the BCN Design Week and projects such as the future Design important showcase for Catalan design from recent years.
Museum and the Barcelona Design Innovation Cluster guarantee the hegemonic continuity
Barcelona Design Innovation Cluster. This initiative follows the cluster
of design in the culture and as a strategic element in the business fabric of Catalonia.
model used by the city in 22@Barcelona, facilitates the strategic
concentration of the industry's main economic, institutional, teaching and
1992 Olympic Games. The phenomenon of the Olympic Barcelona goes innovation stakeholders in the sector with the aim of strengthening
beyond 1992.The olympic games acted as a milestone that captivated Barcelona’s leadership in the design field.
energies which, in the areas of design and architecture, were very active (for more information, see page 28).
in preparing the city's candidacy in the 1980s, during the Barcelona design
boom.
Design Springs. The "Primaveres del Disseny" (Design Springs) events
are biennial events that were held between 1991 and 2001 and fed and
grew the native design culture and publicized it among the population
through their activities, which involved the participation of the cultural
subsystem, part of the sector and city institutions. The Springs constituted
a central element of design and propitiated a renovation of ideas, as well
as facilitating the incorporation of new generations of design professionals.
Year of Design. The "Any del Disseny" (Year of Design), celebrated in
2003, on the occasion of the centenary of the creation of the FAD
(Promotion of Art and Design), became an expanded version of the Design
Springs with widespread media coverage and promotional resources; it
brought the value of design closer to society and proclaimed the term
"design" as an element of cultural, social and economic progress.
12 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 13

8. 02 Design associations
and the concentration of
creative talent
Catalonia has a long tradition of associations, which manifests itself
in the over one thousand associations from many different sectors.
In particular, the design sector includes nearly a dozen entities
that represent the interests of the profession and which have been
decisive in the growth of design in Catalan society and culture.
In recent years, Barcelona has become one of the favourite basis for
architects, designers, photographers, illustrators and creative
professionals from all over the world. All these professionals, together
with the ones who have always lived in the city, are currently one
of the biggest international talent banks. One of the reasons for this
continuous concentration of talent is the support and representation
in society provided by the sector's different professional associations.
The association that brings together most of the
In Catalonia, the design sector includes nearly subsectors within design is the FAD, which currently
a dozen entities that represent the interests has more than 1,200 members. A FAD (art and
of the profession and which have been crafts) has 139 members; ADG FAD (graphic design
decisive in the growth of design in Catalan and visual communication) has 524 members; ADI
society and culture. FAD (industrial design) has 240 members; ARQ-IN
FAD (architecture and interior design) has 281
members; and Moda FAD (image and fashion) has
56 members.
Other associations include the ADP (Association of
Professional Designers) with 118 members, the
Catalan Professional Association of Decorators and
Interior Designers (CODIC) with nearly 300 members,
and the Catalan Professional Association of Graphic
Designers with 535 members. Of note are Terminal
B, a virtual database of talent in Barcelona, the BCD
online directory of professionals and the directories
of the different associations and professional
organizations mentioned above.
Another initiative that favours encouraging and
developing talent is the FAD Incubator, a platform
designed to promote creators who are starting out
as professionals in the area of design and which
provides research grants in the area of design aimed
at young creators.
14 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 15

9. 03 Barcelona:
model of
an accessible city
Barcelona is a city conceived from the principle of "Design for All". This has
allowed it to become one of the most accessible cities in the world for all The figures of an accessible
people in all their diversity, i.e., respecting the gender, culture, skills, age Barcelona
and language of everyone. A paradigmatic city that has served as a model • The Barcelona City Council is working to install
for other Catalan capitals and a benchmark for European cities, which are new traffic lights throughout the city. All of
advancing in the pedestrian-oriented design of their historic centres, the these new lights have acoustic signals for the
construction of safer and healthier cities and the provision of services blind. Installation is scheduled to be completed
closer to their citizens. by June 2011, at which time all traffic lights in
the city will be accessible.
Although it was certainly not called that, "Design for All" in Barcelona began in the middle • Public transport in the city aims to cover the
ages. Even then, the city was being designed with thought to improving cleanliness, safety travel needs of all residents. Therefore, all TMB
and communication. This tendency to design for people has continued throughout the entire mobile units are accessible (approximately 1,000
history of the city and has been extended in recent years to situate Barcelona as one of units). 89.6% of the bus lines are totally
the model cities in terms of accessibility and adaptation of design to the needs of the citizen. accessible, taking into account that companies
What defines a well designed city? The ability (of the city itself) to adapt to the needs of other than TMB also run busses in the city.
all, while respecting the rights of others. Needs such as the ability to move comfortably • Barcelona has made a commitment to
and safely through the city, on foot or by public transport, having services close at hand, eliminating barriers in municipal buildings. 224
ensuring that services and the environment are comprehensible and functional for everyone buildings have already been adapted and 151
and, above all, ensuring that use of the city is an enriching experience. are semi-accessible (the disabled can access
them with help).
• The city currently has ten integrated and
accessible play areas for children, one in each
of the municipal districts.
• Barcelona has three accessible beaches
(Barceloneta, Nova Icària and the Forum bathing
area) with elements such as ramps to access
the water, amphibious chairs, adapted changing
rooms, parking spaces for people with
disabilities, and special support services for
people with disabilities.
Barcelona has reached high levels of excellence in
the design of the city and its model has been
"An ordered design" exported widely to other cities. Now, the challenge
consists in continuing to innovate in the same line,
The Design for All Foundation defines the design of Barcelona as an "ordered design".
while contributing design solutions to new areas,
This is the result of factors such as the fact that the street furniture is aligned, green
as is happening with waste collection, the
spaces and facilities are distributed in the territory so that they can be reached on foot
adaptation of metro stations and bus stops, and
and there are streets exclusively for vehicles such as bicycles, whereas others are
sports activities for people with disabilities in a
strictly for pedestrians. Furthermore, one of the key points in the design of Barcelona
number of facilities around the city through the
is having managed to combine respect for diversity, hygiene, safety and functionality
“Barrier free sports” program.
with aesthetics. All these aspects make living in Barcelona a pleasant experience.
16 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 17

10. 04 Design in commerce
and the hotel and
food services industry
Urban commerce is the commerce model of Catalonia and Barcelona.
One of the distinctive characteristics of many Catalan stores is the design
component. It is an element which, as well as giving an avant-garde image,
turns businesses and stores into convivial spaces and frameworks for
relationships, as well as establishing them as references for consumerism.
Design and Commerce
Every year, 1500 traders modernize their establishments in Catalonia,
and 68% of Catalan businesses consider design to be an important factor
in generating new ideas. This is a symptom of the fact that design is
gaining weight in the retail sector and is becoming established as a
winning strategy for reaching new consumer profiles and providing better
products and services.
Specialists in interior design and design of commercial establishments
agree that any place in Barcelona is suitable for a commercial establishment
with a strong design component. Nevertheless, there are specific arteries
in Barcelona that concentrate more of the unique stores, such as the Born,
Raval, and Gràcia neighbourhoods. The Raval neighbourhood, at the heart Innovation in catering
of the city, is an important centre of establishments with a design
component and of innovative hostelry businesses. The Born neighbourhood The culinary offer of Catalonia is one of the
is one of the areas with most art and fashion establishments and stylish economic activities that has experienced most
establishments; its streets are home to fashion and accessory shops, design growth in recent years. The establishments not
studios, art galleries, hotels and restaurants. Two of the most important only concern themselves with quality and
commercial arteries of the city, Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya, originality in their kitchens, but also seek spaces
offer an interesting mix of art, culture, history and commerce. Some of where design and architecture make eating a
the most prestigious international fashion names are to be found there pleasant activity in all senses. Following are
and from these arteries have arisen some of the biggest commercial ideas some of the best-known examples: El Bulli
and projects with greatest repercussion in the city, such as the Vinçon store. and Ferran Adrià, who uses design and
experimentation to research pure flavours and
impossible preparations. His collection of
The new hoteliers products, "Faces", has been developed by
different prestige designers. Grupo Tragaluz,
The rise of tourism has propitiated creation of singular hotels which,
with a dozen premises in Barcelona and one in
thanks to design and new and innovative concepts, attract new clients
Calella de Palafrugell, has a marked
who are keen to enjoy their stay as yet another experience. In a sector
Mediterranean and cosmopolitan personality
that contributes 14% of native wealth, creating new business concepts
and is characterized by the interior design of
is an obligation. Creativity, design, wellness, and gastronomy are some
its premises and its corporate image. Finally,
of the most commonly used terms by the new hoteliers when creating
Oriol Balaguer, with his Barcelona store, which,
exclusive hotels with the added value contributed by design and
as well as a chocolate and pastry studio, is a
architecture. Following are some notable examples: the Mandarin Oriental
centre for developing new products and recipes
Hotel, Omm Hotel, Axel Hotel, Casa Camper Hotel in Barcelona, Hotel
with an avant-garde presentation.
Me and the Les Cols Hotel in Olot (Girona).
18 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 19

11. 05 Training in design
and design
management
Particularly thanks to the Foreign students see Catalonia as the ideal place to
portfolio of Barcelona, study this discipline, thanks to the variety of training There are currently almost 50 training centres in
Catalonia enjoys an options and the inspiring culture of the country. Barcelona, teaching design to more than 6000
excellent reputation in students per year, according to the Catalan
In Catalonia and Barcelona, there is a tradition of
Autonomous Government. They include the
Europe in design training. design teaching that is well consolidated and
following:
integrated in the local environment. The fact that
many centres are the result of civil initiatives also Bau School of Design
distinguishes it from teaching programs in the rest
LAI School of Design
of Spain.
Eina School of Art and Design
Elisava School of Design
The distinction of studying in Barcelona: "I studied in Barcelona" ESADE Chair of Design Management
Barcelona is internationally well-positioned, above big European capitals with a similar Vic School of Art and Design
tradition, such as Milan and Paris, and very close behind London. This reputation Massana School
means that studying in Barcelona is a distinctive characteristic on the CV of future
Llotja School of Design
professionals.
ESDI School of Design
IED Istituto Europeo di Design
IDEP Institute of Design and School of Image
University of Girona
University of Barcelona
Technical University of Catalonia
20 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 21

12. 06 The Catalan
design
system
The Catalan design system is essentially made up of the agents who ADP - Association of Professional Designers. Association that
operate in the design sector, which consists of the supply and defends the professional interests of the sector.
demand of design services and the professional relations
established between them, and is supported by a group of entities BCD - Barcelona Design Centre. Foundation dedicated to
dedicated to promoting, publicizing and producing training and promoting design in enterprise.
research in design.
BEDA - The Bureau of European Design Association. European
body that defends the value of design at European-Community
These entities together form the cultural subsystem within the overall level.
design system. The close links between this subsystem and the design
supply agents form the design community in Catalonia. ‘CODIG' - Catalan Professional Association of Graphic Designers.
The attached drawing suggests an ordered reading of the Catalan design Professional association.
system. The triangular distribution makes it possible to situate the agents
of the cultural subsystem according to their proximity to the demand, DfA - Design for All Foundation. Institution dedicated to research
the supply, or research and the creation of the design culture. on and promotion of design for all.
DfW - Design for the World. NGO for design projects.
ED’s. Design schools with their own qualifications, and associated
with whom the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Ramon
Catalan design system Llull University (URL), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the
(cultural subsystem agent in relation to the sector) (1) University of Girona (UdG).
Demand Supply EDFP. Vocational-training design schools.
(companies) Red
Sidi APD CODIG
EDIT. Publishers of books and journals aimed at disseminating the
EDFP
Cambra BCD knowledge and information generated by the world of design.
Beda
FAD
FAD Promotion of Art and Design. Association of associations
Fira
DfW for promoting design in the world of culture.
DfA
XCT
MD Edit MD. Museum of Design - Design Hub Barcelona.
Copca CIDEM XIT UAB
URL RED - Network of Design Companies. Association of companies
ED’s
UPF
UdG for promoting and consolidating the design market.
GC XCR
UB
U
Universities UPC SIDI - International Selection of Equipment Design for Habitat.
Ajt.B URL Association of companies for promoting and consolidating the
design market.
Culture
(1) disseny_Cat: elements for a design policy in Catalonia. U. Universities with their own qualifications in design studies:
Calvera, Anna i Monguet, Josep M.
Barcelona: CIDEM, 2007. Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) and University of Barcelona
(UB).
22 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 23

13. 07 Barcelona: headquarters
of corporate
design centres
Barcelona has a consolidated business fabric based on small and
medium enterprises (SMEs); there are more than half a million SMEs
in Catalonia, representing 99.7% of all businesses and Barcelona is
home to 77% of all the SMEs in Catalonia. This business fabric is
forging ahead with the Catalan design system. In terms of both the
traditional industrial sectors and the services and emerging sectors,
the business fabric shows a potential for growth and innovation
through design. Sectors such as furniture, lighting, packaging,
textiles, and the automotive industry are some of the examples.
Four examples of “Corporate Design Centre”
Roca, a company founded in 1917, Alstom Transport set up its HP has based its World Division Volvo has had its design centre
has pioneered the creation of a "Design and Styling" centre in of Design of Products for the in Barcelona since 2000. It has a
specialized design department for Santa Perpètua de Mogoda Graphic Arts Business in Sant team of 10 people.
developing all kinds of bathroom (Barcelona) in 2007. Its role is to Cugat del Vallès since 2003.
Volvo has design studios in
products. work on interior-design projects
Barcelona is characterized by an Sweden and California and
for the entire group, developing
Roca design is based on open and cosmopolitan decided to establish one in
products in conjunction with its
experience and innovation: the environment that provides southern Europe, with the aim
technical experts.
experience of a world leader in continuous exposure to the of penetrating the small-car
bathroom fittings and innovation Barcelona has a large latest trends in art, design, culture that is so strongly
understood as something more infrastructure ready to thought, society, etc. The city rooted here. We chose
than just colours and forms. The encourage design in all its has a strongly humanistic Barcelona because the city
incorporation of new young forms: model making, character linked to its combines the most traditional
designers of different nationalities engineering, design consultancy, Mediterranean cultural tradition and artistic design with
and with different specialities into R&D centres, universities, and and provides a quality of life another, more dynamic and
the Barcelona Innovation Lab, and wide experience in the fields of that is difficult to find in other experimental, vision. Here, we
their work in coordination with all colours and textures. European cities. can work with a small company
the teams from the different and be more productive than
David Cuttcliffe, Jordi Morillo,
countries where Roca is Director of the Alstom Transport design Head of industrial design, Large Format the central studio in Göteborg,
established facilitates the studio in Catalonia Printing, HP and closer to the ideas and
development of new products needs of the end user.
and technologies to meet new
David Ancona,
social challenges and the new Director of design of Volvo Strategic
needs of the customer. Design Barcelona
Josep Congost,
Design Manager, Roca
24 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 25

14. 08 The Barcelona
Brand
Barcelona can compete with other European capitals such as Berlin,
London, Milan, and Amsterdam. The design provided in Barcelona has a
characteristic. This has been possible thanks to the convergence of
different factors that have managed to build a value brand, the
"Designed in Barcelona" stamp, recognized and coveted by both local
and international products.
The values of the "Designed in Barcelona" brand are:
Tradition: Gaudí, Dalí, Miró, Tàpies, Picasso… Graphic and visual creation has been an inherent
element to Catalonia since the Modernism period. The work of immortal and legendary artists
such as these continues to be valid and exemplifies the great tradition of the community as
a creative place.
Culture: there are two design cultures in Catalonia. The very traditional culture of design as a
cultural and artistic discipline, which was founded in the 1980s, and the modern and functional
culture that understands design as a strategic tool in business and as a business opportunity.
Creativity and inspiration: Barcelona is the source of stimuli for a creator. This includes the
urban design, the architecture, the commerce, the bilingual situation, but also the system of
activities, daily life, popular culture and leisure facilities. Furthermore the city now has many
foreign students and this makes it particularly comfortable for new arrivals.
Architecture: the perfect distribution and design of the Eixample area, the Collserola tower,
the Agbar tower, the Palau Sant Jordi, the Forum building, and the constant presence of Gaudí
in the Sagrada Família, the Parc Güell, etc. On the city streets, façades from the Modernism
period coexist with new architecture, creating an urban landscape that unites tradition
and modernity.
Designers: the large network of design professionals from all disciplines who
are based in Barcelona makes the city a worldwide reference capital for this
discipline. Barcelona is currently the place of residence and centre of operations
for designers from more than 55 countries.
Knowledge and experience: the training and professional tradition of Barcelona
makes the city a hotbed of ideas and somewhere you can always learn. The city
is committed to the knowledge economy, with initiatives such as 22@Barcelona.
Innovation: design applied to people's requirements, design that is responsible and
respects the environment, design applied to the competitive requirements of enterprise.
These are the principal routes of innovation of design in Barcelona, reaching its highest
expression at 22@Barcelona.
Momentum: Now is a good time in Barcelona. The eclectic nature of the ideas that move
the city is ideal for developing new paths in the creation and conceptualization of design
projects.
26 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 27

15. 09 Barcelona Design
Innovation
Cluster
10 Testimonials
on Barcelona
and design
Barcelona has been committed to the cluster model for some time as a
way to strengthen its strategic sectors – like design – with the aim of
making the city one of the main innovation and knowledge-economy
platforms in the world. The Barcelona Design Innovation Cluster (BDIC),
a project of excellence and innovation with international projection,
Barcelona has an open and dynamic mentality. It stands out in the
is a clear example of this dedication. minds of people all over the world as a place of great cultural
richness, which is exciting and contemporary.
The Barcelona City Council currently promotes a number of strategic Michael Thompson
sectors that follow the cluster model driven by 22@Barcelona: Design, President of BEDA, The Bureau of European Design Associations (2007-2009)
Media, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), Medical Barcelona is a city where social innovation, which is much more
Technology, Energy and Mobility, logistics and aerospace, among others. valuable than purely technological innovation, is very strong.
This model facilitates growth and synergies among the city’s economic Bill Sermon
stakeholders while, at the same time, increasing productivity and capacity Vice president for design of Nokia Multimedia
for innovation and internationalisation. Likewise, it also creates the
Fresh, iconoclastic, rebellious, ironic, human, of sophisticated
necessary conditions to welcome companies and innovative talent from
simplicity, surprising... These are some of the attributes that define
around the world, while fostering the creation of a professional
the "Designed in Barcelona" stamp. I think it has a lot to do with
community with links to the global network.
what the city itself has tried to be for more than a century.
To do this, the design sector counts, since 2009, with the Barcelona Design Jordi Morillo
Head of industrial design, Large Format Printing, HP
Innovation Cluster (BDIC), an initiative promoted by the BCD Barcelona
Design Centre and 22@Barcelona that brings together innovative companies Every time I visit Barcelona, I'm impressed by it. It has a marvellous
that can provide or need design services, support organizations, and public mix of creativity, seriousness, enchantment, intelligence, beauty,
bodies, in order to increase competitiveness in sectors where design is a modernity and classicism. But it is also a real and highly inclusive
strategic element and can facilitate innovation. city, where the elderly are also respected and have their space.
The mission of this cluster is to position Barcelona, and by extension Catalonia, Barcelona seems to combine most of the good things of the city
as a hub of excellence on an international level in innovation through design. while being able to eliminate the bad things. It has the liberal and
In order to achieve this, four initial strategic areas have been established village-like air of Amsterdam, the grandeur and elegance of Paris,
(d-Health, City, Integral Concepts and Transport Experiences) which will be and the creativity and eccentricity of London. It gives the impression
subjected to detailed strategic analysis to create an action plan with the of having a convincing and conclusive decision-making process in
aim of improving competitiveness of companies and economic, institutional, urban development and planning, which is never excessive as in
educational and innovation stakeholders in the sector. Shanghai or Dubai. It has a sort of ancient sovereign beauty, like
that of the difference banks Stockholm, but is, at the same time,
decidedly contemporary. And, above all, the people of Barcelona
are pleasant, hospitable and affectionate people.
Peter Kersten
Ambassador of BNO Association of Dutch Designers
“Barcelona is a living city. There is constant debate and everyone
there has something to say. In this way, I think Barcelona is a very
rich city because it has no barriers and enjoys great diversity and
plurality. I prefer to be here, enjoying Barcelona, than working in
my London office for 30 years.”
Norman Foster
Architect
28 10 reasons in favour of the Design sector The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 29

16. Glossary
Entities associated with Design for All Foundation IED Istituto Europeo di Design State bodies
design www.designforall.org www.ied.es
DDI State Company for the
A FAD Association of Artists and Promotion of Art and Design FAD LAI, School of Design Development of Design and Innovation
Artisans www.fadweb.org www.laiedu.org www.ddi.es
www.a-fad.org
RED Spanish Association of Design University of Barcelona (UB) – Federation of Spanish Bodies for the
Interdisciplinary Association of Spatial Companies Faculty of Arts Promotion of Design
Design ARQ-IN FAD www.red-aede.es www.ub.edu/bellesarts www.federaciondiseno.net
www.arquinfad.org
SIDI Salón Internacional de Diseño, SL University of Girona (UG) –
Ministry of Industry, Tourism and
Association of Art Directors and Graphic www.sidi.es Polytechnic School
Commerce
Designers ADG FAD www.udg.edu/cid/gedidp
www.mityc.es
www.adg-fad.org
Technical University of Catalonia (UPC)
Association of Industrial Designers ADI www.disseny-upc.net
Educational centres
FAD
www.adifad.org Bau School of Design Business organizations
www.baued.es
Association of Professional Designers Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
Local and regional bodies www.cambrabcn.es
ADP Eina School of Art and Design
www.adp-barcelona.com www.eina.edu 22@Barcelona
www.22barcelona.com
Image and Fashion Association MODA Elisava School of Design
FAD www.elisava.es ACC1Ó
www.modafad.org www.acc10.cat
ESADE Chair of Design Management
Association of Goldsmiths and esade.edu/research/designmanagement Barcelona Activa
Silversmiths ORFEBRES FAD www.barcelonactiva.cat
Vic School of Art and Design
www.orfebresfad.org Barcelona Cultural Institute –
www.eartvic.net
BCD, Barcelona Design Centre Barcelona City Council Editors
Massana School www.bcn.cat/cultura Barcelona City Council - Economic Promotion
www.bcd.es
www.escolamassana.es 22@Barcelona
BEDA The Bureau of European Economic Promotion –
ACC1Ó. Government of Catalonia
Llotja School of Design Barcelona City Council
Designers' Associations Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
www.llotja.es www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness
www.beda.org
With the collaboration of:
ESDI, School of Design Invest in Catalonia
Catalan Professional Association of BCD Barcelona Design Centre
www.esdi.es www.investincatalonia.com
Decorators and Interior Designers
Design
www.codic.org IDEP Institute of Design and School of
Glòria Escoruela - g.grafic
Image
Catalan Professional Association of
www.idep.es
Graphic Designers
www.dissenygrafic.org Printed in China
Barcelona, June 2010
30 Glossary The Design sector in Barcelona and Catalonia 31