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Barcelona is becoming an international reference point for smart cities

November 30, 2011 09:53 PM | CNA / Gaspar Pericay Coll

The Catalan capital is hosting the first edition of the ‘SmartCity Expo & World Congress’, which brings together more than 9,000 professionals to discuss interaction between new technologies, urban planning and citizen welfare. In addition, “the father” of electric cars in Asia, Professor Chan, stated that Barcelona has the “great potential” to become the electric car’s “open window to the world”. Last week, the Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias, participated in the 10th Metropolis World Congress held in Brazil, where he met with Cisco Systems Vice President to build an innovation centre focused on smart cities in the Catalan capital.

Jean Nouvel designs a gastronomy and cultural centre for Barcelona’s beer company Moritz

November 29, 2011 11:20 PM | CNA

The Catalan beer company Moritz will open an innovative space at the former factory of the well-known drink and residence of its owners in downtown Barcelona. The 4,500 square metre centre has been designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. It will house a microbrewery, a shop, a beer bar, a wine bar, two restaurants, a museum, a gastronomic classroom, a bakery and a newsagent. It cost €30 million.

Gaudí and the Sagrada Família travel to the Vatican

November 24, 2011 08:53 PM | CNA

An exhibition on Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Basilica and Antoni Gaudí’s architectural techniques are on show in the Vatican. It focuses on the art, science and spirituality displayed at the Catalan architect’s church. Pope Benedict XVI declared the Sagrada Família a basilica one year ago during a visit to Barcelona. At the time he commented on the beauty of the temple and spoke of his personal admiration for the work of Gaudí.