barcelona's 'three chimneys' reborn as media hub in winning proposal by GdSB and marvel

GDSB and Marvel Architects to revamp Les Tres Xemeneies in spain

GdSB Arquitectes and Marvel Architects emerge as winners of the international design competition for Les Tres Xemeneies (The Three Chimneys). This adaptive reuse project will transform Barcelona’s iconic power plant in Sant Adrià de Besòs into Catalunya Media City. The proposal envisions a digital and media hub while preserving the three towering chimneys, symbols of the industrial past of the city, through a series of strategic architectural interventions that weave the structure into the urban fabric. Selected from 26 entrants in a two-stage competition, the winning design sets the stage for a creative ecosystem.

public space over plateau building looking to the logistics street | all images by Studio kmh, unless stated otherwise

the winning proposal respects the monumental structure’s past

Originally built in the 1970s as part of a thermal power plant, Les Tres Xemeneies ceased operations in 2011, leaving behind a monumental structure between Barcelona and Badalona. The Barcelona-based GdSB Arquitectes and Marvel Architects’ winning scheme respects the historical significance of the site while carving out spatial connections to integrate it with its surroundings. The design introduces deliberate cuts and openings within the existing industrial shell, creating porous, adaptable spaces for media production, technology, and cultural programming. This approach ensures that the power plant retains its striking silhouette while evolving into an accessible and multifunctional landmark.

While the chimneys remain the most recognizable feature of the site, the project’s focus lies in revitalizing the turbine hall—an expansive structure originally designed with three modular sections, each corresponding to a chimney. The architects embraced this modular rhythm, extending the hall with an additional module to create a balanced, symmetrical composition. This intervention enhances the spatial potential of the building while maintaining a dialogue with its industrial origins.

sea view of the Catalunya Media City Complex and landscape | image by Filippo Bolognese Images

construction to take shape in the coming years

With construction anticipated in the coming years, Les Tres Xemeneies stands as a testament to the potential of adaptive reuse in shaping the cities of tomorrow. Positioned as the heart of Catalunya Media City, the reimagined complex will host a vibrant mix of creative industries, technological research, and digital experiences. A central courtyard, introduced as part of the redesign, brings natural light and ventilation deep into the building, creating an atmosphere. Spatially, the project establishes a clear distinction between past and future, with the first three floors unifying the existing and new structures, while the upper levels subtly separate to highlight the contrast between heritage and contemporary interventions. By expanding the volume without exceeding the original height, the design achieves a sense of equilibrium—bridging the site’s industrial legacy with its role in the digital age.

lobby of the new building addition to the south