ESDI-URL calls for an architectural competition to rehabilitate its building in Sabadell

06.05.2026

The initiative seeks to select an architectural proposal that reinforces the heritage, educational and identity value of the historic building of the Docks of Sabadell

Wednesday, May 6, 2026. L'ESDI-URL Higher School of Design (affiliated center) is holding an architectural competition to rehabilitate its headquarters, located in the old warehouse at the Sabadell Docks, a listed building that was converted into an educational facility in 1989.

The competition aims to select an architectural proposal that will modernise the building and adapt it to the contemporary needs of a university centre, while preserving its industrial essence and heritage value. The intervention must address key aspects, including structural rehabilitation, environmental comfort, improved facilities, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

Beyond the technical aspects, ESDI views this process as an opportunity to rethink the relationship between architecture, design, and learning. The proposals must transform rehabilitation needs into a project with spatial, pedagogical, and identity-related value, consistent with ESDI’s values as a design school.

The competition will be held in two phases. The first will consist of selecting candidates based on their portfolios, prior experience, and technical capabilities. Experience in the rehabilitation of heritage or industrial buildings, educational facilities, and the inclusion of heritage specialists will be particularly valued.

The selected teams will move on to a second phase, in which they will have to develop a complete architectural proposal. This proposal must integrate technical, construction, and sustainable solutions within a coherent and viable architectural framework capable of expressing ESDI’s identity.

Click here to download the complete contest rules

Applications must be submitted via a link to a folder containing the relevant documentation and sent by email to espais@esdi.edu.es

The maximum budget allocated for the project is €2,000,000. Proposals must justify their economic viability through a rigorous cost estimate and a possible phased construction strategy, to minimise the impact on the centre’s teaching activities.

The deadline for submitting applications for the first phase is May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The results of this phase are expected to be announced on May 20, 2026, and the final proposal must be submitted before June 12, 2026. The final decision of the competition is expected on June 22, 2026, or in the days immediately following.

With this competition, ESDI wants to promote an intervention that is not only a correct architectural rehabilitation, but a built example of the values of a design school: creativity, rigour, innovation, responsibility and the ability to transform the environment.