The Barcelona School of Civil Engineering and the UPC inaugurate the 2026-2027 academic year, advocating for innovation at the service of people within the framework of Cerdà Year

Under the motto "A hymn to innovation", the event highlighted the enduring relevance of Ildefons Cerdà's thinking on the 150th anniversary of his passing. In her address, the Director of the Barcelona School of Civil Engineering, Esther Real, recalled that Cerdà's General Theory of Urbanization emerged from practical experience and the commitment to placing citizen well-being at the core of urban design.

Linking Cerdà's vision with the celebration of Gaudí Year, the Director highlighted a reflection attributed to the architect: "To do things well, it is necessary: first love, then technique." Building upon this idea, Real emphasized: "Technique is essential, but it is not an end in itself. Knowledge, technology, and innovation only make sense when they serve human progress."

Addressing the student body directly, the Director recalled the Kantian motto Sapere aude, "Dare to know", urging young scholars to make the most of their university years to foster critical thinking. In a context shaped by the emergence of artificial intelligence, energy transition, and climate change, she defended academic education as a transformative life experience.

The highlight of the day was the performance of the Cantata Cerdà: the force of civilization, a work with music by Albert Guinovart and libretto by Esteve Miralles, promoted by the Association of Civil Engineers (Col·legi d'Enginyers de Camins, Canals i Ports). The performance by the ’Orfeó Gracienc choir, alongside soloists and musicians, symbolized the imperative to bridge scientific knowledge and engineering with artistic and humanistic disciplines.

The ceremony was attended by the Rector of the UPC, the President of the Social Council, the Secretary General of Universities, the Dean of the Association of Civil Engineers, as well as mayors, parliamentary and consular representatives, and prominent leaders from the infrastructure and environmental sectors.

Access the photo gallery of the event