★★★★★ 5.0
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IED Barcelona
Twenty-four years old. That's how young Francesco Morelli was in 1966 when he dared to envision a revolutionary design school that would reshape creative education forever. Now, as you stand before this striking industrial facade on Carrer de Biada, you're witnessing the Barcelona chapter of that audacious dream. This imposing structure wasn't always nurturing future fashion designers and visual artists. For over a century, it hummed with the rhythm of textile production as the Macson factory, built in 1894 when Gràcia was still finding its artistic soul. The massive brick walls and soaring windows once framed looms and spinning wheels, not sketch pads and sewing machines. In 2011, IED transformed these 5,000 square meters of industrial heritage into something magical... a creative sanctuary where 700 international students from over 100 countries gather annually. The original factory bones remain deliberately exposed, their raw beauty inspiring a new generation of designers who work beneath the same roof beams that once sheltered Barcelona's textile workers. Every weekend, these doors open to reveal how industry becomes artistry.
Did You Know?
- Fact 1: IED Barcelona opened its doors in 2002, but its current home is a beautifully repurposed 19th-century textile factory—the Macson factory, built in 1894—in the Vila de Gràcia neighborhood. The building’s industrial character is preserved, offering a unique blend of historical architecture and modern design education, and it’s even open for public visits on weekends, giving families a chance to explore its artistic transformation.
- Fact 2: The school marked its 20th anniversary in 2022 with the exhibition 'A collective dream,' showcasing two decades of outstanding student projects across all design disciplines. The exhibition was produced sustainably, using eco-friendly materials and collaborating with local artisans, reflecting IED Barcelona’s commitment to both creativity and environmental responsibility.
- Fact 3: IED Barcelona is officially recognized by the Government of Catalonia as a Higher Education Centre for Design and attracts around 700 international students annually, making it a truly multicultural hub. Its curriculum includes unique partnerships, such as Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degrees awarded by the University of Westminster, blending local Catalan educational standards with global academic prestige.