BARCELONA, Spain, July 15 (Xinhua) -- The exhibition "Regenerations: China and Spain in the Mirror," has brought together urban regeneration projects from China and Spain, highlighting how architects in both countries are embracing adaptive reuse by renewing existing buildings rather than demolishing them.
"It allows you to see how, from such different places and traditions, equivalent solutions are given to the same problems. Countries and contexts differ a lot, but the problems are usually the same," Jose Mata, who oversees events at the venue, told Xinhua.
The exhibition, which runs from June 16 until July 31 as part of the Barcelona World Architecture Capital 2026, was first presented in Madrid and has now begun its international tour in Barcelona.
Visitors can see architectural projects from both countries that have transformed buildings abandoned or no longer serving their original purpose. "The architecture of the 21st century cannot only be about building. It also has to be about regenerating what already exists," Mata said.
"It is really beautiful to see how Spain mirrors Chinese architecture, which is based on sustainability," Jonathan Carzentti, a local visitor, said after touring the exhibition.
Julia Palau, who handles communications at the venue, said architecture is closely connected to everyday life and that comparing Chinese and Spanish approaches to urban regeneration offers visitors a fresh perspective.
"The idea is that people come, get inspired and think about how they can contribute, from their own small part, to create a better world," Mata said.
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