The Escola de Mitjans Audiovisuals de Barcelona (EMAV), with more than 12,000 students trained since 1970, stands out for its wide-ranging and technologically advanced educational offer, which includes higher and intermediate vocational training cycles as well as specialised courses.
Located in Warehouse 7 of the Can Batlló complex in the Bordeta neighbourhood, within the Sants-Montjuïc district, it is a flagship public centre for vocational training in the audiovisual sector in Catalonia. After decades of neighbourhood movements to recover the former industrial textile complex of Can Batlló and transform it into a multifunctional space oriented towards the common interest of the community, EMAV was established there to provide educational and training services for all citizens. Thus, eight years after the ultimatum of the citizens’ platform “Can Batlló pel barri”, in 2019 EMAV, thanks to the impetus of the Consorci d’Educació de Barcelona, became an example of the reuse of emblematic industrial spaces for the common good of society.
In this context, the basic and executive project and subsequent construction management were carried out to put into operation all the IT and audiovisual equipment necessary for training activities. The intervention took place in spaces such as television studios, editing and post-production classrooms, radio and recording studios, the meeting room, classrooms, common areas, and the auditorium. The project built upon existing equipment and complemented it with new systems, ensuring a robust and efficient infrastructure.
Motorised mobile structures were installed on the ceilings to safely and flexibly hang spotlights and cameras (a system known as rigging). Equipment was also deployed to centrally control sound, image, lighting, and climate systems, all accessible from touch screens. In addition, EMAV will be equipped with a simultaneous translation system, digital intercoms between spaces, sound controls adapted to environmental regulations, and its own IT network for managing large volumes of audiovisual files.
In specialised spaces such as studios or editing rooms, chroma key backgrounds, remotely controlled cameras, and professional production systems were integrated. In sound and video post-production classrooms, advanced editing and mixing equipment was installed, with shared access to central servers. Altogether, the facilities were designed to offer a modern, versatile environment fully adapted to current audiovisual education.
With this project, EMAV strengthens its ability to train professionals in the sector under real working conditions. The organisation of spaces, system automation, and the use of silent, efficient technologies provide a better experience for both students and teaching staff. In addition, reliable operation is ensured thanks to electrical safety systems and simple maintenance procedures.
