Ramon Gras presents city science at the Col·legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya
- Pablo Rocabert
- Oct 28, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 23
On October 29th, 2025, Ramon Gras, founder and CEO of Aretian, shared insights on how data-driven city science is reshaping urban planning at a presentation hosted by the Col·legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya (COAC). The event, part of COAC's ongoing series exploring the intersection of technology and urbanism, highlighted how analytical frameworks can guide evidence-based decision-making for sustainable urban development.
Bridging technology and urban planning
During the presentation, Ramon Gras demonstrated how Aretian's City Science methodology integrates spatial analytics, demographic modeling, and economic data to create comprehensive territorial strategies. The approach moves beyond traditional siloed planning by establishing unified baselines that allow cities to compare scenarios, measure performance, and prioritize investments based on clear trade-offs.
The presentation showcased recent work including Sant Boi 2040, where Aretian developed a data-driven territorial strategy to strengthen the city's role within the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, and the Rio de Janeiro Innovation District Masterplan, which positions Rio as a leading innovation hub through integrated urban design and economic development planning.
City science in action
Ramon Gras emphasized that modern urban challenges from mobility constraints to economic transition require integrated analytical frameworks that can evaluate cities holistically. By merging spatial, demographic, mobility, housing, and economic data into comparable frameworks, city science enables decision-makers to move from reactive to strategic planning.
The presentation highlighted key methodologies including:
Human-scale "15-minute city" planning that reinforces equitable access to services and opportunities;
Transit-oriented densification strategies that concentrate growth around mobility nodes;
Innovation pipeline frameworks that strengthen connections between research institutions, startups, and industry;
Smart specialization strategies aligned with regional competitive advantages.
Ramon Gras, Aretian founder and CEO, presenting at COAC.
About the venue
The event was held at the historic COAC headquarters in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, a modernist landmark designed by Xavier Busquets (1958-1962) that stands as an important center for architectural discourse in Catalonia. COAC, founded in 1931, champions the social value of architecture and urbanism throughout the region.
The presentation underscores Aretian's commitment to advancing urban planning through rigorous analytical methods, providing cities with the tools to navigate complex development challenges while building more sustainable, equitable, and innovation-ready urban environments.
Ramon Gras, Aretian founder and CEO, presenting at COAC.
