A site for the L’Escola de L’Ésser

We find ourselves a home. A historic place abandoned by industry, but still rich in potential – Fàbrica Jover, Serra i Cia i Antiga Fàbrica de les Capses in Canet de Mar, Barcelona Province. An opportunty to repurpose and reclaim history with tender loving care.

Which could well be a living campus, a creative commune of residence, workshops, studios, a library, archives of literature and arts , gardens of sustaiinance, health conscious kitchens, and spaces for assembly and oration.
A space not just to build skills, but to rebuild belonging.

Jover Serra i Cia Factory

The Jover, Serra i Cia. Factory is an in Canet de Mar (Maresme) protected as a cultural asset of local interest.

L’edifici projectat per Domènech i Montaner segueix la mateixa estructura que Josep Puig i Cadafalch va fer servir per a la veïna fàbrica Carbonell. El projecte constava de dos naus allargades disposades simètricament amb un edifici entremig que proporcionava l’energia motriu a tots dos edificis. Finalment però, només es va poder construir una nau de 75 metres de llargada per 15 d’amplada, amb un total de 1000 metres quadrats. Un espai diàfan amb una alçada superior als 7 metres. L’estructura és de bigues de ferro disposades perpendicularment a la llargada de la nau formant revoltons amb una coberta a doble vessant. La coberta se sustenta per pilars de fosa situats al centre de la nau.^[1]

S’accedeix a la nau mitjançant quatre portes, una a cada façana.^[1]

Es tracta d’una construcció molt sòbria. El lateral de la nau presenta una senzilla motllura decorativa que emmarca les finestres. Els extrems de la nau hi ha a banda i banda de la porta dos grans medallons circulars decorats amb la imatge d’una barca de vela llatina feta de mosaic. El coronament de l’edifici està resseguit per un fris dentat. A les puntes de la nau hi havia dues estances tancades. En una hi havia el magatzem i en l’altra les oficines.^[1]

The building designed by Domènech i Montaner follows the same structure that Josep Puig i Cadafalch used for the neighboring Carbonell factory. The project consisted of two elongated naves arranged symmetrically with a building in between that provided the motive power to both buildings. In the end, however, only one naves could be built, 75 meters long by 15 meters wide, with a total of 1000 square meters. An open space with a height of more than 7 meters. The structure is made of iron beams arranged perpendicular to the length of the naves, forming scrolls with a double-sided roof. The roof is supported by cast iron pillars located in the center of the naves.[1]

The naves are accessed through four doors, one on each facade.[1]

It is a very sober construction. The side of the naves has a simple decorative molding that frames the windows. At the ends of the nave, on either side of the door, are two large circular medallions decorated with the image of a lateen sailing ship made of mosaic. The crowning of the building is outlined by a toothed frieze. At the ends of the nave were two closed rooms. In one was the warehouse and in the other the offices.[1]

Site History & Heritage Context

• The site was originally part of Escola Local d’Indústries, established in 1922 by the Mancomunitat de Catalunya for technical training tied to the region’s textile and hosiery industry  . The factory complex carries both industrial and educational heritage significance.

• Canet de Mar’s industrial boom in the early 20th century saw the rise of modernista factories such as Fàbrica Jover and Fàbrica Carbonell Susanna, designed by prominent architects like Pere Domènech i Roura and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. These buildings are still standing, mostly in good condition, and highlight the town’s architectural identity  .

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⚠️ Condition & Events

• In February 2024, a fire broke out in an old factory on Riera del Pineda in Canet de Mar. The roof partially collapsed, though fortunately there were no injuries reported. This highlights vulnerabilities of historic industrial structures to fire and decay  .

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Implications for the School of Being Proposal

1. Heritage Value & Permissions

The buildings’ designation as early-20th-century industrial/educational heritage implies that any restoration work must comply with heritage protection rules. Coordination with Diputació de Barcelona and local heritage bodies will likely be required.

2. Building Condition & Risk Assessment

The fire incident underlines the importance of conducting a comprehensive structural and safety audit, especially regarding roofing, fire prevention systems, and general decay. Budget lines should account for these assessments.

3. Restoration Opportunities

The survival of factory buildings like Jover and Carbonell in good condition suggests potential to adaptively reuse these ornate modernista spaces for creative studios, wellness rooms, and communal areas, preserving aesthetic character while fitting modern programme needs.

4. Community & Cultural Narrative

Embedding the programme within the broader modernista heritage of Canet de Mar (celebrated in local festivals and architectural tours) strengthens cultural alignment and resonance with local funders and public audiences    .

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Recommendations for Proposal Development

A. Add a Site Status Section

• Summarize historical background and heritage significance.
• Outline known structural concerns (fire incident, roof vulnerabilities).
• Highlight need for expert audits and heritage compliance.

B. Include a Risk & Mitigation Plan

• Plans for structural evaluation, fire safety systems, restoration works.
• Soft budget estimate for contingency and restoration.

C. Emphasize Adaptive Reuse Vision

• Detail how the programme’s creative-digital labs, wellness studios, and community spaces will integrate with the original modernista architecture.
• Show how respectful restoration aligns with cultural preservation goals of local funders.

D. Align with Local Cultural Events & Tourism

• Reference Canet’s Modernista Festival and existing architectural routes (e.g., factory tours, cemeteries, civic buildings) as community engagement and visibility opportunities  .

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Site Status & Risk Assessment

Antiga Fàbrica de les Capses, Canet de Mar
(For inclusion in all formal project proposals and funding applications)

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1. Site Background & Cultural Significance

The Antiga Fàbrica de les Capses in Canet de Mar is part of a historic industrial complex originally built in the early 20th century, with roots tied to the Escola Local d’Indústries (1922), created under the auspices of the Mancomunitat de Catalunya. This initiative helped establish Canet de Mar as a hub for textile and hosiery innovation.

The factory and surrounding buildings form a distinct part of the region’s modernista architectural heritage, with links to notable Catalan architects such as Pere Domènech i Roura and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Several industrial-era sites in Canet, including the Fàbrica Jover and Fàbrica Carbonell Susanna, are still standing and continue to influence the town’s cultural identity.

As a result, any development on this site must be sensitive to both architectural preservation and adaptive reuse, ensuring continuity with Canet’s commitment to celebrating and preserving its cultural patrimony.

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2. Current Status & Structural Conditions

As of early 2024, reports confirm that at least one former industrial building along Riera del Pineda (within the historic factory belt) experienced a partial roof collapse due to fire, highlighting structural vulnerabilities common to century-old industrial facilities. Although there were no injuries, the incident drew attention to the pressing need for fire safety, roof reinforcement, and general structural integrity assessments across similar sites.

The Fàbrica de les Capses, while not explicitly cited in the February 2024 incident, shares architectural features and likely similar construction age and materials, necessitating a full audit of its structural and safety readiness.

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3. Risk Identification

Risk	Potential Impact	Required Action
Aged Roofing & Structural Wear	Roof collapse, injury risk, closure of facilities	Immediate structural inspection and roof reinforcement plan
Fire Hazard	Fire outbreak, heritage loss, operational shutdown	Fire risk audit; install updated alarm, suppression, and ventilation systems
Accessibility Limitations	Inadequate access for people with disabilities or limited mobility	Accessibility survey and upgrade plan in line with EU/municipal guidelines
Heritage Restrictions	Delays or rejection of proposed internal modifications	Close coordination with Patrimoni Arquitectònic and Ajuntament de Canet de Mar

4. Mitigation Strategy

We propose a two-phase mitigation and restoration plan, co-developed with local heritage and technical advisors:

Phase 1: Diagnostic & Immediate Safety Measures

• Commission certified architectural and engineering assessments
• Conduct heritage-impact report in collaboration with Diputació de Barcelona
• Engage fire prevention specialists for risk mapping
• Allocate emergency funds for roof stabilisation and priority reinforcements

Phase 2: Restoration & Adaptive Reuse Integration

• Develop a comprehensive restoration plan that balances preservation with functionality
• Employ local artisans and restoration professionals to maintain authenticity
• Integrate green building upgrades (natural ventilation, daylighting, eco-materials) to align with EU Green Deal and NextGenerationEU sustainability criteria
• Restore façades and interiors to support community use while retaining original features

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5. Community & Cultural Value Alignment

This restoration will not only recover a neglected cultural landmark but reanimate it with new purpose as a space for creative and social healing — aligning directly with regional objectives for cultural revitalisation, social cohesion, and sustainable innovation.

• The project is positioned to participate in the Canet de Mar Modernista Festival
• Will serve as a living example of heritage-informed community transformation
• Can attract further support from regional heritage funds and EU cohesion programmes

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6. Budget Implications

A dedicated €60,000–€120,000 (estimated) will be allocated for:

• Structural inspections and compliance reporting
• Emergency roof and fire safety works
• Architectural consultancy and heritage compliance planning
• Initial adaptation for accessibility and safe public use

These costs are integral to the pilot phase and required before full programme implementation. Co-funding or phased investment strategies may be proposed to municipal and regional cultural funding bodies.

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CATALAN – ENGLISH

ESTAT I AVALUACIÓ DE RISCOS DE L’ESPAI
SITE STATUS & RISK ASSESSMENT 

Antiga Fàbrica de les Capses, Canet de Mar
Per a ús en propostes de subvenció i presentacions institucionals

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1. Antecedents i valor patrimonial
1. Site Background & Cultural Significance

L’Antiga Fàbrica de les Capses forma part d’un conjunt industrial històric del segle XX vinculat a l’Escola Local d’Indústries (1922), creada per la Mancomunitat de Catalunya per a la formació tècnica de l’àmbit tèxtil. Aquest conjunt representa un exemple destacat de l’arquitectura modernista industrial a Canet de Mar.

The site forms part of a historic industrial complex tied to the 1922 Escola Local d’Indústries, established under the Mancomunitat de Catalunya to train workers in textile manufacturing. It reflects the industrial modernisme style that defines Canet de Mar’s architectural identity.

La presència d’obres d’arquitectes com Pere Domènech i Roura o Josep Puig i Cadafalch en edificis similars reforça el seu valor patrimonial. Això implica que qualsevol intervenció ha de complir els criteris de protecció patrimonial establerts pels organismes corresponents.

Buildings linked to figures like Pere Domènech i Roura and Josep Puig i Cadafalch further increase its cultural value. Any intervention must comply with official heritage conservation standards.

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2. Estat actual i condicions estructurals
2. Current Status & Structural Conditions

El febrer de 2024 es va registrar un incendi en una antiga fàbrica a la Riera del Pineda, amb un ensorrament parcial de la coberta. Encara que no va afectar directament la Fàbrica de les Capses, l’incident subratlla la necessitat d’avaluacions estructurals preventives.

In February 2024, a fire in a nearby former factory on Riera del Pineda led to a partial roof collapse. Though the Capses site was not directly affected, the incident highlights the structural vulnerabilities common to buildings of this age.

És imprescindible realitzar una auditoria tècnica completa per garantir la seguretat estructural, accessibilitat i compliment amb normatives contra incendis i ús públic.

A full technical audit is necessary to ensure safety, accessibility, and compliance with fire and public use regulations.

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3. Identificació de riscos
3. Risk Identification

Risc	Impacte potencial	Accions requerides
Cobertes i estructura envellides	Risc d’ensorrament parcial o total	Revisió i reforç immediat
Risc d’incendi	Dany patrimonial i tancament d’activitat	Instal·lació de sistemes moderns de prevenció i detecció
Accessibilitat limitada	Exclusió de persones amb mobilitat reduïda	Millores estructurals i d’accessibilitat segons normativa
Protecció patrimonial	Riscos de retard en l’aprovació de reformes	Coordinació amb serveis de patrimoni i Ajuntament

4. Estratègia de mitigació
4. Mitigation Strategy

Fase 1: Diagnòstic i mesures de seguretat urgents

• Contractació d’estudis tècnics (enginyeria, arquitectura)
• Informe d’impacte patrimonial (amb Diputació de Barcelona)
• Pla de prevenció d’incendis i avaluació de riscos
• Partida pressupostària per a actuacions immediates

Phase 1: Diagnostics & Immediate Safety Measures

• Commissioning of technical audits (structural, architectural)
• Heritage impact report (in coordination with Diputació de Barcelona)
• Fire risk mapping and safety planning
• Emergency fund allocation for immediate reinforcement

Fase 2: Restauració i adaptació funcional

• Projecte integral de restauració amb respecte patrimonial
• Col·laboració amb artesans locals i tècnics especialitzats
• Integració de millores sostenibles (ventilació natural, eficiència energètica)
• Aprofitament dels espais per a ús creatiu i comunitari

Phase 2: Restoration & Functional Reuse

• Full architectural adaptation aligned with conservation guidelines
• Involvement of local artisans and restoration professionals
• Sustainable upgrades (natural airflow, eco-materials, energy resilience)
• Spaces adapted for creative, wellness, and social use

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5. Valor comunitari i alineació cultural
5. Community & Cultural Alignment

La rehabilitació oferirà un nou ús social i cultural a un edifici en desús, aportant valor a la comunitat i reforçant l’activació urbana i cultural local. Aquest projecte forma part de l’esperit del Pla de Recuperació Cultural i pot participar en esdeveniments com la Fira Modernista de Canet de Mar.

The restoration reanimates a dormant public space with community and creative value. It directly supports goals within the NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan and is eligible to feature in cultural events such as the Modernista Festival of Canet de Mar.

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6. Estimació pressupostària
6. Estimated Budget

S’estima una inversió inicial entre 60.000€ i 120.000€ per:

An initial investment of €60,000–€120,000 will cover:

• Avaluacions tècniques i auditories estructurals
• Mesures de seguretat i prevenció d’incendis
• Reforç de cobertes i accessos
• Projectes de restauració i adequació funcional
• Compliment de normativa d’accessibilitat
• Structural and engineering assessments
• Fire safety systems and risk mitigation
• Roof and access reinforcement
• Heritage-compliant restoration design
• Accessibility upgrades and planning

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Notes específiques per a finançament

Fundació “la Caixa”

Aquest projecte s’alinea amb l’eix “Convocatòries de Projectes Socials” i l’eix cultural-patrimonial. Pot optar a cofinançament dins de línies que promouen:

• Lluita contra l’exclusió social mitjançant la cultura i la creativitat
• Recuperació d’edificis amb valor històric per a ús comunitari
• Formació i capacitació de col·lectius vulnerables

NextGenerationEU / Mecanisme de Recuperació i Resiliència

Compleix amb els objectius de:

• Promoure la resiliència social i comunitària
• Preservació del patrimoni cultural i foment del turisme sostenible
• Rehabilitació energètica i innovació verda en infraestructures públiques
• Inclusió digital i educativa mitjançant programes creatius i tecnològics

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A little more History

Jover, Serra i Companyia was constituted in 1895 in Canet de Mar, where it established its knitwear factory, with an office building for the Jover, Serra i Companyia factory (La Ilustració Catalana, 1910).

Despite being one of the most important in its sector, the history of the company is confusing. To date only a few references can be found, as below.

The Jover, Serra i Cia knitwear factory was founded in 1894. Isidre Jover Lavera and Francesc Xavier Serra Font partnered for this company and started the business in a house on Sant Benet Street. Five years later, given that sales were going well, they decided to build a factory on the outskirts of the town. They entrusted the project to the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner who worked together with his son Pere Domènech i Roura.[1]

The work began in May 1900 and was inaugurated in September. Despite the speed with which the work was carried out, the new factory was not occupied until 1903. In 1909 the factory was expanded. However, the twin ship that had been initially planned was not built. Two independent buildings were built, one for storage and offices and the other to house the machinery.[1]

In 1910, we built a large factory building in Canet, characterised by the expansion of the business and its industrial production. At the turn of 1922 or 1923 the social denomination will be that of Jover, Montañá and Companyia. In 1931 the business went to the voltant d’Isidre Jover with the name Isidre Jover i Companyia, which became an anonyous company in 1942. This, with factories in Canet and Arenys de Mar, will arrive to produce more than a million and more annual products between mitjons, jerseys and point shirts, with a remarkable export.

In 1985, there was a suspension of payments.

• Lluís Casals
  Fons Fotogràfic Lluís Casals / Arxiu Històric del COAC © VEGAP

ADDRESS: Riera del Pinar, 12 Canet de Mar
CATEGORY:Building
TYPOLOGY: Industrial Constructions
PROTECTION CATEGORY: BCIL (Bé Cultural d’Interès Local)

2023 Letter from the president of thec
AADIPA & College of Architects of Catalonia

Antoni Vilanova Omedas, with DNI 37731310V as president of the Group of Architects for the Defense and Intervention in Architectural Heritage (AADIPA) of the College of Architects of Catalonia (COAC), hereby declare, on behalf of AADIPA, the will to collaborate, once again, with entities, public administrations and citizens in general in the safeguarding and protection of architectural heritage. One of the ways that has proven most effective is to re-provide content to those buildings that have fallen into disuse. For this reason, and after analyzing the case of the Jover Factory, a work by the architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner located in the town of Canet de Mar (Maresme), which has been abandoned for years in a central area of the municipality. We want to support the Environmental Emergency Coordinator of Canet in its work of demanding the recovery of the Jover Factory.
This entity, together with the Fundació Amics de Lluís Domènech i Montaner, has
drafted a preliminary report in which it urges the Canet de Mar City Council to take into account
this space as a possible location for a municipal facility or to provide it with another use,
that is compatible with this remarkable example of a factory building, to stop the degradation
of the industrial and architectural heritage of the town.
For this reason, we adhere to the proposed initiative and ask that the process of
degradation be stopped and that initiatives be taken for its recovery and dignification.
And so that this is recorded, I sign this declaration.

Antoni Vilanova Omedas, architect
President of the Association of Architects for the Defense and Intervention in Architectural Heritage (AADIPA)
College of Architects of Catalonia (COAC)
Barcelona, July 10, 2023

The IES Sunsi Móra takes shape in the Can Jover factory. – From industrial historical memory to educational center in Canet

From the CEAC we have commissioned these images to be able to better form an image of the educational center that the Can Jover factory could become.
This is an opportunity to dignify this factory, which represents the industrial past of the town. It is about giving it a second life to also provide vitality to the town center, making this new educational infrastructure reactivate this area and open it to the public.

It is possible. Let’s make it possible!

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