A prominent research institute sits within the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), known as Fab Lab Barcelona, it acts as a globally recognised digital fabrication laboratory. The institute focuses on the development of citizen-centric smart city solutions, playing a key role in advancing urban innovation, climate sustainability, and research and education. This is achieved through a focus on IoT and sensor technologies. Among its notable achievements is the Smart Citizen Kit, an open-source environmental sensor that empowers residents to actively participate in monitoring key environmental indicators such as air quality, noise levels, and temperature fluctuations.
Coordinating the global Fab City initiative is a core function, with the vision being to build a network of cities that are locally productive and globally connected. With a staff of between 51 and 200, the organisation significantly contributes to the advancement of smart city strategies and empowers citizens to actively engage in shaping their urban environments across Europe and beyond. The research conducted at Fab Lab Barcelona plays a pivotal role in furthering the aims of the SCH platform by developing cutting-edge technologies, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration across a global network of smart cities.