Sustainability

Recycling strategies

In the midst of rapid change and uncertainty, the Spanish architecture sector reinvents itself and embarks upon a transition towards alternate construction practices, that emphasize the reuse and retrofit of existing buildings and resources.

Make architecture a sustainable project, that also takes into account participation, collaboration and social commitment, is a growing trend, whilst at the same time public investment in community centres and cultural facilities increases.

Find out why old buildings matter and how a new generation of Catalan architects make adaptive reuse of existing structures the foundation of sustainable and socially responsible design

A new generation of aspiring young architects surprises with austere and environmentally responsible proposals, which are resolved with extraordinary sensitivity, combining the old and the new, technological and social innovation, and manage to redefine architecture as the maximum cultural production.

In this tour we explore how preserving and reusing existing structures may offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to demolition and thus effective strategy for mitigating climate change.

    Who will be guiding you around some of the most sustainable adaptive reuse projects in Barcelona?

    A local architect of Guiding Architects (The world’s largest network of architecture tour companies, established in 1996):

    • We deliver relevant, accurate and up-to-date information in a dynamic and entertaining way.
    • We design authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences that strive to exceed your expectations.
    • We provide insightful reflection and inspirational views on the city that only passionate architects like us can convey.

    Selection of projects included in the tour

    Complex d’ Equipaments de la Vil·la Urània | SUMO Arquitectes SLP + Yolanda Olmo
    Biblioteca Montserrat Abelló | Antoni Pons Domínguez | Ricard Mercadé Aurora Fernández Arquitectes
    Lleialtat Santsenca | Josep Alemany | H Arquitectes
    Sala Beckett | Josep Masdeu | Flores i Prats Arquitectes

    Duration: Half-day tour

    Transport: By foot and public transport

    Service: Experienced architect as a guide, reservations

    Languages: German, Spanish, Catalan, English, French, Italian, Dutch

    Max participants: 25 pax/group