URBAN PLAN FOR POBLENOU, BARCELONA Master Thesis at Chalmers Architecture Urban and Architectural Design Laboratory Hanna Andrén 2012-05-23 Examinator Ana Betancour
POINT OF DEPARTURE: CONFLICTS AND PUBLIC SPACE // LOCATION BARCELONA
RESEARCH: A HISTORY OF PERIPHERY AND CENTER // MAPPING POBLENOU // ACTORS & AGENTS // CASESTUDIES // CONFLICT DRAWING
URBAN STRATEGY: SCENARIO & VACANT SITES // TOOLBOX & PROGRAM CATALOUGE // PROGRAM NETWORK // NETWORK DRAWING
ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGY: SITECONDITIONS // INTERVENTIONS // PROPOSAL
ATTACHMENTS: REFERENCES // INTERVIEW POINT OF DEPARTURE: CONFLICTS AND PUBLIC SPACE “Conflict is not something that affects one originally, or potentially, harmonious urban space. Urban space is a product of conflicts” Rosalyn Deutche
The framework of the thesis departs from public spaces, not as the space for consensus and homogeneity but highlighting the phenomenon of con- flict as the condition for its existence. Departing from last year global protests and resistance of the Arab spring and the occupy movement where the public room’s potential as a stage for democracy has been highlighted.
The thesis focuses on Poblenou, a former industrial area in Barcelona where large protests arose as a result of a redevelopment plan. The thesis exposes conflicts and negations and brings up disadvantaged actors. The interventions aims to work as a catalyst in making room for and consolidate the actors as partaking citizens in the urban development. POINT OF DEPARTURE: LOCATION BARCELONA
FRANCEFRANCEFRANCE
SANT SANTMARTÍ SANTMARTÍ DISTRICT MARTÍ DISTRICT DISTRICT SPAINSPAINSPAIN
PORTUGALPORTUGALPORTUGAL + + + - - - + MADRID+ MADRID+ MADRIDBARCELONABARCELONABARCELONA + CIUTAT+ CIUTATVELLA+ DISTRICTCIUTATVELLA DISTRICT VELLA DISTRICT @22BCN@22BCN@22BCN
- - -
MEDITERRANEANMEDITERRANEAN SEAMEDITERRANEAN SEA SEA
CATALONIACATALONIACATALONIA BARCELONABARCELONABARCELONA SANT SANTMARTÍ SANT MARTÍDISTRICT MARTÍDISTRICT DISTRICT “Since politicians have changed recently, I am sorry to tell you that most of the insights produced are past, rather than present: the atmospherehere seems frozen, and the need to cry aloud is increasing” Antonio Millan (ETSAV)
The recent redevelopment plan of Barcelona called @22 involves Poblenou, parts of San Martí district. Poblenou, a former industrial area that un- derwent a process of degradation that began with the deindustrialization in the 60´s. With the preparation for the Olympic games in 92, new plans and interventions started the transformation of Poblenou into one of the new centres in Barcelona.
The plan of @22, a private/public initiative with the official aim to transforming Poblenou into a new central zone of technology and innovation, included massive investments in private and commercial programs. Critique and opposition of these plans came from citizens, various cultural -net works and professionals. They advocated community service, spaces for cultural sector and the protection of cultural heritage. Point of departure is the current state of conflicts. RESEARCH: INTRO
The research is a result of both theoretical processing of information through books, articles, maps and websites and an exploration of the site by physical observations and interviews. The research took place in Barcelona during august and September 2011 and aimed to understand Poblenou from different perspectives.
The historical research identifies important events and phenomena of Poblenou. It aims to highlight a local and unofficial history of Poblenou in contrast to the official image of Barcelona.
Mapping of physical and nonphysical structures and phenomena aimed to identify issues of interest and locations for interventions.
Actors and agents aims to identify the actors in the area and their involvement in the urban development and conflicts.
Casestudies aims to confirm the needs and desires as shown by initiatives and activities already taken by the actors involved in the opposition to the urban development. RESEARCH: A HISTORY OF PERIPHERY AND CENTER
The development of Barcelona has through its history been catalysed by big events and the adopted strategy of an official image. From the walled gothic city, the bourgeois monumental city to the “tourist city”. On the other side the city´s has also grown from its periphery, the marginalised and the incorporation of it into the city. With a history of decentralized networks and organisation, from the medieval guilds to a strong working class community and cultural networks. This duality of the city, is visible through the conflicts between local actors and developers and landowners in the area of Poblenou.
Poblenou has throughout history been a place for production, from the medieval agriculture and industrial activities to the cultural production since the 80´s, due to the de-industrialisation. The redevelopment plan of @22 is an attempt to transform and recreate productivity and generating a new economy in the district, but the plan lacks a local connection. This lack of local connection, an industrial heritage in decay and run over citizens’ voices has been the basis for a conflict and resistance to the @22 plan and its global investors. RESEARCH: A HISTORY OF PERIPHERY AND CENTER
1937-39 Spanish Civil War A HISTORY OF 1701–1714 War of Succession 1939-1978 Franco’s fascist regime. Camp de la Bota, the site of today´s Forum, was used by the Franco regime as a CONFLICTS prison and execution ground between 1939 and 1952 it is estimated that 1,700 political struggles for social changes and were killed here power over the country, colonies and Land owner conflicts city between nationalistic and socialistic movements. Conflicts between Industrial bourgeois, the Church, Span- ish government, the military opposed to several workers organization, the largest being the anarchist workers union CNT. working class struggle
A HISTORY OF 0-400 1700-1850 1850-1939 The Roman colony of Barcelona surrendered to Castilian in the War of Succession 1705 to 1714 and the The 1888 world exhibition catalyzed the process of modernization of Barcelona. The IMAGES consisted of a city core, it´s wall and surroundings populated with isolated farming city lost its political autonomy. urban transformations were a response to the ambition of the industrial bourgeois communities. in creating and promoting the 400-1400 The maritime economy paved way for colonization that provided means to support The city was at the time the representative and monumental city. associated with its wall and gates. industrialization In that the modernization process culminated in 1929 exhibition, the city began That image presented an escape from a feudal system, protection from invaders as to evolve through the exploration of marginalized issues of the working class, the well as access to public service. peripheral and its incorporation into the city. 1400-1700 Barcelona became one of the Mediterranean area the most powerful maritime city
Gracia Gracia Gracia
el Clot el Clot Eixample el Clot
costal line 0-400 400-1400 1400-1700 el Poblenou el Poblenou Poblenou
3rd wall Barcino Citadel Poble Sec Ciutat Vella 2nd wall el Poble Sec Ciutat Vella el Poble Sec
Barceloneta
Urban axes City walls Urban axes Urban axes Growth of suburban communities City walls Train Roman aqueduct Growth of suburban communities Growth of suburban communities Gothic irrigation system Military zone Area aded to Cerdà plan of Eixample 0 1700 1940 A HISTORY OF 0-1400 1700-1850 1850-1939 The Roman aqueduct was the early structure for settlement Sant Martí. programmatic difference and physical bar- The strong immigration flow and miserable work and hygiene conditions led to a PERIPHERY AND rise an development of social mobilizations, associa- 1400-1700 riers CENTER Poblenou mostly consisted until the early 18th century of marshes and pastures. The tions and cooperatives. city established separated Poblenou from the city. As a result of the War of Succession the military The migration flow also led to a increase of shantytowns, concentrated along Carrer zone and the Citadel that was built at the border to Sant Martí prevented the plain Badajoz and along the coastline. When Sant Martí was included into Barcelona mu- activities that was not to be urbanized and the railways closed access to the city. nicipality in 1897, the urban structure established by Cerdà expanded more rapidly suitable within the city walls, and resulted in that many of the factories and small roads cut through the grid. The community and early factories such as cemetery and quarantine station. Parallel with the territorial expansion in factories and population that continued in of Poblenou expanded around the infrastructure and with the increasing industrial to the 50´s, the Macià Plan from 1934, by Le Corbusier and the GATCPAC group activity a small network of squares and streets developed. proposed a rezoning of Poblenou into residential and recreational area. A HISTORY OF farming communities textile, metalurgy and agriculture expanding industrial activity PRODUCTION Salt production, fishing, potting and tile steam-coal operated and water energy making driven industry. The Ideas of the city planning Olympic Games was criticized for As an effect of the 90´s planning, the shopping centers, privatized closed gardens, gated communities and survailance that appeared met opposition because of the considering external voices and invest- restriction of free public space. global economy and local production ments rather than local. The recovering of the city where neglected citizen´s demands run down areas were upgraded, the increase of tourism led to led to higher rents. protests againsts large scale development La Mina and Diagonal Mar, the first being housing built to rehouse the shantytowns lacking local, historical and cultural con- dwellers and the later a gated community are examples of conflicts of cerns 22@Bcn, development plan of Poblenou led by the city council through social segregation and exclusion. the private-public company of @22Bcn, supported by the private sector; real estate sector and business community lack of affordable housing and workspace
1940-1975 1975-1992 1992-2004 The previous dual model of Barcelona’s growth, the central and the suburban vil- The recovering of Barcelona after the years of oppression was a process that again The urban policy in the 90´s, led to new forms of interpretations of culture, politics lages changed by several culminated in a big event, the Olympic Games in 92. The urban planning aimed to and economy in planning. It is expressed by the branding of the city deal with through architecture and its symbolic capacity and of types of privatized “public Regional plans and a speculative residen- the fragmented city. spaces”. This new approach involved interventions in the city on diffrent scales; rehabilitate 2004-2011 tial development and redesign the citys spaces as well as larger infrastructural developments. The In an attempt to repeat the model of the development with Olympic city, another overall vision of recovering the costal front linked the interventions. event was held in the city in 2004, Universal Forum of Cultures. The new image of Barcelonaas the “city of Knowledge” is represented through the plans for Poblenou.
Gracia
el Clot Eixample
Diagonal @22
Poblenou @22 @22 Poblenou Poblenou Ciutat Vella Vila Olímpica Diagonal Mar [ ]Forum new coastal front
Urban axes Growth of suburban communities Urban axes Urban axes Area aded to Cerdà plan of Eixample Area of development Area of development 1975 1992 2000
1940-75 1980-1992 1992-2004 With the 1953 Regional Plan limits for the industrial The interventions around the costal front began to formulate Poblenou as an The continuation of Diagonal Avenue linked Poblenou to the business and comercial core of the city. The interventions articulated Gloriés as a central node included a expansion was determined. area of centrality. concentration of offices, hotels and shopping centre.
The The construction of Vila Olímpica (92) transformed the industrial area of Icària and The @22 plan was a response to the obsolete regulation for land use of Poblenou, Diagonal Mar into low density residential areas. The new types of neighbourhoods led by the city council through the private-public company of @22Bcn promoting a relocation and reaccomodation strategies that appeared along the caostal strip, combined district of technology and innovation. of the shantytowns was intensified between the 60´s and 80´s. hotel, retail, housing and offices The development of @22 and urban renovation of Poblenou since the Olympic city meant the introduction of star architects and landmark buildings. The de-industrialisation and the economic crisis in 74 was a significant blow to Poblenou, an area already in degradation and obselence. de-industrialization establishment of artist communities technology and tourism sectors coexist transport companies tourism and service with small scale economy and cultural production RESEARCH: MAPPING POBLENOU
PSPS2 1 6 5 5 C2 S S1 PS5 PSS CNC PS 1 1 PAP 2 SANT MARTI DE PROVENCALS IN1 PAP PAP 1 CNCN2,3,42, C2 IN1 PSP 8 PS5C5 5 PSP S1 S1 LA MINA 1 EL BESOS I EL MARASME S5 IN I1 1 INN 2 INI 1 C IN1 C7 PSS5 2 1 1 C CN I2 INN IN1 S1 PS5 INI 1 S1 TL1 PS9 I1 I1 INI 1 INN1 O2 I2 PSP 1 1 IN1 PROVENCALS DE POBLENOU C2 IN1 ILI C9 I1 C10 INI 1 O1 C2 C7 S1 IN1 S2 C3 PSP 5 PS5 S1TLT 1 2 1 INN1 PA IN O1 C9 1 PSPS5 IL1 S1 S S1 S1 C9 C9 PS5 EL CLOT IN1 CO1 O2 I1 INN1 S1 PSP 5 9 1 C PA 1 S1 C9 I IN1 S1 C9 S1 TL3 PSP 5 1 3 1 S PS S 1 S1 S4 CO2 CN5 TL1 TL S1 O2 O1 PAP 1 S1 S3 INI 1 IN1 C1 PS5 O2 PS5 S1 2 S1 I1 1 S1 CO PSP S1 CNC 1,55 O1 DIAGONAL MAR I EL FRONT 1 S1 2 S1 S I1 I S1 2 2 MARITIM DEL POBLENOU C1 COCO2 TLT 1S1 O O2 O S1 COO2 2 S1 S1 PA2I2 CO PSP 5 S1 1 S1 PSP 8 1 S1 I S 2 S1 COO O2 S1 PS1 1 1 CO1 C4 S1 I2 S1 S C2 TLT S1 INI 1 COC 2 TLT 1 S1 I2 S1 S1 1 1 2 1 C S CO S 3 5 PS6 1 I2 I2 S1 PS PS 1 S PS4 S1 S S1 PSP 1 PS5 PS5 4 S1 TL1 C1 CNC 4C8 I1 1 1 S O2 TLT S TL1 S1 PSP 2 C5 INI 1 O2 S1 I1 C7 C9 C9 O1 I1 IN1 S1 S1 2 C3 C8 PSP 6 S1PSP 1PSP 1 IL1 PSP 5 S1 PSS6 O 2 S1 C9 O 1 5 S 2 PS I2 PS5 PSS 1 4 1 I 2 PS O 1 5 I I2 I1 S PS O1 S1 PS6 TLT 1 S1 2 C2 C2 O 2 S1 COCO2 S1 S1 S1 S 1 8 I S1 EL PARC I LA LLACUNA POBLENOU O2 C PA1 2 COCO2 PSS5 PS6 PA S1 PS3 1 S1 CN1 TLT 1 S1 DEL POBLENOU I2 O S1 1 TLT 3 C2 4 PSP CO2 C1 S2 IN1 INN1 C5 S 1 S1 S1 S3 S S1 CN1 PS5 S1 2 INI 1 I1 1 C S1 1 TLL 9 IL1 S1 S1 2 S S2 C I2 C9 1 CO2 COC 2I S2 S1 IN1 IN1 S C2 S1 1 O2 S1 C9 IN CN5 S1 S1 S1 C9 IL1 O1 PS5 TLT 3 S5 S1 C5 S1 IN1 S5 S2 C2 S1 S1 S2 S1 I1 I2 S1 S1 S1 C7 2 I1 S1 S S2 I2 S5 C2 S2 PSS1 TLL1 IN1 S2 TL1 S1 S1 S1PSS1 INN1 I1 TL2 S2 PS6 1 S2 C9TLT 1 C8 5 1 INN C8 PS S1 IN C8 S1 INN1 1 2 PSP S 4 S2 TLL1 PS S1 C2 S1 S1 IN1 I2 S2 S2 S1 2 1 S2 TL1 O1 TL3 I 1 S 1 C3 S2 O S S2 I1 I2 PSPS5C2C8 C1S1 INN1
- INN1
INN1
CULTURER/LEISURE INFRASTRUCTURE/SERVICE PUBLIC SERVICE P.S. ADM. CENTERS PRIVATE/ COMMERCIAL LA VILA OLIMPICA DEL POBLENOU library C1 bicing I1 senior residence/day center PS1 administrative public service PA1 grossist/adm. offices O1 church/worship C2 car park I2 social service/welfare center PS2 post office PA2 office/buisness O2 museum C3 restaurant S1 Police(local/regional)/passport/identity. PS3 senior center CN1 shopping center CO1 cinema C4 bar/nightclub S2 university PS4 youth center CN2 shopping CO2 theatre C5 municipal market S3 school(grund/dagis) PS5 children center CN3 hotel TL1 municipal sport centers C7 street market/fairs S4 other education PS6 civic center CN4 student residence TL2 galleries C8 small shops, super mercado etc. S5 bcn wifi PS7 neighbourhood center CN5 apartments for rent TL3 invisible creative C9 workshop/service/retail IN1 healthcare PS8 event area C10 invisible living IL1 hospital PS9
soft green wild green hard green
DISTRICT GREENSTRUCTURE PROGRAM D
C
B PARC DEL CLOT
B G B
E
F H [ ]
A
DISTRICT GREENSTRUCTURE PROGRAM PROGRAM AREAS and @22 PRIVATE/PUBLIC VACANT SITES RESEARCH: ACTORS & AGENTS
NEIGHBOURS ASSOCIATION We want to regain our identity, practicing historical More than 200.000 people have left “Since politicians have changed recently, I am A company engaged in purchasing investment….the memory, the memory of truth...... the city since 1986 because they sorry to tell you that most of the insights company seems to serve as fuel to all political parties.. 3 The story we have to write that we suffer and cope couldn’t find an affordable place to live produced are past, rather than present: the years ago there was a series of hassles because Renta atmosphere here seems frozen, and the need Corporación bought down the price and sold to the munici- with speculation, insecurity, lack of housing and here. YOUTH ASSOCIATION repression. V de Vivenda to cry aloud is increasing. pality rather expensive. And the profit seemed to have been Poblenou Neighbours Associacion Antonio Millan (ETSAV) split with the parties that made the proposition. Placido Romero (La Escocesa)
LOCAL INTEREST GLOBAL INTEREST ROMANIE FAMILIES
REDEVELOPMENT/22@BCN YOUTH ASSOCIATION Redevelopment plan with the aim to transform the former industrial zone of Poblenou to a new technological area with non disturbing and non-polluting productive activities. The creation of urban space according to the HOMELESS NEIGHBOURS ASSOCIATION needs of the current knowledge-based society. The real estate sector has decisively supported the Project: 74 of the 110 plans approved are promoted by the private sector.The plan is an extension of the largesacle urban IMMIGRANTS projects of Diagonal Mar and Forum 2004. CREATIVE COLLECTIVE IMMIGRANTS NEIGHBOURS PRIVATE CORPORACION TOURISTS Concerning Industrial Heritage WORK SPACE OCCUPANTS CITY COUNCIL The most present one is Renta Corpo- Not present in the and Public Space etc. HOUSING OCCUPANTS Different creative collectives that El ayuntamiento with racion; occupied with Real Estate conflicts but often part Decreasing activity in Resis- Different kind of unregulated need cheap and crude workingspace. politicians and planners Investments. Recently in a scandal of one. tance. living. Immigrants, undocumen- Occupying with or without permis- created the 22@ plan concerning corruption within the ted and poor families occupying CREATIVE COLLECTIVES sion. If with, under bad conditions. political realm. Bought most of the old factories and buildings land within the development area of TOURISTS ROMANIE FAMILIES 22@bcn. HOMELESS PEOPLE CITY COUNCIL
PRIVATE CORPORATION NEIGHBOURS ASSOCIATION “Since politicians have changed recently, I am A company engaged in purchasing investment….the sorry to tell you that most of the insights company seems to serve as fuel to all political parties.. 3 produced are past, rather than present: the years ago there was a series of hassles because Renta atmosphere here seems frozen, and the need Corporación bought down the price and sold to the munici- to cry aloud is increasing. pality rather expensive. And the profit seemed to have been YOUTH ASSOCIATION Antonio Millan (ETSAV) split with the parties that made the proposition. Placido Romero (La Escocesa)
GLOBAL INTEREST ROMANIE FAMILIES
REDEVELOPMENT/22@BCN Redevelopment plan with the aim to transform the former industrial zone of Poblenou to a new technological area with non disturbing and non-polluting productive activities. The creation of urban space according to the HOMELESS needs of the current knowledge-based society. The real estate sector has decisively supported the Project: 74 of the 110 plans approved are promoted by the private sector.The plan is an extension of the largesacle urban projects of Diagonal Mar and Forum 2004.
IMMIGRANTS PRIVATE CORPORACION TOURISTS CITY COUNCIL The most present one is Renta Corpo- Not present in the El ayuntamiento with racion; occupied with Real Estate conflicts but often part politicians and planners Investments. Recently in a scandal of one. created the 22@ plan concerning corruption within the CREATIVE COLLECTIVES political realm. Bought most of the land within the development area of TOURISTS 22@bcn.
CITY COUNCIL
PRIVATE CORPORATION RESEARCH: CASESTUDIES
ECONOMIC PRODUCTION POLITICAL EVENTS AGRICULTURE C MARKETS I N E M SOCIAL GATHERINGS A leonardo / international society for arts, sciences an tecnology telenokia.net RED offtv.info
dorkbotbarcelona.org Personas, cityborg.net WORK SPACE OCCUPATION crtl-i colectivos, zherji.net rotorrr.org espacios… EXHIBITIONS institut d’art electrònica de Bergen (noruega) ydegoyon.free.fr
Producción parccentralpark
cultural REpensar barcelona ciudadana nanoland REcuperar la ciutat conectada + sci
ACTION &PRODUCTION a nau21 VICTOR PUNTES Part of the resistant strategies involved creating spaces for action, DAVID GALLIGANI context production and communication with connection to the local. Citizen holodeck openfridays
JOSEP and organisations gathered in creating spaces for action, production SALDAÑA NÖEL wewearbuildings.cc PALAZZO xinacitta straddle3 and communication with connection to the local. mad JOAN fadaiat.net BLANCA ESCOFET PALOU MACARENA DE VEGA hackitectura.net
barcelona.indymedia.org almazen BEATRIZ BELMONTE luve.cc
ORIOL MARGARITA PONT PINEDA la ciutat de les paraules LLUC apqr MAYOL axa (ass. deu artistes) JOSE LUÍS PAULETE saladestar joystik la imposible ático 8 fad XIMENA silo COVALEDA fib art (futur) centre del disseny -glòries-
escola bau museu de les arts decoratives grupo noventaynueve ARTIST COLLECTIVES, ASSOCIATIONS, LOCALS non stop 72 escola eina passatges res pública tv escola bau pocs associació acetone magazine experimentem amb l’art
la lluna (imatge per la cooperació)
comafosca, node d’art i pensament a alella RENEWAL OF PUBLIC SPACES
T E M ADAPTATION P OF INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE O R leonardo / international society for arts, sciences an tecnology telenokia.net RED offtv.info A dorkbotbarcelona.org Personas, cityborg.net crtl-i colectivos, zherji.net rotorrr.org espacios… institut d’art electrònica de Bergen (noruega) ydegoyon.free.fr R
Producción parccentralpark Y STRUCTURES cultural REpensar barcelona ciudadana nanoland REcuperar la ciutat conectada + sci a nau21 VICTOR CITIZEN & NETWORKS SPACE PUNTES DAVID During 2004-2006 cultural networks and neighbourhood organi- Adapting of the old industrial heritage into work and or living space. GALLIGANI context holodeck openfridays zations acted in protest against the city’s plans. The major issues Reclaiming abandoned space for public use. Ex ParcCentralPark pro-
JOSEP SALDAÑA involved: -community services in the face of rampant urban devel- ject invited people to participate in the design of the park. Tempo- NÖEL wewearbuildings.cc PALAZZO xinacitta straddle3 mad opment(22@plan). -the need for production space for the culture rary spaces and structures as platforms for actions and discussions. JOAN fadaiat.net BLANCA ESCOFET PALOU MACARENA DE VEGA hackitectura.net sector. -protection of industrial heritage.
barcelona.indymedia.org almazen BEATRIZ BELMONTE luve.cc
ORIOL MARGARITA PONT PINEDA la ciutat de les paraules LLUC apqr MAYOL axa (ass. deu artistes) JOSE LUÍS PAULETE saladestar joystik la imposible ático 8 fad XIMENA silo COVALEDA fib art (futur) centre del disseny -glòries- escola bau museu de les arts decoratives grupo noventaynueve non stop 72 escola eina passatges res pública tv escola bau pocs associació acetone magazine experimentem amb l’art
la lluna (imatge per la cooperació)
comafosca, node d’art i pensament a alella RESEARCH: CONFLICT DRAWING
The drawing shows past and present conflictual issues and sites identified in the research. These conflicts are summarizedneglected in population, economic crisis, a industrial heritage in decay, housing and workspace, limited access to public spaces, resource crisis. These conflict issues and sites overlap with the vacant sites that were found in the research. These sites are a result of the economic crisis in 2011 when global actors pulled out of their investments. The urban strategy departs from and deals with these issues and vacant sites. NEGLECTED POPULATION ECONOMIC CRISIS INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE IN DECAY Due to recent development of Investments Unemployment and poor economy reduc- A development that neglects the local his- in private and comercial programs and es possibility to consume and companies torical continuation of poblenou. corruption in the process. Plans has been leave. Global investors pulling out, leaving made over citizens heads. Citizens demand- the development of the area without a sta- ing social services ble commitment.
HOUSING AND WORKSPACE LIMITED ACCESS TO PUBLIC SPACES RESOURCE CRISIS Speculative housing market, lack of afford- More privatized and limited usage possibili- Due to a global lack of recources the need able housing opportunities, evictions and ties of the public spaces creates less open to reduce linear flows of matter and energy homelessness and free spaces to dwell in RESEARCH: CONFLICT DRAWING
Can Ricart present: the nineteenth-century industrial factory complex of Can Ricart became
la escosesa the subject for, and symbol of the conflict created by the @22 plan. between present: an old factory in a decayed state, partly claimed industrial heritage and 2004-2006 numerous manifestations and protests was held by coalition of neigh- owned by private corporations. artist collectives rent the factory with short term bourhood associations, artist groups, and architects advocating: rental contracts, and in risk of eviction -community services in the face of rampant urban development(22@plan) The current state is that they have declared it as industrial -the need for production space for the culture sector -protection of industrial heritage. heritage, but it has been burned 3 times by the owners for it to fall. Because, of course, as it is not sold, it will fall and return to equity Placido Romero (La Escocesa) In 2005 Salvem Can Ricart claimed a partial victory when the city agreed to save industrial heritage in decay the factory from demolition. Yet over thirty small industries and most of the artists present: owners burn the factory three times to be able to sell the land to develop-
and designers had already been evicted from their rented spaces, leaving only the ers. unofficial occupation of the plot by a romanie family and a nearby warehouse collective of Hangar. of artist collectives Andd ththehee company coompanyompompananyny ,they,ththethheheyy trtried to sell alllll theth surrounsursurrsurroundingundindidii building(ships),buildibubuilldidi shipsships)ips)psps),),) butb nownow withwiw thee crisis,s theytheth have not beenn Social contrast; La Mina/ Diagonal Mar able.abll
present: conflict with residents of La Mina will be difficult to suppress in the short term. Diagonal Mar, surrounded by large fences and gates that are locked at night, Parc del Centre del Poblenou is effectively a gated community that may encourage social segregation and present: citizen created a proposal for a parc, the city invites Jean novel to design increase La Mina's social exclusion. it, it's now open limited time during the day. Barcelona Field Studies Centre The most difficult problem to solve, however, is the lack of local shoppers with money to spend. Barcelona Field Studies Centre
Forum
Unofficial living past: Camp de la Bota, the site of today´s Forum, was used by the Franco regime past: the different strategies of, by force relocate or re-accommodate the inhabit- as a prison and execution ground between 1939 and 1952. ants in shantytowns, that was intensified in the 60´s to the 80´s received protests
and criticism from inhabitants and supporting organizations. present: Universal Forum of Cultures, 2004 an event that was organized by Barce- ... it is a desertrtt ththereere today.day present: homeless, undocumented and romanie families occupying storage build- Placido Romeromeromme o (LaLa Escocesa) lona's and Spanish government and UNESCO and was possible by the investments ings, streets and vacant sites in Poblenou. of multinational corporal business. The event became critized for, in favor of private business, creating an apoliticall image, taking culture as an alibi for urban transformations. It´s today an huge event area as a limited public space
Evictions Economic crisis
present: the commercial activity around Diagonal Mar and lower Diagonal suffer present: in 2011 the police intervene toward a building in Badajoz which has been
from lack of accessibility to consumers and in a risk of closure. Investors pull out occupied over five years by 50 immigrants. It was an eviction in wait for trial.
Neighborhood associations and political organizations held a support manifesta- and the development is put on hold. tion in demand for better social service.
Diagonal mar present: housing area with limited public access VACANT SITES Unofficial workspaces present: hidden creative collectives based in warehouses and old factories
Expensive housing present: The 10,000 new apartments being constructed in the vicinity of Diagonal Workers strike [ ] Mar should bring in people with spending power, but the experience of the nearby past: protests and strikes througout Poblenous industrial history since the begin- Olympic Village, where apartments have been priced out of the range of many ning of 19th century. the largest workers union being the anarchist workers union young urban professionals, suggests that the money may be in short supply or may PRESENT CONFLICT CNT. not necessarily be spent locally. Barcelona Field Studies Centre
PAST CONFLICT Can Ricart present: the nineteenth-century industrial factory complex of Can Ricart became la escosesa the subject for, and symbol of the conflict created by the @22 plan. between present: an old factory in a decayed state, partly claimed industrial heritage and 2004-2006 numerous manifestations and protests was held by coalition of neigh- owned by private corporations. artist collectives rent the factory with short term bourhood associations, artist groups, and architects advocating: rental contracts, and in risk of eviction
-community services in the face of rampant urban development(22@plan) The current state is that they have declared it as industrial -the need for production space for the culture sector -protection of industrial heritage. heritage, but it has been burned 3 times by the owners for it to fall. Because, of course, as it is not sold, it will fall and return to equity Placido Romero (La Escocesa) In 2005 Salvem Can Ricart claimed a partial victory when the city agreed to save industrial heritage in decay the factory from demolition. Yet over thirty small industries and most of the artists present: owners burn the factory three times to be able to sell the land to develop- and designers had already been evicted from their rented spaces, leaving only the ers. unofficial occupation of the plot by a romanie family and a nearby warehouse collective of Hangar. of artist collectives Andd ththehee company coompanyompompananyny ,they,ththethheheyy trtried to sell alllll theth surrounsursurrsurroundingundindidii building(ships),buildibubuilldidi shipsships)ips)psps),),) butb nownow withwiw thee crisis,s theytheth have not beenn Social contrast; La Mina/ Diagonal Mar able.abll
present: conflict with residents of La Mina will be difficult to suppress in the short term. Diagonal Mar, surrounded by large fences and gates that are locked at night, Parc del Centre del Poblenou is effectively a gated community that may encourage social segregation and present: citizen created a proposal for a parc, the city invites Jean novel to design increase La Mina's social exclusion. it, it's now open limited time during the day. Barcelona Field Studies Centre The most difficult problem to solve, however, is the lack of local shoppers with money to spend. Barcelona Field Studies Centre
Forum
Unofficial living past: Camp de la Bota, the site of today´s Forum, was used by the Franco regime past: the different strategies of, by force relocate or re-accommodate the inhabit- as a prison and execution ground between 1939 and 1952. ants in shantytowns, that was intensified in the 60´s to the 80´s received protests
and criticism from inhabitants and supporting organizations. present: Universal Forum of Cultures, 2004 an event that was organized by Barce- ... it is a desertrtt ththereere today.day present: homeless, undocumented and romanie families occupying storage build- Placido Romeromeromme o (LaLa Escocesa) lona's and Spanish government and UNESCO and was possible by the investments ings, streets and vacant sites in Poblenou. of multinational corporal business. The event became critized for, in favor of private business, creating an apoliticall image, taking culture as an alibi for urban transformations. It´s today an huge event area as a limited public space
Evictions Economic crisis
present: the commercial activity around Diagonal Mar and lower Diagonal suffer present: in 2011 the police intervene toward a building in Badajoz which has been
from lack of accessibility to consumers and in a risk of closure. Investors pull out occupied over five years by 50 immigrants. It was an eviction in wait for trial. and the development is put on hold. Neighborhood associations and political organizations held a support manifesta- tion in demand for better social service.
Diagonal mar present: housing area with limited public access
Unofficial workspaces present: hidden creative collectives based in warehouses and old factories
Expensive housing present: The 10,000 new apartments being constructed in the vicinity of Diagonal Workers strike [ ] Mar should bring in people with spending power, but the experience of the nearby past: protests and strikes througout Poblenous industrial history since the begin- Olympic Village, where apartments have been priced out of the range of many ning of 19th century. the largest workers union being the anarchist workers union young urban professionals, suggests that the money may be in short supply or may CNT. not necessarily be spent locally. Barcelona Field Studies Centre
URBAN STRATEGY: SCENARIO & VACANT SITES
“One example, one of the things that we try to generate with La Escocesa is, well, that the site itself as a center of creation begins to infect the spaces around it.” Placido Romero Martinez (resident artist of La Escocesa)
Poblenou is today an area in development that due to the economic crisis is put partly on hold. This leaves traces in the city in the form of vacant and abandoned construction sites. The sites, officially closed for access is taken over by nature containing traces of Poblenous industrial heritage as well as hidden actors and activities.
What if a strategy could seize this moment of crisis to strengthen the local actors, taking advantage of the vacant sites in provide room for the ne- glected actors and consolidate them as participating citizens in the continuous urban development. INTACT
smallscale industrial/ service workshop IN DECAY scrap collecting schools/public programs school ACTIVE UNOFFICIAL HOUSE invisible living cultural production OCCUPANTS DEMOLISHED UNOFFICIAL HOUSE smallscale industrial/ unofficial living IN DECAY OCCUPANTS service workshop agriculture cultural production schools/public programs police smallscale industrial/service workshop DECONSTRUCTED symbolic value
office area local service/housing unofficial living center cultural production HOUSE OCCUPANTS schools/public programs university/mediatic HARD GREEN UNOFFICIAL HOUSE OCCUPANTS nightlife area cultural production unofficial living WILD GREEN local service/housing scrap collecting UNOFFICIAL HOUSE smallscale industrial/ cultural production SOFT GREEN OCCUPANTS service workshop
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE WILD GREEN ESTABLISHED NETWORKS LOCAL ACTIVITY URBAN STRATEGY: TOOLBOX & PROGRAM CATALOUGE
The interventions depart from the various conflicts and conditions on site, they respond to the needs and activities of local actors INTEGRATING THE EXISTING LEARN/ EXCHANGE PRODUCE INHABIT Aims to provide a historical conti- Aims to put local knowledge and Aims to taking care of the various Aims to provide possibilities for nuity by reintegrate and adapt the skills into actions by collaborations types of production that exists. everyday activities and provide industrial heritage. and shared spaces. As well as pro- Support recycling and reuse as shelter and services to the hidden vide spaces for communication part of a local economy and ma- actors and meetings. terial savings. To support a basic need of energy and water to the sites.
WORKSPACEWORKSPACE WORKSPACE WORKSPACE OPEN WORKSHOPSOPEN WORKSHOPS forWORKSHOPSOPEN cul- WORKSHOPSOPEN for forcul-WORKSHOPS cul for- cul- for cul- WORKSPACE INDUSTRIALINDUSTRIAL HERITAGEINDUSTRIAL HERITAGEINDUSTRIAL HERITAGE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE HERITAGEture or fixture and or turerepairfix andor ture fix repair orand fix repairandartist repairstudios artist studiosartistArtist studiosartist studios ture or fix and repair stations as KITCHKITCHEN UNITSKITCHKITCHEN can beUNITSKITCHKITCHEN used canKITCHKITCHEN UNITS be canused UNITS be canused be used support structuresandsupport reuse and andsupport thereuse reuse supportand the reuse and stations thereuse theasstations part ofstationsas and part stations asof partand as of partand of and KITCHEN UNITS can be used part of an alternative economy as a commnityas a restaurant,commnityas a commnity as restaurant, a commnity restaurant, restaurant, existing emptyexisting factories. existingempty factories.existingempty factories.emptyalternative factories. alternativeeconomyalternative andeconomy alternative economy and economy and and as a community restaurant or of the existing empty factories. and material savings AGRICULTURE&COMPOSTAGRICULTURE&COMPOSTAGRICULTURE&COMPOST AGRICULTURE&COMPOST partly or openpartly toor partly prepareopen orpartly to openprepare or toopen prepare to prepare material savingsmaterial materialsavings materialsavings savings AGRICULTURE&COMPOST open to prepare private food spaces for spacescultivation forspaces cultivationas for spacesfor cultivation cultivation asfor cultivationas aprivateas pos- foodas private foodprivate privatefood food an possibilityan ofpossibility selfansibility suf- possibility of of an self-sufficiencyself possibility suf-of self suf-of andself suf- WALLS WALLS WALLS WALLS TEMPORARY TEMPORARYDWELLINGTEMPORARY DWELLINGTEMPORARY DWELLING DWELLING for WALLSexhibitions, forfor exhibitions, exhibitions, for exhibitions, for exhibitions, ficiency andficiency alternative ficiencyalternativeand alternativeficiencyand local economyalternative and alternative the TEMPORARYthe DWELLINGthe the announcmentsannouncementsannouncments andannouncments to andandannouncments to maketo and an to and to local economylocal economylocal economylocal economy possibility topossibility dwell orpossibility tohide dwell thepossibility to orpossibility dwellhide toor todwell hide dwell or orhide hide a make an imprintimprintmake anononmake imprint anmake onimprint an imprinton on a night, ita alsonight, function a it night,also night,a itfunctionnight, also it also it function functionalso function as shadow WATER COLLECTIONWATER COLLECTIONbyWATERWATER COLLECTION WATERCOLLECTION by COLLECTION by by as shadowas duringshadowas theshadowduring duringas shadow theduringthe days duringthe the days days days days pocket poolspocket to supportpoolsbypocket pocket to pocketpools supportpools to poolsto supportsupport to support cultivation, cultivation,food andcultivation,cultivation, food cultivation,and food andand food hygiene and A STAGE forA STAGEperfor- A for forSTAGE performances perfor-A STAGEfor hygienperfor- for programs.perfor-hygien programs.hygien hygienprograms. programs. programs. mances andmancesand music.music. mances Aand place music. mancesforand meet -music.and music. A place forA placemeeting A for place meetingA forplace meeting for meeting ing and debate SHOWER ANDSHOWER TOILETS SHOWERAND SHOWER TOILETSAND &TOILETSAND TOILETS TOILETS and debateand debateand debateand debate SOLAR ENERGYSOLAR ENERGYSOLAR ENERGYSOLAR ENERGY for elec-SOLAR for ENERGY elec- for for elec- basicfor elec- servicesbasic to servicesusebasic of servicestobasic use services services ofto use to usetoof ofuse toilet of and tricity and tricityheating andtricity heating andtricity heating and heating electricity and heating toilet and showertoilet andtoilet shower andshowertoilet shower and shower
RECYCLE UNITSRECYCLE toRECYCLE RECYCLEUNITSbe RECYCLE UNITStoUNITS be toUNITSto be be toLOCKERS be toLOCKERS allow for LOCKERSto stor- allowLOCKERS tofor allow stor- to tofor allow stor- for for storage stor- of located on locatedevery locatedlocatedonsite every on locatedeveryon site everysite onfor leavsiteevery- agesite of foodage and/orof agefood ppri- ofand/or foodagefood and/orof and/orppri- food private and/orppri- goo ppri- for leaving forand leaving findingingfor and and leaving finding forfinding leaving andmaterials finding and findingvate goodsvate goodsvate goodsvate goods materials materialsmaterialsmaterials
MARKET spaceMARKET for MARKETspace for MARKETspace space forforspace alterna for- alternative alternativelocal tivealternative local local alternative economy local local economy economyeconomyeconomy URBAN STRATEGY: PROGRAM NETWORK
SOLAR ENERGY
UNDOCUMENTED
CREATIVE COLLECTIVES HOMELESS INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE YOUTHS
ROMANI FAMILIES NEIGHBOURS UNDOCUMENTED YOUTHS
HOMELESS NEIGHBOURS CREATIVE COLLECTIVES ROMANI FAMILIES
CREATIVECRECRC COLLECTIVES HOMELESS UNDOCUMENTED
ROMANI FAMILIES
YOUTHS UNDOCUMENTED
NEIGHBOURS YOUTHS HOMELESS
HOMELESS NEIGHBOURS UNDOCUMENTED ROMANI FAMILIES CREATIVE COLLECTIVES
CREATIVE COLLECTIVES
CREATIVE COLLECTIVES
UNDOCUMENTED
UNDOCUMENTED HOMELESS YOUTHS YOUTHS ROMANI FAMILIES HOMELESS NEIGHBOURS ROMANI FAMILIES CREATIVE COLLECTIVES NEIGHBOURS
The program network illustrates possible connections between programs and how it benefits the various actors. With depar- ture from existing conditions, the network drawing illustrates how new interventions activate and connects the vacant sites. URBAN STRATEGY: NETWORK DRAWING
smallscale industrial/ service workshop scrap collecting
UNOFFICIAL HOUSE OCCUPANTS UNOFFICIAL HOUSE OCCUPANTS agriculturegricu symbolic value symsys mbolicbolicbolic vvalue
office area HOUSE OCCUPANTS center UNOFFICIAL HOUSE OCCUPANTS
nightlife area smallscale induindustrial/ UNOFFICIAL HOUSE serviceervice workshop OCCUPANTS ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGY: SITE CONDITIONS
A B C D E F
The selected site is within the 22 plan, a site that has become an issue of symbolic value in the conflict with the city. There is an industrial herit- age on the site that has been burned three times when there is easier to sell and develop the site if there is no cultural value to take into account.
The existing activities on site are unofficially residents and cultivation. There are both legal and illegal artist collective in the houses around. The involved actors on site and around are; artists’ collective, Romani families, homeless and undocumented and residents in adjacent buildings. CREATIVE COLLECTIVES HOMELESS YOUTHS C CULTURAL PRODUCTION UNDOCUMENTED NEIGHBOURS ARTIST COLLECTIVES USE WAREHOUSES AND D FACTORIES AS WORK AND EXHIBITION SPACES PUBLIC SPACE A THREAT OF MORE PRIVATIZED PUBLIC SPACES CONFLICT AND OF RESTRICTED USE A THREAT OF HIGHER RENTS AS WELL AS EVICTION WHEN HAVING SHORT RENTAL LEASES. ROMANI FAMILIES UNOFFICIAL LIVING CREATIVE COLLECTIVES E CULTURAL PRODUCTION
HOMELESS UNDOCUMENTED ROMANI FAMILIES A UNOFFICIAL LIVING UNOFFICIAL LIVING HOMELESS AND UNDOCUMENTED F MAKE HOME FOR THEMSELVES IN AGRICULTURE ABANDONED PLACES AND STREETS. A ROMANIE FAMILY´S SMALL HEN RUN EARN A LIVING BY SCRAPCOLLECT- AND AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ING AND STREET SALE CONFLICT CONFLICT A THREAT OF EVICTION AND LOSS OF LAWS (LEY DE ORDENANZA)AND POSSIBILITY TO CULTIVATE AND PASSING MORE PRIVATIZED PUBLIC SPACES, ON AGRICULTURE KNOWLEDGE. CONFLICT PROHIBITS STREET SALES AND AF- OF LIFESTYLES FECTS THEIR UNSECURE INCOME AND TO FIND PLACES TO DWELL.
NEIGHBOURS YOUTHS CREATIVE COLLECTIVES B INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE IN DECAY NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATIONS AND CREATIVE COLLECTIVES FIGHT FOR A CONTINUATION OF A LOCAL HISTORY.
CONFLICT THE LANDOWNER BURNED THE 19TH CENTURY FACTORY TO NOT HAVE TO CONSIDER THE HISTORICAL HERITAGE WHEN DEVELOPING THE SITE.(REF 1) ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGY: INTERVENTIONS INTERVENTION/PROGRAM
The architetural strategy is based on a fixed infrastructure to the site, Programs and interventions that make the site possible to inhabit. they allow a further occupation of the site
FIXED INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE SITE TEMPORARY SPACES/ACTIVITIES
ADAPTABLE SPACE
SUPPRORTING EXISTING WC/SHOWER MOVABLE WALLS FOR EXHIBITONS WORKSPACE AND STUDIOS STRUCTURE COMMUNAL KITCHEN OR COMMUNICATIONS WALLS STAGE WATER TANK AND LOCKERS EXTENDED ROOF POSSIBILITEIES SOLAR ENERGY PANELS REUSE-RECYCLE STATION FOR COVERED MARKETSPACE REUSING THE EXISTING BUILT STRUCTURE C SLEEPING POSSIBILITIESCRE - B B ATING A PRIVATE SPACE
A SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR FACTORY A
REUSE EXISTING STRUCTURES AND FOUNDATION B C TEMPORARY SPACE POSSIBILITIES
The fixed structure provides a basic infrastructure to the sites. And contains programs and interventions that make the site possible to inhabit, like water and energy supply. It also involves support structures for the industrial heritage. The adaptable structures provide spaces for multiple uses such as the shelf walls that can be used for cultivation, storage or shops. And the possibility of thetemporary structures, protected canopies that provide spaces for sleeping, marketplaces and meetings. USE OF EXISTING STRUCTURE FIXED PROGRAMS ADAPTABLE PROGRAMS TEMPORARY PROGRAMS
USE OF EXISTING STRUCTURE FIXED PROGRAMS ADAPTABLE PROGRAMS TEMPORARY PROGRAMS
Solar panels Support structure for factory Use- reuse station Sleeping possibilities Water tank Stage Lockers Extended stage fixed and supporting structures/programsKitchen Studios supporting the site with energy/water supplyWC/showers Communication walls and spaces for production take care and readapt, support the old struc- tures as well as new ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGY: PROPOSAL
TEMPORARY SPACES TEMPORARY PROGRAMS
WORKSPACE AND STUDIOS SLEEPING POSSIBILITIES- EXTENDED ROOF POSSIBILITEIES MOVABLE WALLS FOR EXHIBITONS OR CREATING A PRIVATE SPACE FOR COVERED MARKETSPACE COMMUNICATIONS WALLS
ADAPTABLE PROGRAMS
ADAPTABLE SPACES
SHELF PAVILLION CAN BE USED AS A BAR/LOCKERS/ REUSE -RECYCLE SHOP
FIXEDFIXED INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS OF THE SITE
SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR IND HERITAGE
SOLAR PANELS WC SHOWER THE STAGE A KITCHEN WATERTANK TEMPORARY SPACES
WORKSPACE AND STUDIOS SLEEPING POSSIBILITIES- EXTENDED ROOF POSSIBILITEIES MOVABLE WALLS FOR EXHIBITONS OR CREATING A PRIVATE SPACE FOR COVERED MARKETSPACE COMMUNICATIONS WALLS
ADAPTABLE SPACES
SHELF PAVILLION CAN BE USED AS A BAR/LOCKERS/ REUSE -RECYCLE SHOP
FIXED INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE SITE
SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR IND HERITAGE
SOLAR PANELS WC SHOWER THE STAGE A KITCHEN WATERTANK
ATTACHMENTS: REFERENCES
Arkitekturteorier : Skriftserien Kairos Nr 5 (1999), Raster förlag, Stockholm Barcelona Field studies Centre (26/02/11), Diagonal Mar Barcelona; Urban planning excellence or disaster?, http://geographyfieldwork.com, 26/02/11 Barcelona Field studies Centre (26/02/11), Diagonal Mar Barcelona; Urban planning excellence or disaster, http://geographyfieldwork.com, 26/02/11 http://www.btv.cat/btvnoticies/tag/el-poblenou
Busquets, Joan (2005), Barcelona: the urban evolution of a compact city, Nicolodi edi- Barcelona Field studies Centre, http://geographyfieldwork.com/ tore, Rovereto Mapping/ drawings Busquets, Joan (2005), “Barcelona Revisited: Transforming the city within the city”, City http://www.icc.cat/ Edge: Case Studies in Contemporary Urbanism, Architectural Press, Oxford Organizations / contacts Charlesworth, Esther (2005), “City Edges”, City Edge: Case Studies in Contemporary Altes, Alberto, Architect and teacher at UPC/ETSAV Urbanism, Architectural press, Oxford Millan, Antonio, Prof. Dr. Arq UPC/ COAC Romero Martinez, Placido, Artist at La Escocesa Delgado, Manuel (2000), “Culture and public space”, Metròpolis Mediterrània http://www.laescocesa.org/en Number 52, Barcelona, http://www.bcn.es/publicacions/bmm/52/ang_12.htm 22@Barcelona, http://www.22barcelona.com http://nau21.net Delgado, Manuel (2011), “The Public Space Does Not Exist”, Barcelona Metropolis, www.Poblenou.org http://www.barcelonametropolis.cat/en/page.asp?id=21&ui=507 http://bcn.vdevivienda.net/ http://vimeo.com/vdevivienda Deutsche, Rosalyn (1996), Evictions: Art and Spatial Politics, MIT Press, Cambridge, London Architectural office AAA Atelier d’architecture autogérée, http://www.urbantactics.org/, http://www.spa- Marrero-Guillamón (2010), ”The struggle for representation: cultural artefacts and po- tialagency.net/database/aaa litical assemblies in the conflict of Can Ricart, Barcelona”, p. 96-116 in Culture & Agen- Public works, http://www.publicworksgroup.net/home/ cy: Contemporary Culture and Urban Change, University of Plymouth Press, Plym- Pulska grupa, https://sites.google.com/site/pulskagrupa/home outh, http://birkbeck.academia.edu/IsaacMarreroGuillam%C3%B3n/Papers/604645/ STEALTH. Unlimited, http://www.stealth.ultd.net/stealth/#link1 The_struggle_for_representation_cultural_artefacts_and_political_assemblies_in_ Studio basar, http://www.studiobasar.ro/?lang=en the_conflict_of_Can_Ricart_Barcelona Chora, http://www.chora.org/ Urban think tank, http://www.u-tt.com/ Metapolis Dictionary of Advanced Architecture: City, Technology and Society in the In- Exyzt, http://www.exyzt.org/ formation Age (2003), Actar, Barcelona Raumlabor, http://raumlabor.net/
Swartz, Jeffrey (2008), Space-Run Artists: Art Activism and Urban Conflict in Contem- porary Barcelona, Fillip, Issue 7, http://fillip.ca/content/art-activism-and-urban-con- flict-in-contemporary-barcelona ATTACHMENTS: INTERVIEW
Placido Romero: Resident Artist at the collectiveateliers of La Escocesa en Calle Pere IV. only the few of us, we who did not have anywhrere to go....We resisted until the City 2011-09-26 12:00/ Översättning Council, because Renta Corporación gave a portion of the factory to the City ( that part of the factory in which we now reside)and then we were able to move back in. So this Would you like to explain the process of how La Escocesa came to be? part now belongs to the city. The factory was a private factory. It had always been the property of the same family. At a certain time there were no heirs left, they had died and he who then inherited was Why do you think they did this? To justify their actions? a man who was like the secretary of the previous owner.... Blurrrr... At this time you No, this is when you make a redevelopment plan of that size. Then a certain part of the never rented out parts of a fabric, it was always the whole complex. Well, when this property must be marked to the City Hall for services, schools, day care and so on..... owner died there was no activity in La Escocesa until 9-10 years ago. They had some sort of an understanding ,I guess for this and to increase the buildable space ... because of course being a very large block, there is a large amount of floor When did it shut down? area. You can make a lot with this space ... you get the height. Maybe the City saw Exactly how long it had been closed when the artists arrived, I dont know. But the something there..but high? Anyway ,exactly how it was made the decision I do not artists arrived 10 years ago. They came from other factories that had closed in the know, but something like that.... area of Poblenou. In specific there was one that was called Submarino, that had been And then over the years, we have been there, creating ... And in the end getting the City the residence for quite many artists, that when it was shut down they went looking Council to accept the plan of making La Escocesa to a Factory of Creation, and this is for empty buildings and found La Escocesa. So, at first arrived this group of artists and where we’re at. And the company ,they tried to sell all the surrounding building(ships), with time the factory started to be filled up with people, artists, craftsmen and so on... but now with the crisis, they have not been able.
So at this time all the buildings were occupied? Nothing has happened? Yes, the whole complex. Then this Landlord (Francil) began to rent the space, where I Nothing has happened and nothing will happen in a long time....One thing we know is don’t know exactly ..but it seems as if this man was there every day, with the people that the plot next to the fabric, where they were about to build fairly high buildings, and that he enjoyed the idea that it was full of artists. So, this lasted 7 or 8 years until, Renta Corporación has sold it to the Municipality to build social housing. with the 22@ plan, there was a plan of reorganization of the district, and the whole The plots are in the rest of the neighborhood, are in a “paused” state too? complex was bought by Renta Corporación. The history or the objectives of this is that the reformation of Poblenou has been very Renta Corporacion? A company engaged in purchasing investment. Really, if you look contentious. The idea of putting there a technological district (which is an idea coming into it, the company seems to serve as fuel to all political parties. In fact, if you look from the policy of the Socialists (PSOE) here in Barcelona) is an idea ... which wasn’t a online for 3 years ago or so,there was a series of hassles because Renta Corporación totally failure of idea, because here you had an industrial neighborhood that did not bought down the price and sold to the municipality rather expensive. So the gains, work. seemed to have been split with the parties that made the proposition.. It’s a way to Poblenou had been formed in an era when Barcelona was an industrial city, but a really finance a “history”. If someone would look into it because everybody knows, but no- dirty industry...And the truth is that it had already been declining, that why there were body has investigated it closely on what really happened. so many artists here, because you could easily find a space and they were very cheap...... Anyway, what this company did was purshasing La Escocesa and I think that price So, then people began to come here to live. But then from the plan of reorganization, was enough for the remaining heirs.. Once I asked If it was a good deal and he said they especially with the project of Forum... they made the plan of reorganization of this had made a lot of money but I can’t tell what he had to spend it on? part of 22@ .. and this is where we are.. So, they bought the entire factory and what they, Renta Corporacións, then dedicated The part that was already built at this moment wasn’t so bad ... but then there was themselves to do was, taking a crowded space and expell all of its inhabitants... To this chief architect in the City, named Aranillo?.... I do not remember his name now, whom the contract ended it ended, and for those who stayed over time lo interdicen?.. who has really been the creator of this whole idea of the city as it has developed at this And this is what they did at the factory ... expelling all the people from their space and spot.. The project that developed the city of Barcelona was much as the Eixample .. The Cerdá plan way? sensus with people but still they don’t get much reaction. The Cerda’s plan. And as this had always been how one did all the extensions, sud- We ... an indicative network ... we really are in the position of ...I believe that the pos- denly with this Architect Aranillo?? The project should create buildings, skyscrapers sibility of a neighborhood with creative spaces inside and such things could go well and create a new city? But I must say that really, in an urbanistic view it seems to have together with another... resulted in a disaster... it is a desert there today. But you never know how time will shape the history. Is La Escocesa safe today? No. We have no security. During all these years we have made intensive campaines in Would you like to tell us some more about your relation towards 22@ and their plans order to remain our own activities inside. and slogans marketing an innovative and technological district? These are issues that I don’t have very clear. I’ve been, relating to this issue, depend- How do you do this? ing on the fact that we are giving grants... because the artist collectives don’t have Well, look, in the association, there is a guy called Marco Norris?, an Italian. In the the means to live a life in a city to expensive, where you have to have lots of money to association, we who were there were 4 or 5, there was no more. Then, Marco with live. Clearly I must rely on the collective. But, this issue I don’t have it so clearly nore our website, made an Internet campain that came out pretty strong with lots of social the subject of the City development in this sense? It is unclear and now I don’t have repercussion . This was really the big secret. To make this campain of the network, enough time to get a clear picture. making it into something important. It is about entering the willingness to do it, then advertise it... And begin to generate .. Can you tell us something about the neighborhood associations? They also produce And then there have been moments in this movement like the one we are in right some criticism? now . And the truth is that we have managed to put forward a working system that up Obviously, if you suddenly realize your town, because Poblenou really was a small- to this point has worked. Now what happens is that we have to decide how it should town, the only entrances to Poblenou was the street Pere IV because the other streets work in the future .. because this is something absolutely changing .. it always have to were tracks were cut, and it worked in a small town way... be reinvented. Then suddenly the City Council decides that this will change, and the people who lived there were the heirs of workers ...so emotionally, there was a lot of strong symbolics And the theme of the Heritage of the factories? involved? They torned downall that which had been feeding their parents. What had This has happened because, of course, everything was erased. In Poblenou they just created the environment. Because of this, at first the response was very strong. But on run over all of it without respect anything ... So then the ... industrial heritage...the the other hand it couldn’t be strong enough because this really was a neighborhood Association of neighbors, everyone decided to defend it because these are important that was in a decadent state? things, to tell the industrial history of Barcelona...But when it was accepted and de- So, the neighbours of Poblenou remain critical. And that is no surprise if you look at cided to assure the industrial heritage there was not much left..What was left was Can what is happening there, but I think that a large part of these voices now have under- Ricart and La Escocesa and almost nothing else.. stood and maybe accepted that the city will grow. And that it certainly won’t stop if there is nobody there. .the transformation .. So, what remains now is assured as Industrial Heritage? Today it is, specifically La Escocesa is assured as Industrial Heritage, as is the remaining Was there any collaboration? part of Can Ricart, the part that they decided to defend. Can Ricart was much larger At first the struggle was superstrong, 22@ was the Monster, it was was the thief. before, but suddenly one decides that ... well this is the historical and the other we At this moment not so much? tear down. What was interesting with Can Ricart was that it was an entire industrial They have started to do Campains to get publicity by the people, but to the people ... neighborhood, with the streets..It was the whole structure of a place where you could 22@ still sounds bad, it will always sound bad. Yet they try to promote ,for example, live, work, as if it was all generated. Can Ricart was like a system that behaved very giving away computers to the neighbours ... So, they try to advertise to generate con- unique ... And of course, now only two ships remain and with the rest they are going to do other things that have nothing to do with till system.... And with La Escocesa it is know when it will happen because, again, there is no money. So we maintain there in the same story .. Or, with La Escocesa they have to protect finished building, but as it permanent agony..meanwhile we create...which is not so bad . doesn’t sell, they don’t fix it and in the end it will fall down. Soon and when it is broken ..... taking photo.....smalltalking about our project....and of making scenarios...... it will be to late... One example, one of the things that we try to generate with La Escocesa is, well, that the site itself as a center of creation begins to infect the spaces around it. For example, Can you tell us something about other hidden activities or occupations in the neighbor- the bar next door used to be a bar for those of the factory and such. Then, sales went hood? down .. there were no factories, no more pads , all empty .. and they did not know to At this moment there is really not so many left... hm ... are you familiar with La Tejado- whom to give food .. ra? It is an occupied building that, I’m not sure but I think it still remains occupied.. So we proposed to do the bar as the bar of La Escocesa , a place where people might the people there do esceneria popular y and I think at this moment in Poblenou, this come ... and they agreed , so now it is a part of La Escocesa with the remodulation of is the only place... because before there was the Macabra, the circus that was further the factory hanging on the walls ... we have things there. down and I think the policy with this...well... It ended because it broke down before it The property around us, the rest of the factory, is still empty and now the owners have could change. been in touch with us asking if we wanted to buy artists spaces inside the factory. At first they were to do luxury apartments and is now generating .. .. They are looking into Where do they go? the possibility of renting or selling it to other artists or to do a creative center. But what Who knows? Where do one go when they die? Nobody knows...... happens is that the artists do not have the money. It is very difficult to sell at this time. What about this site (pointing at the site facing La Escocesa on the other side of Pere But, well, I think that somehow these small space interventions in some way can gen- IV) Do you know anything about the current state? erate to its surroundings something that has to do with it. And well, Barcelona has This is a protected building as well. The current state is that they have declared it as indeed begun to take coincidence of the importance of the art in this city. industrial heritage, but it has been burned 3 times by the owners for it to fall. Because, Barcelona has always had an artistic tradition, but what happens is that ... before -Bar of course, as it is not sold, it will fall and return to equity .. What is going to happen celona was a city with a lot of... atmosphere? With the tourism and with this selling with this I do not know. of an image...really waht happens is a city being emptied..full of holes. And for the Here (pointing at the chicken street) they are gonna have to open this road, which is people who want to do things there is not enough room.. Provencals, which is not open yet .. and in principle it goes along up to Corts Catalans on the other side of La Escocesa. La Escocesa what happens is that , due to the pres- ervation, the passage that is going through the block will be assured as a passage pietonal .. it is not going to be open as a street for cars traffic.. It is curious because in the original plan by Cerda the block was preserved like that as a whole..... And do not know what else I can tell you ...
We’re happy.. Perfect, and what will happen with all this nobody knows .. moreover this project .. what will happen due to the current state of the economic crisis .. is something.....Yes- terday there was an urban planner with us who said that this will never be as it was. I mean that, well I guess the prices will go down and.. ..maybe the speculacion will stop? Well, I suppose that would start to show a way out... We are temprarely year by year, every year we make an annual contract. There is a project of reorganization of the fabric that is already proven but we don’t TACK Sanna Johnels för alltid så inspirerande samtal och sammarbete. Placido Romero Martinez, Oriol Hernando, Ana Betancour, Carl- Johan Vesterlund, Joaquim Tarraso & Agneta Andrén