- Client
- Emesa
- Location
- Badalona, Spain
- Category
- Housing, Contest
- Project with
- Toi+T
- Renders
- Play-Time
Collective living is rooted from the desire to create a stronger community, it nurtures a sense of belonging, co-ownership and collaboration. Many things are now being said about new ways of collaborative housing, in which architecture is designed to foster communal environments while integrating energy efficient solutions.
Along this line, for a housing development of 41 new homes in the city of Badalona, we explored the connection between green spaces and active communal areas in a multi-family housing project, with the aim of creating togetherness. We called it “El Gran Badiu”.
CULTIVATING THE COMMUNITY:
THE UNDERUSED POTENTIAL OF COMMUNAL SPACES
El Gran Badiu nurtures its members’ sense of belonging by taking into account the potential of functional communal space, both inside and around the building. Inspired by the “Badiu”, a type of porch we traditionally find in the Pyrenees, the new housing block transforms unused/inactive/under exploited spaces (think passageways, hallways, staircases, rooftops etc.) into active areas.
Using the communal spaces as additional living areas where people can garden, exercise, or enjoy nature together, the housing structure allows its users to contribute to El Gran Badiu, generating emotional bonding and behavioral commitment to the community.
HELPING THE COMMUNITY FLOURISH:
THE BENEFITS OF GREEN SPACE AND URBAN AGRICULTURE
In a world in which urbanization is given so much prominence, the availability of green spaces has become essential for the alleviation of ecological issues and enhancement of general wellbeing. The future of urban housing will be one where nature and local food production is integrated into our buildings, driving us towards a more circular economy and shared sense of responsibility.
Taking a step forward, El Gran Badiu introduces a shared roof including a vegetable garden, while in other parts of the building, vegetation acts as a privacy layer in circulation areas. Fully conscious of the importance of placemaking, by leveraging public spaces, a public garden located in the middle of the plot acts as a new green area for the city of Badalona in which both city dwellers and inhabitants of the building are welcome.
FREE RANGE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES:
THE ADAPTABLE LIVING UNIT
To enhance the views from El Gran Badi, each flat is double oriented. Units are designed in modules, anticipating changing ways of living and short term renting. The project understands its living spaces not in predefined functional areas but as “undefined rooms”, allowing people to imagine and reimagine their interiors over time.
Ultimately, El Gran Badiu sees collective living as a programme where the need to be both together or by oneself can be possible. The building is respectful of people’s desire to be alone, while extracting the positive aspects of living in a community.
