In the heart of Barcelona, a revolutionary approach to urban living is taking root, one that could reshape how we think about sustainability and community in our cities. This isn’t just about green roofs or vertical gardens; it’s about creating entire vertical ecosystems that breathe life into our buildings and foster a deeper connection with nature. At the forefront of this movement is La Borda, a cooperative housing project that’s not just a building, but a living, breathing entity.
La Borda, nestled in the Sants district of Barcelona, is more than just a place to live. It’s a testament to what happens when sustainability meets social cohesion. The project, led by housing cooperatives, is a shining example of how innovative engineering and architectural design can tackle the dual challenges of climate change and urbanization. “La Borda is not just about reducing our environmental impact,” says Gracia Cabezas, lead author of a recent study published in Disegnare con, which translates to ‘Designing with’. “It’s about creating a community where people can thrive, where they can interact with nature and with each other in a meaningful way.”
So, what makes La Borda so special? For starters, it’s built using sustainable materials, a fact that’s not just good for the environment, but also for the energy sector. The use of sustainable materials can significantly reduce the embodied energy of a building, that is, the energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a building, from the mining and processing of natural resources to manufacturing, transport and product delivery. This can lead to substantial energy savings and reduced carbon emissions, a boon for energy providers looking to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
But La Borda’s innovation doesn’t stop at its construction. The project also incorporates participatory design, a process that involves residents in the design and decision-making process. This not only ensures that the building meets the needs of its residents but also fosters a sense of community and ownership. “Participatory design is not just about making a building more functional,” Cabezas explains. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging, a sense of community.”
Moreover, La Borda is designed to create intermediate spaces that facilitate community life. These spaces, which include shared kitchens, laundries, and gardens, encourage social interaction and a closer connection with nature. They also provide opportunities for energy savings, with shared facilities reducing the overall energy demand of the building.
The implications of La Borda’s approach are far-reaching. As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of climate change and urbanization, projects like La Borda offer a blueprint for a more sustainable and community-focused future. For the energy sector, the use of sustainable materials and shared facilities presents opportunities for energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. But perhaps more importantly, La Borda’s emphasis on community and social cohesion offers a reminder that sustainability is not just about reducing our environmental impact, but also about creating a better quality of life for all.
As Cabezas, who is affiliated with Universidad de Sevilla, puts it, “La Borda is not just a building. It’s a living, breathing entity that changes and adapts with its residents. It’s a testament to what’s possible when we put sustainability and community at the heart of our design.” With projects like La Borda leading the way, the future of urban living looks greener, more connected, and more sustainable than ever before.