An international ideas competition has launched, inviting emerging architects to reimagine ten blind walls across ten districts in Barcelona, Spain.
The competition, initiated by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects, is the first step in improving the quality of public spaces in Barcelona before the city hosts the World Capital of Architecture event in 2026.
Barcelona City Council, through the Municipal Institute of Urban Landscape and Quality of Life (IMPU), has counted some 6,000 walls with a strong presence in the city’s public spaces. Of these, 348 are permanent and have a surface area of more than 100 square metres.
The competition objective is to enhance the visual appeal of ten permanent blank walls (one from each district) by transforming them into engaging facades. The contest invites architectural proposals that give meaning to walls that stand within exposed public spaces, yet have no outstanding features. Ideas that propose improving urban quality, habitability, sustainability and biodiversity will be seen as favourable.
The outcome of the competition will see the winning proposals implemented on ten permanent walls from each district. Based on current planning regulations, these public-facing walls will not be removed or obscured by other buildings. An approximate budget of €4.5 million will be contributed by the Barcelona City Council for the implementation of proposals.
Submitted proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Urban quality: improving the urban landscape by activating ground floors with new access points, and addressing neglected corners or areas prone to misuse.
- Habitability: enhancing the quality of life of residents by opening windows and balconies.
- Sustainability: incorporating thermal insulation or other energy efficient strategies to increase comfort and improve the energy performance of buildings.
- Biodiversity: introducing more greenery or establishing new habitats to protect fauna.
The competition is aimed at emerging architects, applicants must be under 35 years of age to be eligible. Participants with an architecture degree from any country will be considered.
A winning proposal, a second place and a third place will be announced for each site. The competition has a total prize pool of €52,500 (A$84,547).
Entries can be submitted until 5 August 2024, with winners expected to be announced on 25 September. The aim is for the dividing walls to be unveiled in 2026, as part of the World Capital of Architecture festivities.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
