This project envisions a transformative rewilding of the Besòs River in Santa Coloma, integrating human and ecological systems through dynamic, data-driven design. By strategically restoring habitat continuity with green corridors and innovative avian nesting prototypes, it fosters a symbiotic relationship between urban life and nature. Leveraging 3D clay-printed nests inspired by natural forms and utilizing catenary arches for resilience, the project activates neglected spaces to reconnect humans with wildlife. It transcends anthropocentric design, embracing a nature-centric approach to create resilient, life-centered urban ecosystems.
From Separation To Integration
The Tip of Pinta Verde, on the outskirts of Santa Coloma, is surrounded by dense urban and industrial areas and could serve as a gateway to the city. Besòs Park connects to larger ecological networks, but the Besòs River is heavily obstructed by infrastructure, limiting access for both people and wildlife. The rigid, fortified riverbanks leave little room for interaction or ecological restoration. Yet the space has the potential to be profiled as an entree to the city and a starting point for metropolitan, ecological connections
Plaça de les Cultures is a busy area valued for its shops and dining but lacks non-commercial spaces for community use. Movement in the area is dominated by destinations like Mercadona, green spaces, and public transport, but high traffic, steep slopes, and stairs make access to Besòs Park difficult and unsafe. Many areas suffer from a lack of shade, exacerbating discomfort and exposure, underscoring the need for more vegetation and climate-resilient design.
From Neighbours To Companions
The people who frequent the site are mostly Santa Coloma residents with the exception of people from neighbouring municipalities who will go for runs, jogs, and walks along the Besòs River Park during the week, and who will set up picnics and sports games on the Besòs River Park lawns on weekends. The site is characterized by a diverse age group, with many of the senior residents having lived in Santa Coloma for many decades. In particular, the residential complex on the site required the temporary relocation of around 100 families, who were all given priority offers for condos in the new complex. As such, many of the people living on the site have lived in the area for a long time and have developed an important relationship to their neighbourhood.
Com fer-ho?
We devised a comprehensive strategy to establish a “green corridor”, facilitating the reintegration of diverse species with the Besòs River, previously severed by a roadway. This ecological link not only restores natural continuity but also reawakens the river’s essential role in the regional ecosystem. Simultaneously, we proposed an innovative wayfinding system to rekindle human interaction with the river, guiding people to rediscover its cultural and environmental significance.
the plaza is located at low point of Santa Coloma. rainfall can accumulate if the mechanical system fails, therefore a controlled flooding zone can help avoid physical damages during intense rainfall. we are proposing 4 intervention around the petanca club and it direct surrounding:
- permeable paving and drainage box (increase permeability area and absorption speed)
- earthwork and drainge box (slow down the water movment and absorption speed)
- punctual greening (increase permeability area and bioconectivity)
- permeable asphalt (increase permeability area and sound pollution from car)
For the barn swallow, we designed a meticulously crafted nest prototype using traditional mud-based techniques, echoing the natural cliffside habitats where these birds once thrived. This initiative transcends simple conservation by transforming into a collaborative community activity, inviting children and young learners to participate. Through hands-on involvement, they engage with nature while contributing to the preservation of this species, fostering a deeper connection with their environment.
Proposal
Spatial interventions
The proposal seeks to recover the old connection between the river and the inhabitants of Santa Coloma. During the analysis stage, we observed the loss of vegetation and the decline of local bird species. This causes an imbalance in the exosystemic relationships of the different species. In this sense, we proposed a series of interventions to promote biodiversity, as a first step through the incorporation of native species. But in another instance, and in a complementary manner, activities to educate citizens and commit to the care of the environment and other species.
During the first workshop we analyzed the different path from a human perspective. In the second part, we incorporate the ecological path from a non-human perspective. These paths, throughout the project, intersect, separate and converge generate different spaces of permanence, contemplation and passage.
Spatial Intervention
01/ An ecological bridge
02/ Urban Terrace
03/ A botanical plaza
Educative Proposal
04/ Kindergarten
01/ An ecological bridge
By extending the urban vegetation and linking the tree canopies from the project to across the river, we reinforce the ecological connection of our site with the Besòs River Park. On the floor the dots indicate the direction of the green corridor. The incorporation of trees and shrubs, not only promote the biodiversity by attracting pollinators species, but also contribute the noise absorption.
02/ Urban terrace
Above the terraces, we propose a space for the community, to congregate and care for herbs, vegetables, or flowers while building excitement around the efforts to bring back important and ignored bird populations.
03/ A botanical plaza
Plaça de les Cultures is already an active space with a mix of residents enjoying the playground and people-watching. Adding native vegetation and detail cards will increase awareness of local plant-life. We think at that place as a leisure, play and learning for the community, A space where the human and non- human intersect.
Educative proposal
With the aim of restoring the ecological balance, and promoting the presence of different species, especially those that are in danger of extinction, we proposed to build nests of barn swalows. These birds, historically present in the city, are in decline due to several factors, among them the use of pesticides and the breaking of nests by the population. These birds play an important role in the ecosystem, as they are a natural predator of many insects and prey species at risk. To raise awareness in the community about the importance of maintaining biodiversity, we propose the assembly of nests as a community and educational activity.
Taking advantage of the presence of a nursery school on the site, we propose the participation of the children together with the teachers and neighbours.
To this end, we developed a manual, which consists of four phases. The first is an exploratory phase, where the children learn about the properties of the soil, water and animals in the area. The second stage is based on the assembly of the nest structure and the assembly of the kits. With this assembled, the children will be able to incorporate organic matter into the structure to simulate the real nest. Finally the placement of the kits in specific spaces, selected by the community.
The prototype’s design drew inspiration from the contours of mountain landscapes, evoking the natural elegance of the birds’ original cliffside habitats. The nest itself was meticulously crafted using a catenary arch, a structural form renowned for its inherent strength and stability. This architectural strategy not only ensured durability but also mirrored the organic forms found in nature, embodying a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.
The bird nest prototypes were strategically placed in previously unused and overlooked areas of the site, transforming these neglected spaces into vibrant zones of human-avian interaction. By activating these niches, the project fosters a renewed sense of companionship between humans and birds, creating shared environments where both can coexist and thrive, while subtly reconnecting the community with the rhythms of nature
We further advanced the project by utilizing 3D clay printing to prototype the barn swallow nests, seamlessly blending traditional mud-based craftsmanship with modern technology. This innovative approach not only replicates the natural structure of cliffside nests but also serves as a tangible demonstration of how cutting-edge techniques can support ecological restoration.
