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Ecodistric laMercedes in Barcelona

Basic information

Project Title

Ecodistric laMercedes in Barcelona

Full project title

A mixed, compact and inclusive neighborhood in the old Mercedes factory.

Category

Regaining a sense of belonging

Project Description

LaMercedes is a new neighborhood designed to prioritize people and the environment, combining high-value economic activity with spaces for living, learning, and enjoyment while regenerating Barcelona’s industrial heritage.
Designed to combat the climate emergency with large-scale sustainability and align with the New European Bauhaus, LaMercedes spans almost 9 hectares with 185,000m² of buildable area, making it Spain’s first major eco-district and one of the leading ones in Europe.

Geographical Scope

Local

Project Region

Barcelona, Spain

Urban or rural issues

Mainly urban

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

EU Programme or fund

No

Description of the project

Summary

The future LaMercedes eco-district, the former Mercedes-Benz factory, is an integral project that transforms 9 obsolete hectares between the Bon Pastor and Sant Andreu neighborhoods. The project aims to turn this area into a new eco-district that connects the city and creates a new center that brings together diverse urban structures. Preserving its material and immaterial value, it conserves historic buildings to cultural and educational facilities and a large clean energy production center, generating a public square as the epicenter of the new neighborhood.
This project is configured as a new mixed-use neighborhood, combining housing (with 40% of social housing) with economic activities, commerce, industry 4.0, and facilities. Thanks to this city model, synergies are promoted between different people and communities, encouraging intersections between ages, genders, and cultures. It proposes a flexible housing model, redefining the boundary between private and public, creating intermediate spaces for neighborhood coexistence and community life.
The project prioritizes sustainable mobility, with an exclusive public space for pedestrians and bicycles. Its design focuses on new systems and materials to turn this new neighborhood into a great climate refuge by incorporating permeable surfaces, buildings that mitigate the heat island effect, and the prominence of vegetation, achieving a 3ºC reduction in the future eco-district.
The planning is approached from inclusive urbanism, aiming to build an integrating city that facilitates daily life and promotes social exchange in an environment of high urban quality.

Key objectives for sustainability

LaMercedes eco-district carefully addresses various environmental challenges through innovations in urban planning, landscaping, and architecture. 50% of the area is designated for public spaces, maximizing permeable areas, reducing water consumption, and promoting sustainable practices. LaMercedes stands out for its commitment to water efficiency, exceeding current conventional standards.
Another pioneering strategy in the future district is the allocation of 100% of public space to pedestrians and bicycles, eliminating private vehicles from the surface. This creates models of slow and healthy mobility, achieving improvements in European standards for reducing CO2 emissions in transportation.
The building model in LaMercedes also follows a sustainable approach by preserving non-catalogued industrial buildings from the 1950s. This approach promotes the recycling of existing buildings, giving them a new purpose and returning historical value to the city. The reuse of these buildings also implies a significant reduction in CO2 and promotes circular construction systems. New constructions incorporate passive strategies to reduce consumption and will be designed with environmentally responsible materials such as wood, which will be used through concepts like cradle to cradle, fostering circularity in new buildings as well. Finally, the new eco-district will generate an energy community that promotes self-sufficiency and the production of clean energy.
Lastly, biodiversity and vegetation are fundamental pillars of the project. The new neighborhood encourages the creation of green axes connected to metropolitan corridors, with 35% of public space dedicated to green areas and the planned planting of more than 600 trees. All these elements contribute to creating a cool island, promoting a healthy environment conscious of the climate emergency, and fostering biodiversity in cities.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

The future LaMercedes eco-district stands as a tangible manifestation of the value of beauty. This avant-garde project comprehensively addresses environmental challenges through urban planning, landscaping, and architecture, seeking not only functionality but also the creation of positive and enriching experiences for its inhabitants.
LaMercedes eco-district tries to (re)activate the qualities of its context, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of its residents. The aesthetics of this space become a reflection of collective sensitivity invested in highlighting and revitalizing its features, creating an environment that is not only functional but also visually appealing.
The connection between different places and people is another key element that adds value to the beauty of the eco-district. By reserving 100% of public space for pedestrians, eliminating private vehicles, and generating models of slow and healthy mobility, LaMercedes creates meaningful collective experiences. This approach not only transforms urban aesthetics but also strengthens the sense of belonging within the community, connecting people through the shared experience of a traffic-free environment.
The project also stands out for integrating new lasting cultural and social values through the conservation and reuse of industrial buildings from the 1950s. This initiative not only promotes the recycling of existing buildings but also returns historical value, both material and sentimental, to the citizens. The reuse of these structures represents a tangible connection to the industrial and social past of the place, adding a layer of meaning and relevance.
Beauty in the LaMercedes eco-district is not limited to the aesthetic; it is found in the creative process that invests sensitivity and skills to create a positive and enriching experience.

Key objectives for inclusion

The LaMercedes eco-district establishes an inclusive approach by acting as a link between different neighborhoods that have been separated by a large obsolete industrial area. Creating a new eco-district that regenerates this space achieves continuity and fluidity in the existing urban structure, promoting interaction and shared experiences for residents. This connection not only physically links adjacent neighborhoods but also intertwines their communities, activities, and resources. Through this connection, new green axes are established for the city.
By prioritizing pedestrians over vehicles within the area, inclusivity is expanded by creating an environment where citizens have unrestricted access and control. By eliminating cars, the eco-district promotes safety, accessibility, and a sense of community ownership among its residents. This pedestrian-friendly environment encourages social interactions and diverse activities, creating a space where people from different backgrounds can interact, connect, and share experiences without the barriers imposed by vehicular traffic.
The eco-district emphasizes inclusivity by dedicating a significant portion of its housing offerings to social housing (VPO) and rental properties designed to meet the contemporary needs of society. These residences are intelligently designed to accommodate a wide range of families, recognizing and adapting to diverse family structures and dynamics. The designs are not only aesthetically innovative but also functional, addressing the diverse demands and preferences of modern living. This intentional approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic situation, has access to quality and dignified housing, promoting a more egalitarian and inclusive society within the eco-district.

Results in relation to category

LaMercedes, renowned for its innovations in urban sustainability, has gained recognition at the local, national, and international levels, supported by its innovative approach and disruptive methodology. This flagship project has not only received multiple awards but has also been selected as an integral part of the European project Circ-Boost, led by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC).
Within this European project, LaMercedes contributes to research on circular solutions within the construction sector. The initiative addresses key aspects, from demolition to the treatment of construction waste, efficient and sustainable management, to the production of new materials. By actively participating in this research, LaMercedes not only showcases its excellence in practice but also contributes to the creation of knowledge and more sustainable practices in the fields of construction and urban planning.

How Citizens benefit

The process of Specific Modification of the Metropolitan General Plan in LaMercedes was carried out with the active participation of the community, aiming to involve residents in the project's development.
This participatory process was structured in phases aligned with urban planning procedures. Initially, an informative phase took place, utilizing various means of dissemination, informative channels, and informational sessions in face-to-face meetings. These informational sessions, a total of three conducted between June and July 2021, constituted the first stage of the process.
The second phase involved conducting thematic workshops over an extended period, from July 2021 to January 2022. During these workshops, the community and entities had the opportunity to actively participate, express their opinions, and discuss various topics related to the project.
The final phase focused on feedback and follow-up, keeping neighbors and citizens continuously informed. This approach ensured that the community was aware of progress and decisions, promoting transparency and citizen participation throughout the entire process.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

Innovative character

The LaMercedes project stands out for its innovative character compared to conventional actions in the field of urban development. While many projects focus solely on aesthetic or economic aspects, LaMercedes comprehensively integrates environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, heritage preservation, water management, and vegetation promotion in its design and execution.
From a sustainability perspective, LaMercedes implements advanced strategies for water management, maximizing permeable areas and adopting efficient practices. The project is notable for its commitment to reducing water consumption and recycling, showcasing an innovative approach to addressing one of the most critical resources in urban environments.
In terms of vegetation, LaMercedes goes beyond by incorporating a new green corridor. This approach not only enhances urban aesthetics but also promotes biodiversity, shade, and permeability, contributing to the creation of a healthier and more sustainable environment for residents.
Social inclusivity is complemented by these initiatives, as the presence of green areas and sustainable water management provides common spaces for the community to gather, interact, and enjoy a natural environment within the urban setting.
In summary, LaMercedes stands out as an innovative project that holistically addresses sustainability, social inclusivity, heritage preservation, water management, and vegetation promotion, surpassing conventional actions in the field of urban development.

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

The design of the LaMercedes project were the result of a strategic collaboration among various professionals and experts, each contributing their unique expertise in specific disciplines.
The team of architects, urban planners, and landscapers from Batlleiroig played a central role in shaping the aesthetic and functional aspects of the new district. Garrigues, as the legal representative, provided legal knowledge and essential legal advice to ensure regulatory compliance and facilitate crucial decision-making. Urbaning, specializing in mobility studies, played a key role in the efficient planning of transportation and mobility in the new district, optimizing connectivity and accessibility. Igremap, responsible for the environmental report, brought expertise in sustainability and environmental management, ensuring that the project aligned with environmental standards and promoted eco-friendly practices. Duatis Arquitectes, responsible for economic studies, provided financial and economic analysis, ensuring the financial viability of the project and supporting informed decisions. GMG Plans i Projectes, specializing in inclusive urban planning, played a crucial role in integrating inclusive aspects into the design, ensuring that the new district was accessible and beneficial to the entire community. And, BIS Ingeniería, responsible for the structural study, provided specialized engineering knowledge to ensure the stability and safety of structures in the new district.
The collaboration among these original collaborators not only allowed for the integration of holistic solutions but also optimized the efficiency of the project by considering various perspectives. The diversity of knowledge and skills contributed by each collaborator ensured a comprehensive and balanced approach, resulting in a project that not only met technical standards but also stood out as an exemplary model of sustainable, inclusive, and locally respectful development.

Methodology used

The LaMercedes project development involves a comprehensive methodology covering various aspects to create a sustainable and inclusive eco-district.
Contextual Analysis: A detailed study considers geographical, historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors to integrate the project with the existing context.
Citizen Participation: Involving residents, local businesses, and stakeholders in a participatory process ensures the project aligns with the community's real needs.
Reuse and Conservation: The strategy involves reusing and conserving existing buildings, combining heritage preservation with innovative design for energy efficiency.
Sustainable Design: Incorporating advanced sustainable design practices and creating an energy community promote efficiency and self-sufficiency in energy consumption.
Sustainable Mobility: Prioritizing sustainable mobility by eliminating private vehicles and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment encourages an active lifestyle.
Water Management: Efficient water management involves using permeable surfaces and practices that reduce consumption and promote recycling.
Biodiversity and Vegetation: Emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and vegetation enhances urban aesthetics and contributes to a healthier environment.
Social Inclusion: Promoting social inclusion through affordable housing, common spaces for community interaction, and dedicated social housing areas.
This holistic approach ensures the LaMercedes project is aesthetically pleasing, sustainable, and tailored to the community's specific needs.

How stakeholders are engaged

The development of the LaMercedes project was the result of collaboration among various stakeholders at the local, regional, national, and European levels, each playing a fundamental role in its design and implementation.
At the local level, citizen participation was a key pillar. Residents actively engaged in a participatory process structured in informative phases, discussions in thematic workshops, and continuous feedback and follow-up.
At the regional level, the Barcelona City Council played a crucial role as a public entity. Their collaboration facilitated the integration of the project within the framework of urban planning and ensured coherence with municipal policies.
At the national level, the involvement of government entities and organizations ensured the alignment of the project with national strategies and objectives in terms of sustainability, urban development, and other relevant aspects. National engagement provided the necessary platform for resource acquisition and the support needed to carry out the initiative.
On the European scale, the participation of Conren Tranway, an international company, brought a global perspective and significant resources. This public-private collaboration allowed the integration of international best practices and innovative technologies into the project, elevating its quality and sustainability to European standards.
The added value of the participation of these stakeholders lies in the diversity of perspectives, resources, and experiences they brought to the LaMercedes project.

Global challenges

The LaMercedes project addresses global challenges by providing local solutions that seamlessly integrate into the urban structure. In response to the climate emergency, the eco-district adopts sustainable practices, ranging from passive strategies to the creation of an energy community, thus setting a standard for responsible urban development.
Sustainable mobility and the elimination of vehicles in favor of pedestrians not only enhance the local quality of life but also contribute to mitigating pollution and reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
The inclusivity and diversity promoted through the mixed-use approach and inclusive urban planning benefit not only the local community but also provide a model for addressing urban segregation and promoting social cohesion—challenges faced by cities worldwide.
Furthermore, LaMercedes stands out for its innovative approach to preserving industrial buildings from the 1950s that, although not listed, were conserved and restored. Batlleiroig's commitment to preserving local history within the future eco-district underscores the dedication to sustainability and heritage appreciation, demonstrating how conservation can be an integral part of modern and sustainable urban solutions.
This conservation involves not only the physical preservation of industrial warehouses but also carries significant social implications. By preserving these structures, the industrial and social past of the location is retained, providing the community with a sense of relevance and connection to its history. This approach not only protects tangible heritage but also fosters emotional attachment, strengthening the community's identity and enriching the urban experience for present and future generations.

Learning transferred to other parties

The LaMercedes eco-district project stands out as a replicable model for addressing the climate emergency through urban planning and architecture. Its key elements are transferable to various locations, beneficiary groups, and contexts, offering valuable lessons and innovative approaches.
This project excels with its comprehensive approach, employing passive strategies and the use of local, durable, and recycled materials. The efficient water management through permeable spaces and the prominence of vegetation in public areas are replicable aspects that can be adapted to different urban environments.
The vision of a car-free city, prioritizing sustainable mobility and adopting a pedestrian perspective, is a paradigm that can be transferred to other communities. The implementation of theories like the "15-minute city" and the promotion of mixed-use spaces to create inclusive and diversified environments are valuable insights for sustainable urban development.
The project also demonstrates the feasibility of creating energy communities for all buildings, promoting a more efficient and sustainable energy consumption. This holistic approach to sustainability and community sets an exemplary standard for future urban projects, being transferable to other locations seeking to integrate innovative energy solutions.
In summary, LaMercedes offers a set of replicable practices and approaches that can inspire and guide the development of sustainable communities in different parts of the world. This project becomes a beacon of innovation and best practices for addressing contemporary challenges in urban design and planning.

Keywords

Recycling
Integration
Inclusion
Biophilia
Neutrality

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