Regaining a sense of belonging
La Titaranya, a community strategy
La Titaranya: a community strategy for the recovery of a run-down neighborhood
What would you do if your neighborhood was in the poorest 12% in Spain and suffering a strong process of urban, economic and social degradation? 12 associations from the town of Valls have come together to solve this problems with the creation of a cooperative of housing. Since 2019 we have bought 5 buildings and manage more than 3000 m², of which we have rehabilitated 1000 m², from which we have enabled the creation of 7 social housing units and 3 social premises for associations
Spain
Local
Valls (Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain)
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-04-15
Yes
«Next Generation EU»
(UE) 2021/241
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
As a representative of an organisation, in partnership with other organisations
A) General objective: Sustainable recovery of the old quarter of Valls through community leadership and management
-Target group: The 3000 inhabitants of the old quarter, which is among the 12% of the poorest population in Spain
-General result (GR): Alliance of 14 associations and cooperatives for the foundation of “La Titaranya”, the cooperative of housing and social premises, and execution of the project
-GR2: Purchase of 5 properties in Community Land Trust (CLT) format. Investment: 270.000€
-GR3: Creation of 2 community development projects in the neighbourhood: “The Urban Community of Valls” (2022-26: budget of 700.000€) and the cooperative hub of the city called “Pol Cooperatiu de Valls” (2024: budget of 30.000€), located in the acquired properties
B) Specific Objectives (SO) and Results (R) achieved:
-SO.1: Rehabilitation of properties
R1 Construction of 7 social housing units, a shop, a Social Economy office and premises for associations (the “Ca Robusté” building). Investment: 2.300.000€
-SO.2: Social recovery
R2.1 Results 2022-23 of “The Urban Community of Valls”: creation of 28 jobs, constitution of 2 associations, advice to 24 community projects, assistance to 2.068 people. Opening of 5 social and commercial premises
R2.2 Results of “Pol Cooperatiu de Valls”: creation of 9 cooperatives (2017-24) and opening of 8 businesses
-SO.3: Heritage recovery
R3.1 Rehabilitation of a 13th century building with important artistic elements, as a ceiling with Arab decoration from the 15th century
R3.2 Musealisation of this building through scientific studies and dissemination of its heritage values
-SO.4: Neighbourhood sustainability
R4.1 Energy sustainable building (Certification A, Directive 2010/31/EU)
R4.2 Construction of a rainwater collection tank
R4.3 Recovery of an urban garden of 334m²
R4.4 Opening of a local agroecological products shop
R4.5 Foundation of a Local Energy Community. Budget: 80.000€
-Target group: The 3000 inhabitants of the old quarter, which is among the 12% of the poorest population in Spain
-General result (GR): Alliance of 14 associations and cooperatives for the foundation of “La Titaranya”, the cooperative of housing and social premises, and execution of the project
-GR2: Purchase of 5 properties in Community Land Trust (CLT) format. Investment: 270.000€
-GR3: Creation of 2 community development projects in the neighbourhood: “The Urban Community of Valls” (2022-26: budget of 700.000€) and the cooperative hub of the city called “Pol Cooperatiu de Valls” (2024: budget of 30.000€), located in the acquired properties
B) Specific Objectives (SO) and Results (R) achieved:
-SO.1: Rehabilitation of properties
R1 Construction of 7 social housing units, a shop, a Social Economy office and premises for associations (the “Ca Robusté” building). Investment: 2.300.000€
-SO.2: Social recovery
R2.1 Results 2022-23 of “The Urban Community of Valls”: creation of 28 jobs, constitution of 2 associations, advice to 24 community projects, assistance to 2.068 people. Opening of 5 social and commercial premises
R2.2 Results of “Pol Cooperatiu de Valls”: creation of 9 cooperatives (2017-24) and opening of 8 businesses
-SO.3: Heritage recovery
R3.1 Rehabilitation of a 13th century building with important artistic elements, as a ceiling with Arab decoration from the 15th century
R3.2 Musealisation of this building through scientific studies and dissemination of its heritage values
-SO.4: Neighbourhood sustainability
R4.1 Energy sustainable building (Certification A, Directive 2010/31/EU)
R4.2 Construction of a rainwater collection tank
R4.3 Recovery of an urban garden of 334m²
R4.4 Opening of a local agroecological products shop
R4.5 Foundation of a Local Energy Community. Budget: 80.000€
Housing
Community
Heritage
Sustainability
Development
Objectives:
A. To improve the environmental quality and the community resilience to climate change.
B. To promote environmentally friendly habits in the neighbourhood.
Results:
R.4.1 Sustainable energy refurbishment of “Ca Robusté’”: it has obtained Energy Certification A (Directive 2010/31/EU). It has passive and active energy saving systems. A grant of 27.000€ has been obtained from the Next Generation European Funds for an aerothermal system.
R.4.2 Construction of a 26m² rainwater collection tank at “Ca Robusté” for watering the garden.
R.4.3 Urban renaturalisation: recovery of an urban garden of 334m².
R.4.4 Opening of an agroecological products shop through the consumer group "La Bajoca" on the ground floor of "Ca Robusté", which is supplied by suppliers from the rural villages of the region.
R.4.5 Foundation of the Local Energy Community “Electra Vallenca SCCL”. It is currently awaiting Next Generation funding to install photovoltaic panels on the refurbished building "Ca Robusté". The energy produced will be distributed among the neighbours of the building and the neighbourhood.
R.4.6 Foundation of the resource bank of second-hand objects and library of things "Reútil", which promotes the reuse, exchange, sale and repair of second-hand objects (clothes, books, electrical appliances, furniture, etc.) with the aim of guaranteeing the economic equipment of the homes built. Data from October to December 2024: 4.600 kg of material exchanged, 742 transactions, 219 users. Project promoted through “The Urban Community of Valls” and financed by the Government of Catalonia and the City Council of Valls.
The project combines exemplary actions to invest in energy saving in homes, with actions to raise awareness and involve the neighbourhood. Awareness-raising is achieved through the creation of useful services for the neighbourhood: the reuse circuit of objects needed to equip homes and the Local Energy Community to supply sustainable energy.
A. To improve the environmental quality and the community resilience to climate change.
B. To promote environmentally friendly habits in the neighbourhood.
Results:
R.4.1 Sustainable energy refurbishment of “Ca Robusté’”: it has obtained Energy Certification A (Directive 2010/31/EU). It has passive and active energy saving systems. A grant of 27.000€ has been obtained from the Next Generation European Funds for an aerothermal system.
R.4.2 Construction of a 26m² rainwater collection tank at “Ca Robusté” for watering the garden.
R.4.3 Urban renaturalisation: recovery of an urban garden of 334m².
R.4.4 Opening of an agroecological products shop through the consumer group "La Bajoca" on the ground floor of "Ca Robusté", which is supplied by suppliers from the rural villages of the region.
R.4.5 Foundation of the Local Energy Community “Electra Vallenca SCCL”. It is currently awaiting Next Generation funding to install photovoltaic panels on the refurbished building "Ca Robusté". The energy produced will be distributed among the neighbours of the building and the neighbourhood.
R.4.6 Foundation of the resource bank of second-hand objects and library of things "Reútil", which promotes the reuse, exchange, sale and repair of second-hand objects (clothes, books, electrical appliances, furniture, etc.) with the aim of guaranteeing the economic equipment of the homes built. Data from October to December 2024: 4.600 kg of material exchanged, 742 transactions, 219 users. Project promoted through “The Urban Community of Valls” and financed by the Government of Catalonia and the City Council of Valls.
The project combines exemplary actions to invest in energy saving in homes, with actions to raise awareness and involve the neighbourhood. Awareness-raising is achieved through the creation of useful services for the neighbourhood: the reuse circuit of objects needed to equip homes and the Local Energy Community to supply sustainable energy.
The rehabilitation of a 13th century building has served to demonstrate that it’s possible to give current uses to old heritage buildings that are in a situation of degradation.
The archaeological and historical study has uncovered the presence of a 15th century plaster ceiling that is unique in Catalonia due to its size, age and Arabic decorative elements. The study has been completed with interviews with the last living descendant of the last family that inhabited the house, which has made possible to discover the 500-year-old oral memory of the Robusté family.
These studies have been used to create a website for its dissemination and for the museumisation of the building through an interpretative tour of its heritage and historical values. Visitors can request the access key to the ground floor of the building in the agroecological shop and visit the museum freely. The sustainable tourism services cooperative of Valls "Camins Km0" has also created a guided tour service.
Musealisation promotes local identity:
-It connects the agricultural history of the building with the current agroecological shop and the agricultural area of Valls, a unique space in Catalonia for its natural and landscape values, where the producers of "La Bajoca" work. This is the last area where the Mediterranean triad (cereal, oil and wine) is cultivated and is home to species in danger of extinction in Catalonia.
- It connects the multicultural history of the building (with Arab, Christian and Muslim presence) with the current multicultural reality of the neighbourhood.
It highlights the opening of a new street of 62m² that gives access to an old inner courtyard of 334m² and the premises on the ground floor of the building.
The project is exemplary because it demonstrates that it’s possible to build social housing with high aesthetic quality and maintaining its essence, combining funding from different departments of the public administration
The archaeological and historical study has uncovered the presence of a 15th century plaster ceiling that is unique in Catalonia due to its size, age and Arabic decorative elements. The study has been completed with interviews with the last living descendant of the last family that inhabited the house, which has made possible to discover the 500-year-old oral memory of the Robusté family.
These studies have been used to create a website for its dissemination and for the museumisation of the building through an interpretative tour of its heritage and historical values. Visitors can request the access key to the ground floor of the building in the agroecological shop and visit the museum freely. The sustainable tourism services cooperative of Valls "Camins Km0" has also created a guided tour service.
Musealisation promotes local identity:
-It connects the agricultural history of the building with the current agroecological shop and the agricultural area of Valls, a unique space in Catalonia for its natural and landscape values, where the producers of "La Bajoca" work. This is the last area where the Mediterranean triad (cereal, oil and wine) is cultivated and is home to species in danger of extinction in Catalonia.
- It connects the multicultural history of the building (with Arab, Christian and Muslim presence) with the current multicultural reality of the neighbourhood.
It highlights the opening of a new street of 62m² that gives access to an old inner courtyard of 334m² and the premises on the ground floor of the building.
The project is exemplary because it demonstrates that it’s possible to build social housing with high aesthetic quality and maintaining its essence, combining funding from different departments of the public administration
1) Leadership and community governance
"La Titaranya" cooperative was generated during a participatory process that began in 2018 from 8 associations and cooperatives, and has ended up grouping 14 member organisations, which have participated in the processes of designing the architectural programme, drafting the Internal Regulations and defining governance, through several assemblies.
2) Creation of subsidised housing (VPO)
The 7 dwellings built have been classified as VPO by the Government of Catalonia, which means that the inhabitants cannot exceed the rent ceilings set by the government. In return, "La Titaranya" has received subsidies for the construction of the houses. Apart from guaranteeing housing for 7 families seeking VPO, "La Titaranya" has reserved 40% of the housing for young people up to 35 years of age. This reserve is valued by the Government of Catalonia in the allocation of public funds. The Catalan Housing Agency has inspected the works to certify compliance with the regulations and has financed the work.
3) Access to premises for social entities
14 associations and cooperatives have access to premises for the development of their social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities, which benefit neighbours and the local population.
4) “The Urban Community of Valls” has created community services close to the neighbourhood: a nursery school for educational support, a popular sports club and an association of local artists, located in the buildings acquired through the CLT form. The services are free of charge except for the sports club, which reserves 10 places for people without resources. It has also generated the "Reútil" service to equip existing and future housing, free of charge or cheaply, with an impact on the inhabitants of the whole neighbourhood.
These projects have received financial support from the Directorate General for Social Economy and Cooperatives and the Catalan Waste Agency.
"La Titaranya" cooperative was generated during a participatory process that began in 2018 from 8 associations and cooperatives, and has ended up grouping 14 member organisations, which have participated in the processes of designing the architectural programme, drafting the Internal Regulations and defining governance, through several assemblies.
2) Creation of subsidised housing (VPO)
The 7 dwellings built have been classified as VPO by the Government of Catalonia, which means that the inhabitants cannot exceed the rent ceilings set by the government. In return, "La Titaranya" has received subsidies for the construction of the houses. Apart from guaranteeing housing for 7 families seeking VPO, "La Titaranya" has reserved 40% of the housing for young people up to 35 years of age. This reserve is valued by the Government of Catalonia in the allocation of public funds. The Catalan Housing Agency has inspected the works to certify compliance with the regulations and has financed the work.
3) Access to premises for social entities
14 associations and cooperatives have access to premises for the development of their social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities, which benefit neighbours and the local population.
4) “The Urban Community of Valls” has created community services close to the neighbourhood: a nursery school for educational support, a popular sports club and an association of local artists, located in the buildings acquired through the CLT form. The services are free of charge except for the sports club, which reserves 10 places for people without resources. It has also generated the "Reútil" service to equip existing and future housing, free of charge or cheaply, with an impact on the inhabitants of the whole neighbourhood.
These projects have received financial support from the Directorate General for Social Economy and Cooperatives and the Catalan Waste Agency.
1) Throughout the project, a participatory and democratic community process has been ensured. This has been achieved through the internal structure of the cooperative “La Titaranya”, which by law must guarantee the convening of general assemblies of members. This ensures the participation of all entities forming its social base and part of the community, as well as the 24 resident members of the housing units or collaborating members. In addition to the assemblies, there were three working sessions (01/07/2019, 17/07/2019, 06/10/2019) held quarterly during the construction phase.
2) Six participatory sessions were open to residents to provide information and gather feedback on the project at different stages:
-Design phase (3 sessions): 08/06/2019, 02/07/2019, 20/11/2019
-Implementation phase (2 sessions): 17/05/2021, 17/12/2022
-Closure phase (1 session): 04/11/2023
3) The three owning entities participated in the project through the CLT alongside “La Titaranya”. In addition to facilitating the purchase, the CLT secured financing through a loan and conducted quarterly monitoring of budget execution and the viability plan. The CLT ensured the community-driven and social nature of the project through clauses included in the property transfer contract to “La Titaranya”.
The resident members were actively involved in designing the interiors of the housing units. As long as it did not result in increased costs, they were able to move walls and choose bathroom models, tiles, colours, and the layout of lighting points.
The member entities agreed on the importance of including a multi-purpose room in the architectural programme for various uses. Neighbourhood residents reinforced the decision to open a new street and a public-use inner garden, as well as the importance of dedicating the maximum square metres possible to housing.
2) Six participatory sessions were open to residents to provide information and gather feedback on the project at different stages:
-Design phase (3 sessions): 08/06/2019, 02/07/2019, 20/11/2019
-Implementation phase (2 sessions): 17/05/2021, 17/12/2022
-Closure phase (1 session): 04/11/2023
3) The three owning entities participated in the project through the CLT alongside “La Titaranya”. In addition to facilitating the purchase, the CLT secured financing through a loan and conducted quarterly monitoring of budget execution and the viability plan. The CLT ensured the community-driven and social nature of the project through clauses included in the property transfer contract to “La Titaranya”.
The resident members were actively involved in designing the interiors of the housing units. As long as it did not result in increased costs, they were able to move walls and choose bathroom models, tiles, colours, and the layout of lighting points.
The member entities agreed on the importance of including a multi-purpose room in the architectural programme for various uses. Neighbourhood residents reinforced the decision to open a new street and a public-use inner garden, as well as the importance of dedicating the maximum square metres possible to housing.
1) Local
The member entities have participated in the design, implementation, and subsequent management of the spaces. The local residents have also taken part in a participatory process with 6 sessions.
The Valls City Council has collaborated with "La Titaranya" in the architectural design, approving the project and financing the construction work and heritage dissemination activities.
2) Regional
The Tarragona Provincial Council has funded the purchase and investment in the premises and the activities for promoting the heritage values of “Ca Robusté”.
3) National
The creation of the CLT of Valls with the foundation "La Dinamo", the financial services cooperative "Coop57" and with the local entity "Associació Cultural l’Aleta". They purchased the 5 properties in the form of a CLT in 2019 and have entrusted the management to "La Titaranya".
"La Titaranya" has collaborated and received funding from various agencies of the Government of Catalonia. Notably, the Office for Support of Cultural Initiatives (OSIC) has supervised and financed 5 archaeological campaigns, the restoration of the building listed as a Cultural Heritage Asset of Local Interest (BCIL), and the restoration of the medieval plaster ceiling.
4) European
“La Titaranya” won the 2021 edition of "The Transformative Action Award", co-organised by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. It is awarded to a city, region, or civil society organisation that uses the 15 pathways outlined in the Basque Declaration to catalyse socio-cultural, socio-economic, and technological transformations in their community, in addition to advancing the implementation of the European Green Deal at the local level.
It’s also a finalist for "The European Social Innovation Challenge Prize HORIZON-EIC-2022". It participated in the training and exchange sessions of this programme in Brussels. It maintains relationships with CLT Brussels and housing cooperatives in the city.
The member entities have participated in the design, implementation, and subsequent management of the spaces. The local residents have also taken part in a participatory process with 6 sessions.
The Valls City Council has collaborated with "La Titaranya" in the architectural design, approving the project and financing the construction work and heritage dissemination activities.
2) Regional
The Tarragona Provincial Council has funded the purchase and investment in the premises and the activities for promoting the heritage values of “Ca Robusté”.
3) National
The creation of the CLT of Valls with the foundation "La Dinamo", the financial services cooperative "Coop57" and with the local entity "Associació Cultural l’Aleta". They purchased the 5 properties in the form of a CLT in 2019 and have entrusted the management to "La Titaranya".
"La Titaranya" has collaborated and received funding from various agencies of the Government of Catalonia. Notably, the Office for Support of Cultural Initiatives (OSIC) has supervised and financed 5 archaeological campaigns, the restoration of the building listed as a Cultural Heritage Asset of Local Interest (BCIL), and the restoration of the medieval plaster ceiling.
4) European
“La Titaranya” won the 2021 edition of "The Transformative Action Award", co-organised by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. It is awarded to a city, region, or civil society organisation that uses the 15 pathways outlined in the Basque Declaration to catalyse socio-cultural, socio-economic, and technological transformations in their community, in addition to advancing the implementation of the European Green Deal at the local level.
It’s also a finalist for "The European Social Innovation Challenge Prize HORIZON-EIC-2022". It participated in the training and exchange sessions of this programme in Brussels. It maintains relationships with CLT Brussels and housing cooperatives in the city.
The architectural project was carried out based on two prior reports:
1) Environmental study of the building, focusing on energy, water, materials, and waste, and the definition of a global environmental strategy to reduce resource consumption and waste emissions.
2) Archaeological and historical study of the building, carried out by an archaeologist, a historian, and an art historian.
The study has directly influenced the design: the discovery of a 15th century Mudejar ceiling, unique in Catalonia, led to a change in the architectural programme, transforming a residence into an office, with the aim of making this heritage space accessible to the public.
Five archaeological campaigns have been conducted, documenting the building’s 700 years of history, and have also been decisive in the design process. These campaigns uncovered that the adjacent house was also part of "Ca Robusté", and it has been included in the restoration, recovering part of the Mudejar ceiling that extended into this second house, as well as the medieval party walls.
The restoration work involved two conservators, a stonemason, and a woodwork expert company, who carried out diagnostic studies and restoration projects for the heritage elements.
The archaeological campaigns and historical research were interwoven with the various phases of the construction work, modifying the original programme. The conclusions of these professionals were integrated into the architectural project by the two architectural teams responsible for the project, with constant review by the technical staff of the Department of Culture of the Government of Catalonia, which funded the heritage recovery.
Technicians from different fields also participated in the project:
3) Geotechnical, topographical, and structural studies
4) Feasibility plan, coordination, and search for funding, provided by the foundation "La Dinamo", specialising in cooperative housing, and the worker cooperative "L’Economat SCCL".
1) Environmental study of the building, focusing on energy, water, materials, and waste, and the definition of a global environmental strategy to reduce resource consumption and waste emissions.
2) Archaeological and historical study of the building, carried out by an archaeologist, a historian, and an art historian.
The study has directly influenced the design: the discovery of a 15th century Mudejar ceiling, unique in Catalonia, led to a change in the architectural programme, transforming a residence into an office, with the aim of making this heritage space accessible to the public.
Five archaeological campaigns have been conducted, documenting the building’s 700 years of history, and have also been decisive in the design process. These campaigns uncovered that the adjacent house was also part of "Ca Robusté", and it has been included in the restoration, recovering part of the Mudejar ceiling that extended into this second house, as well as the medieval party walls.
The restoration work involved two conservators, a stonemason, and a woodwork expert company, who carried out diagnostic studies and restoration projects for the heritage elements.
The archaeological campaigns and historical research were interwoven with the various phases of the construction work, modifying the original programme. The conclusions of these professionals were integrated into the architectural project by the two architectural teams responsible for the project, with constant review by the technical staff of the Department of Culture of the Government of Catalonia, which funded the heritage recovery.
Technicians from different fields also participated in the project:
3) Geotechnical, topographical, and structural studies
4) Feasibility plan, coordination, and search for funding, provided by the foundation "La Dinamo", specialising in cooperative housing, and the worker cooperative "L’Economat SCCL".
The architectural project was carried out based on two prior reports:
1) Environmental study of the building, focusing on energy, water, materials, and waste, and the definition of a global environmental strategy to reduce resource consumption and waste emissions.
2) Archaeological and historical study of the building, carried out by an archaeologist, a historian, and an art historian.
The study has directly influenced the design: the discovery of a 15th century Mudejar ceiling, unique in Catalonia, led to a change in the architectural programme, transforming a residence into an office, with the aim of making this heritage space accessible to the public.
Five archaeological campaigns have been conducted, documenting the building’s 700 years of history, and have also been decisive in the design process. These campaigns uncovered that the adjacent house was also part of "Ca Robusté", and it has been included in the restoration, recovering part of the Mudejar ceiling that extended into this second house, as well as the medieval party walls.
The restoration work involved two conservators, a stonemason, and a woodwork expert company, who carried out diagnostic studies and restoration projects for the heritage elements.
The archaeological campaigns and historical research were interwoven with the various phases of the construction work, modifying the original programme. The conclusions of these professionals were integrated into the architectural project by the two architectural teams responsible for the project, with constant review by the technical staff of the Department of Culture of the Government of Catalonia, which funded the heritage recovery.
Technicians from different fields also participated in the project:
- Geotechnical, topographical, and structural studies
- Feasibility plan, coordination, and search for funding, provided by the foundation "La Dinamo", specialising in cooperative housing, and the worker cooperative "L’Economat SCCL".
1) Environmental study of the building, focusing on energy, water, materials, and waste, and the definition of a global environmental strategy to reduce resource consumption and waste emissions.
2) Archaeological and historical study of the building, carried out by an archaeologist, a historian, and an art historian.
The study has directly influenced the design: the discovery of a 15th century Mudejar ceiling, unique in Catalonia, led to a change in the architectural programme, transforming a residence into an office, with the aim of making this heritage space accessible to the public.
Five archaeological campaigns have been conducted, documenting the building’s 700 years of history, and have also been decisive in the design process. These campaigns uncovered that the adjacent house was also part of "Ca Robusté", and it has been included in the restoration, recovering part of the Mudejar ceiling that extended into this second house, as well as the medieval party walls.
The restoration work involved two conservators, a stonemason, and a woodwork expert company, who carried out diagnostic studies and restoration projects for the heritage elements.
The archaeological campaigns and historical research were interwoven with the various phases of the construction work, modifying the original programme. The conclusions of these professionals were integrated into the architectural project by the two architectural teams responsible for the project, with constant review by the technical staff of the Department of Culture of the Government of Catalonia, which funded the heritage recovery.
Technicians from different fields also participated in the project:
- Geotechnical, topographical, and structural studies
- Feasibility plan, coordination, and search for funding, provided by the foundation "La Dinamo", specialising in cooperative housing, and the worker cooperative "L’Economat SCCL".
1) The approach to the rehabilitation of "Ca Robusté" is based on the diagnosis of the Old Town of Valls (2019), developed by the City Council with the participation of 18 associations. Its objective is to "define a stable strategic framework that sets objectives and measures to address the various problems affecting the state and life of the neighbourhood: urban planning, housing, public space, economic activity, social cohesion, and heritage-culture."
The diagnosis identifies a high level of poverty, degradation of the historical heritage, lack of housing, lack of commerce and economic activity, degradation of public space and buildings, antisocial behaviour, lack of social cohesion, and lack of cultural life.
The rehabilitation of "Ca Robusté" addresses all of these issues and contributes to the objectives of the diagnosis:
- Urban transformation
- Recovery of architectural heritage
- Creation of housing
- Creation of squares and public spaces
- Reversing social degradation
- Promoting civility, community life, and participation of residents
- Fostering a sense of pride and belonging among the residents
- Developing a solid and dynamic fabric of economic activity
- Stimulating a commercial offer and identity
- Promoting tourism and visits
- Becoming a cultural hub
- Encouraging the development of a unique cultural identity emerging from the neighbourhood itself
- Promoting the recovery, promotion, knowledge, access, and social use of historical heritage
2) The entities driving the project have promoted the creation of 3 worker cooperatives in Valls to carry out the project, with the aim of preserving the experience and knowledge generated during the project and ensuring reliable partners for future rehabilitation works:
- L’Economat SCCL: management of social economy projects, feasibility plans, and fundraising
- Eixam SCCLP: architects specialising in rehabilitation and heritage
- MilMans SCCLP: consultancy specialising in social economy
The diagnosis identifies a high level of poverty, degradation of the historical heritage, lack of housing, lack of commerce and economic activity, degradation of public space and buildings, antisocial behaviour, lack of social cohesion, and lack of cultural life.
The rehabilitation of "Ca Robusté" addresses all of these issues and contributes to the objectives of the diagnosis:
- Urban transformation
- Recovery of architectural heritage
- Creation of housing
- Creation of squares and public spaces
- Reversing social degradation
- Promoting civility, community life, and participation of residents
- Fostering a sense of pride and belonging among the residents
- Developing a solid and dynamic fabric of economic activity
- Stimulating a commercial offer and identity
- Promoting tourism and visits
- Becoming a cultural hub
- Encouraging the development of a unique cultural identity emerging from the neighbourhood itself
- Promoting the recovery, promotion, knowledge, access, and social use of historical heritage
2) The entities driving the project have promoted the creation of 3 worker cooperatives in Valls to carry out the project, with the aim of preserving the experience and knowledge generated during the project and ensuring reliable partners for future rehabilitation works:
- L’Economat SCCL: management of social economy projects, feasibility plans, and fundraising
- Eixam SCCLP: architects specialising in rehabilitation and heritage
- MilMans SCCLP: consultancy specialising in social economy
The experience of "La Titaranya" can be replicated in municipalities with similar issues: a deteriorated old town facing urban and social degradation problems. This is the reality in many of the 41 regional capitals in Catalonia, but also in other municipalities across Spain and Europe.
The necessary conditions in these areas are the presence of an organised social network through cultural, social associations, and social economy businesses, with the capacity to access a range of public-private financing that can kickstart the activity. Knowledge transfer to these social groupings is a key point, and there are already entities at the Catalan and European levels offering this service, such as the European CLT network.
Key methodological points:
- Create a common entity that can include both individuals and legal entities as members, with rights and duties guaranteed statutorily.
- Ensure a parallel participatory or informational process for the local population.
- Holistic vision: integrate elements into the architectural programme that address the issues detected in the surrounding environment, making the building's uses permeable to the local population.
- Starting from the holistic vision and the themes included in the architectural programme: seeking financing from various public or private organisations, and from the departments of public administrations working on each specific theme.
SCALABILITY
The scalability model is guaranteed by the social and foundational purpose of La Titaranya: a non-profit cooperative that must reinvest its profits in the creation of cooperative housing and urban regeneration. The project's financial plan establishes that in 25 years the bank loan will be paid off and the profits resulting from the monthly instalments contributed by the inhabitants and the partner organisations will start to accumulate. The total value accumulated during the 75 years of effective right over the properties will be 1.337.593,88€.
The necessary conditions in these areas are the presence of an organised social network through cultural, social associations, and social economy businesses, with the capacity to access a range of public-private financing that can kickstart the activity. Knowledge transfer to these social groupings is a key point, and there are already entities at the Catalan and European levels offering this service, such as the European CLT network.
Key methodological points:
- Create a common entity that can include both individuals and legal entities as members, with rights and duties guaranteed statutorily.
- Ensure a parallel participatory or informational process for the local population.
- Holistic vision: integrate elements into the architectural programme that address the issues detected in the surrounding environment, making the building's uses permeable to the local population.
- Starting from the holistic vision and the themes included in the architectural programme: seeking financing from various public or private organisations, and from the departments of public administrations working on each specific theme.
SCALABILITY
The scalability model is guaranteed by the social and foundational purpose of La Titaranya: a non-profit cooperative that must reinvest its profits in the creation of cooperative housing and urban regeneration. The project's financial plan establishes that in 25 years the bank loan will be paid off and the profits resulting from the monthly instalments contributed by the inhabitants and the partner organisations will start to accumulate. The total value accumulated during the 75 years of effective right over the properties will be 1.337.593,88€.
The project, as the winner of the “TRANSFORMATIVE ACTION AWARD 2021”, is aligned with the Basque Declaration, the successor of the Aalborg Charter (1994) and the Aalborg Commitments (2004). According to Juan Espadas, Mayor of Seville and Chair of the Commission for Environment, Climate Change, and Energy of the Committee of the Regions:
"La Titaranya SCCL’s transformative action seamlessly integrates sustainability, citizen participation, and urban regeneration into a single strategy to revitalise a local neighbourhood. I would like to congratulate them for inspiring us, and other European cities and organisations, to build a just, green, and resilient future."
It also contributes to achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
1. No Poverty
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
10. Reduced Inequality
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
"La Titaranya SCCL’s transformative action seamlessly integrates sustainability, citizen participation, and urban regeneration into a single strategy to revitalise a local neighbourhood. I would like to congratulate them for inspiring us, and other European cities and organisations, to build a just, green, and resilient future."
It also contributes to achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
1. No Poverty
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
10. Reduced Inequality
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
1) Cooperative members living in the project: 7 families have gained access to housing provided by the project and are registered in the Government of Catalonia’s Official Register of Applicants for Social Housing.
2) 12 associations, with hundreds of members, have gained access to premises and spaces to develop their social and cultural activities in the degraded Old Quarter of Valls:
- Associació Cultural l'Aleta
- Grup de Consum La Bajoca
- Associació Cultural El Bou de Valls
- Associació Cultural l'Espardenya de Valls
- Associació Llumull Accions Audiovisuals
- Sindicat d'Activitats Diverses d'Alt Camp i Conca de Barberà de la CGT
- L'Economat SCCL
- MilMans Assessoria SCCLP
- Eixam Arquitectures SCCLP
- Produccions Saurines SCCL
- Punt d'Accés SCCL
- Camins Km0 SCCL
3) Museum display of the restored 13th century heritage building, featuring two elements:
3.1. A digital musealisation available in four languages.
3.2. A physical musealisation on the ground floor with informational panels, accessible via free entry or a guided tour upon request.
4) Organisation of 5 talks and 10 free guided tours to raise awareness of the heritage values of "Ca Robusté", attended by hundreds of local residents.
5) Collective creation of an artistic mural representing the member associations of “La Titaranya” and their social struggles.
These groups took part in workshops to define the content of the mural. It is located on the access street leading to the housing, premises, and inner garden, playing a central role in the project and serving as a unifying symbol for the social base of the participating entities.
6) Community funding:
-In 2019, 25 individuals and organisations made micro-donations totalling €2,000.
-In 2023, to address cash flow issues from the investment made, "La Titaranya" secured 300.000€ in personal loans from 59 supporters of the project.
2) 12 associations, with hundreds of members, have gained access to premises and spaces to develop their social and cultural activities in the degraded Old Quarter of Valls:
- Associació Cultural l'Aleta
- Grup de Consum La Bajoca
- Associació Cultural El Bou de Valls
- Associació Cultural l'Espardenya de Valls
- Associació Llumull Accions Audiovisuals
- Sindicat d'Activitats Diverses d'Alt Camp i Conca de Barberà de la CGT
- L'Economat SCCL
- MilMans Assessoria SCCLP
- Eixam Arquitectures SCCLP
- Produccions Saurines SCCL
- Punt d'Accés SCCL
- Camins Km0 SCCL
3) Museum display of the restored 13th century heritage building, featuring two elements:
3.1. A digital musealisation available in four languages.
3.2. A physical musealisation on the ground floor with informational panels, accessible via free entry or a guided tour upon request.
4) Organisation of 5 talks and 10 free guided tours to raise awareness of the heritage values of "Ca Robusté", attended by hundreds of local residents.
5) Collective creation of an artistic mural representing the member associations of “La Titaranya” and their social struggles.
These groups took part in workshops to define the content of the mural. It is located on the access street leading to the housing, premises, and inner garden, playing a central role in the project and serving as a unifying symbol for the social base of the participating entities.
6) Community funding:
-In 2019, 25 individuals and organisations made micro-donations totalling €2,000.
-In 2023, to address cash flow issues from the investment made, "La Titaranya" secured 300.000€ in personal loans from 59 supporters of the project.
