Regaining a sense of belonging
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Reviving Heritage, Empowering Communities: The Rural Coworking Hub
In Pajares de la Rivera, we are transforming historic buildings into a vibrant coworking space that bridges tradition and innovation. By fostering entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, and community engagement, we aim to revitalize the local economy, attract new talent, and restore a sense of belonging. A sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring model for the future of rural living.
In Pajares de la Rivera, we are transforming historic buildings into a vibrant coworking space that bridges tradition and innovation. By fostering entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, and community engagement, we aim to revitalize the local economy, attract new talent, and restore a sense of belonging. A sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring model for the future of rural living.
Spain
Regional
Cáceres
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-05-31
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Reviving Rural Heritage: The Pajares de la Rivera Coworking Hub
Our project transforms abandoned historic buildings into a dynamic coworking space, merging tradition with modern innovation. By repurposing the church, school, and teacher’s house, we create a collaborative hub that fosters entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, and local engagement while reinforcing a sense of belonging.
Overall Aim
To revitalize rural life through a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically enriched coworking model, attracting digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and creatives while strengthening the local community and bringing back local talent.
Target groups
- Rural residents looking for new opportunities.
-Remote workers and entrepreneurs looking for an inspiring environment.
-Young professionals and students willing to reconnect with their roots.
-Local artisans and companies, integrating tradition with innovation.
-Former residents with the ability to work remotely, encouraging their return.
-Companies and/users belonging to urban centers
- Digital nomads
Specific Objectives
-Preserve heritage by restoring and repurposing key community buildings.
-Enhance digital access with high-speed internet and modern workspaces.
-Foster collaboration through networking, mentoring, and cultural events.
-Promote sustainability via eco-friendly practices and a shared community garden.
-Rebuild social ties by creating an inclusive space for intergenerational exchange.
-Retain and bring back talent, offering professional opportunities for those who left.
Achieved Outcomes
- Increased local engagement, bridging generations through shared initiatives.
- New employment opportunities, attracting remote professionals.
- Boosted local economy, integrating traditional and modern sectors.
- Sustainable rural development, serving as a replicable model.
- Restored sense of belonging, enabling locals to thrive in their hometown.
Our project transforms abandoned historic buildings into a dynamic coworking space, merging tradition with modern innovation. By repurposing the church, school, and teacher’s house, we create a collaborative hub that fosters entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, and local engagement while reinforcing a sense of belonging.
Overall Aim
To revitalize rural life through a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically enriched coworking model, attracting digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and creatives while strengthening the local community and bringing back local talent.
Target groups
- Rural residents looking for new opportunities.
-Remote workers and entrepreneurs looking for an inspiring environment.
-Young professionals and students willing to reconnect with their roots.
-Local artisans and companies, integrating tradition with innovation.
-Former residents with the ability to work remotely, encouraging their return.
-Companies and/users belonging to urban centers
- Digital nomads
Specific Objectives
-Preserve heritage by restoring and repurposing key community buildings.
-Enhance digital access with high-speed internet and modern workspaces.
-Foster collaboration through networking, mentoring, and cultural events.
-Promote sustainability via eco-friendly practices and a shared community garden.
-Rebuild social ties by creating an inclusive space for intergenerational exchange.
-Retain and bring back talent, offering professional opportunities for those who left.
Achieved Outcomes
- Increased local engagement, bridging generations through shared initiatives.
- New employment opportunities, attracting remote professionals.
- Boosted local economy, integrating traditional and modern sectors.
- Sustainable rural development, serving as a replicable model.
- Restored sense of belonging, enabling locals to thrive in their hometown.
Regeneration
Community
Circular Economy
Connectivity
Identity
Sustainability at the Core: A Model for Rural Regeneration
Our project integrates sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, ensuring long-term impact while serving as a replicable model for other rural communities.
Key Sustainability Objectives and Achievements
-Adaptive Reuse & Circular Economy
Rather than constructing new buildings, we revitalized abandoned heritage structures—the church, school, and teacher’s house—minimizing waste, reducing emissions, and preserving the town’s architectural identity. The renovation prioritized local materials and artisans, strengthening the local economy while reducing the carbon footprint.
-Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources
The coworking center incorporates natural ventilation and energy-efficient lighting, dramatically reducing energy consumption. A community garden and green areas improve air quality, encourage biodiversity and provide fresh local produce to users.
-Social Sustainability & Belonging
By attracting remote workers, entrepreneurs, and returning residents, the project restores a sense of belonging while tackling depopulation. It serves as a multigenerational meeting space, bridging gaps between traditional knowledge and digital innovation.
-Promoting Sustainable Work & Mobility
The coworking hub reduces the need for long commutes by offering high-speed internet and digital infrastructure, enabling telework. This shift lowers CO₂ emissions while promoting a work-life balance in a healthier, nature-connected setting.
-Replicability & Scalable Impact
This model can be adapted to other rural towns across Europe, proving that heritage conservation, sustainability, and economic regeneration can coexist.
An Exemplary Model for the New European Bauhaus
Our project exemplifies how sustainability, beauty, and inclusion can revive rural communities, demonstrating a future-proof approach that celebrates identity while embracing innovation.
Our project integrates sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, ensuring long-term impact while serving as a replicable model for other rural communities.
Key Sustainability Objectives and Achievements
-Adaptive Reuse & Circular Economy
Rather than constructing new buildings, we revitalized abandoned heritage structures—the church, school, and teacher’s house—minimizing waste, reducing emissions, and preserving the town’s architectural identity. The renovation prioritized local materials and artisans, strengthening the local economy while reducing the carbon footprint.
-Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources
The coworking center incorporates natural ventilation and energy-efficient lighting, dramatically reducing energy consumption. A community garden and green areas improve air quality, encourage biodiversity and provide fresh local produce to users.
-Social Sustainability & Belonging
By attracting remote workers, entrepreneurs, and returning residents, the project restores a sense of belonging while tackling depopulation. It serves as a multigenerational meeting space, bridging gaps between traditional knowledge and digital innovation.
-Promoting Sustainable Work & Mobility
The coworking hub reduces the need for long commutes by offering high-speed internet and digital infrastructure, enabling telework. This shift lowers CO₂ emissions while promoting a work-life balance in a healthier, nature-connected setting.
-Replicability & Scalable Impact
This model can be adapted to other rural towns across Europe, proving that heritage conservation, sustainability, and economic regeneration can coexist.
An Exemplary Model for the New European Bauhaus
Our project exemplifies how sustainability, beauty, and inclusion can revive rural communities, demonstrating a future-proof approach that celebrates identity while embracing innovation.
Our project is based on the harmonious integration between the built environment and the natural landscape, promoting an enriching aesthetic and sensory experience for people. From design to implementation, we have prioritized spatial quality, sustainability and cultural value, aligning ourselves with the principles of the New European Bauhaus.
Design and Aesthetics: We have conceived spaces that respect local identity, using native materials and traditional construction techniques combined with architectural innovation. Visual coherence and human scale favor a welcoming and balanced environment.
Quality of Experience: The layout of the space encourages social interaction and well-being, with areas that invite contemplation, meeting and inclusive use. Natural light, integrated vegetation and ergonomics contribute to a positive and pleasant perception of the environment.
Cultural Benefits: The project revitalizes and revalues local heritage, strengthening cultural identity and promoting community participation in its conservation and reinterpretation. Ameas has the temple of the arts, which is a space where you can give free rein to the arts in all its variants.
Exemplarity of the Project
This project represents a replicable model of sustainable development and urban regeneration, where design and culture become engines of social transformation. The integration between tradition and innovation allows us to respond to contemporary challenges without losing the link with the past, offering an inspiring vision for future initiatives in Europe and beyond.
Design and Aesthetics: We have conceived spaces that respect local identity, using native materials and traditional construction techniques combined with architectural innovation. Visual coherence and human scale favor a welcoming and balanced environment.
Quality of Experience: The layout of the space encourages social interaction and well-being, with areas that invite contemplation, meeting and inclusive use. Natural light, integrated vegetation and ergonomics contribute to a positive and pleasant perception of the environment.
Cultural Benefits: The project revitalizes and revalues local heritage, strengthening cultural identity and promoting community participation in its conservation and reinterpretation. Ameas has the temple of the arts, which is a space where you can give free rein to the arts in all its variants.
Exemplarity of the Project
This project represents a replicable model of sustainable development and urban regeneration, where design and culture become engines of social transformation. The integration between tradition and innovation allows us to respond to contemporary challenges without losing the link with the past, offering an inspiring vision for future initiatives in Europe and beyond.
Our project takes a comprehensive approach to inclusion, ensuring accessibility, affordability and community participation in decision-making. The regeneration of the space not only responds to functional needs, but also seeks to generate a positive social impact by offering equitable opportunities for all.
Universal Accessibility:
The rehabilitation of historic buildings has been designed following the principles of design for all, ensuring that spaces are accessible to people with reduced mobility and other disabilities.
Architectural barriers have been eliminated and solutions such as ramps, inclusive signage and adaptable furniture have been incorporated.
Affordability and Opportunities for All:
The rural coworking model offers affordable rates for entrepreneurs, remote workers and local residents, facilitating equal employment opportunities.
Access to shared resources, such as high-speed internet and training spaces, is encouraged, allowing the integration of different professional and socioeconomic profiles.Gobernanza Participativa y Modelos Sociales Innovadores:
An ecosystem of knowledge exchange and mutual support is promoted, strengthening social cohesion and the sense of belonging.
Exemplarity of the Project
This project becomes a benchmark by demonstrating how inclusive design and participatory governance can transform rural spaces into dynamic and accessible environments for all. Its model is scalable and replicable in other European communities that seek to revitalize their social and economic fabric without leaving anyone behind.
Universal Accessibility:
The rehabilitation of historic buildings has been designed following the principles of design for all, ensuring that spaces are accessible to people with reduced mobility and other disabilities.
Architectural barriers have been eliminated and solutions such as ramps, inclusive signage and adaptable furniture have been incorporated.
Affordability and Opportunities for All:
The rural coworking model offers affordable rates for entrepreneurs, remote workers and local residents, facilitating equal employment opportunities.
Access to shared resources, such as high-speed internet and training spaces, is encouraged, allowing the integration of different professional and socioeconomic profiles.Gobernanza Participativa y Modelos Sociales Innovadores:
An ecosystem of knowledge exchange and mutual support is promoted, strengthening social cohesion and the sense of belonging.
Exemplarity of the Project
This project becomes a benchmark by demonstrating how inclusive design and participatory governance can transform rural spaces into dynamic and accessible environments for all. Its model is scalable and replicable in other European communities that seek to revitalize their social and economic fabric without leaving anyone behind.
Since its conception, the project has been designed with a participatory approach, ensuring that the local community and civil society not only benefit from the results, but also play an active role in its development and evolution.
Local Community Involvement:
Workshops and co-design sessions have been held with residents, allowing their needs and expectations to directly influence the planning of the space.
The rehabilitation of historic buildings has been guided by the collective memory of the community, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved and redefined according to local aspirations.
Participation of Civil Society and Local Associations:
Local organizations have contributed in key aspects such as the promotion of entrepreneurship, sustainability and social inclusion.
Collaborations have been established with cooperatives, cultural associations and social economy networks to ensure that the project benefits diverse groups, from young entrepreneurs to older adults.Impacto de la Participación Ciudadana en el Proyecto:
The involvement of the community has reinforced the sense of belonging and has facilitated the appropriation of the space by its inhabitants.
Co-responsibility in the management of the space has been encouraged, promoting a shared governance model that ensures its long-term sustainability.
The diversity of voices involved has enriched the final design, ensuring that the space is truly inclusive, functional and adapted to the real needs of the population.
Exemplarity of the Project in Citizen Participation
This project demonstrates that citizen involvement in the design and management of shared spaces not only improves the quality of the built environment, but also strengthens the social fabric and generates more sustainable and resilient development models. Its collaborative approach makes it a replicable model for other communities seeking revitalization without losing their identity and social cohesion.
Local Community Involvement:
Workshops and co-design sessions have been held with residents, allowing their needs and expectations to directly influence the planning of the space.
The rehabilitation of historic buildings has been guided by the collective memory of the community, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved and redefined according to local aspirations.
Participation of Civil Society and Local Associations:
Local organizations have contributed in key aspects such as the promotion of entrepreneurship, sustainability and social inclusion.
Collaborations have been established with cooperatives, cultural associations and social economy networks to ensure that the project benefits diverse groups, from young entrepreneurs to older adults.Impacto de la Participación Ciudadana en el Proyecto:
The involvement of the community has reinforced the sense of belonging and has facilitated the appropriation of the space by its inhabitants.
Co-responsibility in the management of the space has been encouraged, promoting a shared governance model that ensures its long-term sustainability.
The diversity of voices involved has enriched the final design, ensuring that the space is truly inclusive, functional and adapted to the real needs of the population.
Exemplarity of the Project in Citizen Participation
This project demonstrates that citizen involvement in the design and management of shared spaces not only improves the quality of the built environment, but also strengthens the social fabric and generates more sustainable and resilient development models. Its collaborative approach makes it a replicable model for other communities seeking revitalization without losing their identity and social cohesion.
The success of the project has been possible thanks to the active collaboration of multiple actors at different levels—local, regional, national and European—whose contributions have been key to its design, implementation and long-term sustainability.
1. Local Actors
-Citizens and local community: Their participation has been fundamental in defining needs and recovering the identity of the space. Co-design workshops and consultation sessions have ensured that the project meets real expectations.
-Cultural and social associations: They have collaborated in the programming of activities and in the revitalization of the space, promoting community use and the integration of diverse groups.
-Small businesses and entrepreneurs: Their involvement has made it possible to adapt the rural coworking model to the economic needs of the environment, promoting new job and commercial opportunities.
2. Regional Actors
-Provincial Council of Cáceres and Junta de Extremadura: They have provided key economic funds for the rehabilitation of historic buildings and the development of coworking, guaranteeing its financial viability.
-Local governments and regional administrations: They have provided permits, technical advice and logistical support for the implementation of the project.
3. National Actors
National entrepreneurship and coworking networks: They have offered advice for structuring the business model and its scalability in other regions.
Added Value of Stakeholder Engagement
Greater legitimacy and social appropriation: The participation of multiple actors has generated a high degree of acceptance and sense of belonging in the community.
Long-term sustainability: The diversification of support and collaborations ensures that the project can evolve and adapt to new needs.
Innovation and replicability: The combination of local knowledge with European approaches has allowed us to develop a replicable model for other communities facing similar challenges.
1. Local Actors
-Citizens and local community: Their participation has been fundamental in defining needs and recovering the identity of the space. Co-design workshops and consultation sessions have ensured that the project meets real expectations.
-Cultural and social associations: They have collaborated in the programming of activities and in the revitalization of the space, promoting community use and the integration of diverse groups.
-Small businesses and entrepreneurs: Their involvement has made it possible to adapt the rural coworking model to the economic needs of the environment, promoting new job and commercial opportunities.
2. Regional Actors
-Provincial Council of Cáceres and Junta de Extremadura: They have provided key economic funds for the rehabilitation of historic buildings and the development of coworking, guaranteeing its financial viability.
-Local governments and regional administrations: They have provided permits, technical advice and logistical support for the implementation of the project.
3. National Actors
National entrepreneurship and coworking networks: They have offered advice for structuring the business model and its scalability in other regions.
Added Value of Stakeholder Engagement
Greater legitimacy and social appropriation: The participation of multiple actors has generated a high degree of acceptance and sense of belonging in the community.
Long-term sustainability: The diversification of support and collaborations ensures that the project can evolve and adapt to new needs.
Innovation and replicability: The combination of local knowledge with European approaches has allowed us to develop a replicable model for other communities facing similar challenges.
The design and implementation of the project integrated a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from various fields to ensure a holistic and sustainable transformation of the space.
1. Architecture and Heritage Conservation
Historic preservation and restoration specialists played a crucial role in rehabilitating the church, teacher's house and former school, ensuring architectural integrity was maintained and adapting the spaces for modern use.
Architects and urban planners incorporated sustainable and adaptive reuse strategies, balancing historic value with contemporary functionality.
2. Sustainable Development and Environmental Sciences
green building practices, promoting energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
The inclusion of an ecological community garden was guided by specialists, ensuring sustainability and local food production.
3. Digital innovation and smart infrastructure
ICT professionals developed high-speed Internet connectivity solutions, guaranteeing digital accessibility for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Incorporating smart workspaces and digital tools improves productivity and fosters a collaborative environment.
4. Community Participation
Participatory design, ensuring that the project was aligned with the needs and aspirations of the local community.
Collaboration with local associations and civil society organizations ensured that the space remained inclusive and representative of diverse social groups.
1. Architecture and Heritage Conservation
Historic preservation and restoration specialists played a crucial role in rehabilitating the church, teacher's house and former school, ensuring architectural integrity was maintained and adapting the spaces for modern use.
Architects and urban planners incorporated sustainable and adaptive reuse strategies, balancing historic value with contemporary functionality.
2. Sustainable Development and Environmental Sciences
green building practices, promoting energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
The inclusion of an ecological community garden was guided by specialists, ensuring sustainability and local food production.
3. Digital innovation and smart infrastructure
ICT professionals developed high-speed Internet connectivity solutions, guaranteeing digital accessibility for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Incorporating smart workspaces and digital tools improves productivity and fosters a collaborative environment.
4. Community Participation
Participatory design, ensuring that the project was aligned with the needs and aspirations of the local community.
Collaboration with local associations and civil society organizations ensured that the space remained inclusive and representative of diverse social groups.
This project redefines rural coworking by merging heritage preservation, digital transformation, and community-driven development, offering an alternative to urban workspaces. Unlike traditional approaches, it actively attracts and retains talent, reversing rural brain drain by providing an environment where young entrepreneurs, returning professionals, and remote workers can thrive.
Unlike standard rural initiatives focused on infrastructure, this coworking hub is a destination for digital nomads and decentralized workforces, integrating them into the local economy and fostering cultural exchange. With high-speed internet and smart infrastructure, it demonstrates that high-value knowledge work can succeed in rural settings.
The project pioneers a hybrid model where history meets innovation, transforming historic buildings into modern workspaces while maintaining their cultural essence. This adaptive reuse approach minimizes environmental impact and supports the circular economy, incorporating local materials, green energy solutions, and a community ecological garden.
What sets this initiative apart is its community-centered governance. Instead of imposing an external solution, it was co-designed with local stakeholders, ensuring a sense of belonging and shared ownership. This participatory model strengthens long-term social integration and sustainability.
Beyond its local impact, this project establishes a scalable and replicable framework for other rural areas, demonstrating that innovation and entrepreneurship are not limited to cities. It provides a blueprint for rural digital hubs, attracting and retaining talent while preserving cultural identity.
By blending technology, heritage, and inclusivity, this project creates a new paradigm for rural regeneration—one where digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and local talent work, collaborate, and belong.
Unlike standard rural initiatives focused on infrastructure, this coworking hub is a destination for digital nomads and decentralized workforces, integrating them into the local economy and fostering cultural exchange. With high-speed internet and smart infrastructure, it demonstrates that high-value knowledge work can succeed in rural settings.
The project pioneers a hybrid model where history meets innovation, transforming historic buildings into modern workspaces while maintaining their cultural essence. This adaptive reuse approach minimizes environmental impact and supports the circular economy, incorporating local materials, green energy solutions, and a community ecological garden.
What sets this initiative apart is its community-centered governance. Instead of imposing an external solution, it was co-designed with local stakeholders, ensuring a sense of belonging and shared ownership. This participatory model strengthens long-term social integration and sustainability.
Beyond its local impact, this project establishes a scalable and replicable framework for other rural areas, demonstrating that innovation and entrepreneurship are not limited to cities. It provides a blueprint for rural digital hubs, attracting and retaining talent while preserving cultural identity.
By blending technology, heritage, and inclusivity, this project creates a new paradigm for rural regeneration—one where digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and local talent work, collaborate, and belong.
The Coworking Complex – Digital Village of Pajares de la Rivera follows a holistic methodology integrating heritage rehabilitation, sustainability, and digital transformation to revitalize rural areas.
1. Heritage Rehabilitation & Sustainability
We repurpose three historic buildings—the church, teacher’s house, and old school—into a modern coworking hub, preserving cultural value while using eco-friendly materials, s Adaptive reuse reduces environmental impact and promotes a circular economy.
2. Community-Centered Development
Through citizen workshops, public consultations, and partnerships, we ensure local participation in shaping the space. This strengthens social cohesion, intergenerational exchange, and economic inclusion, creating a vibrant, collaborative environment.
3. Digital & Economic Transformation
The coworking hub fosters entrepreneurship, remote work, and innovation, offering high-speed internet, training programs, and networking spaces. By attracting digital nomads and local businesses, the project boosts employment, supports rural economies, and reduces depopulation.
4. Long-Term Impact Assessment
A monitoring system tracks key indicators: business growth, job creation, and social engagement, ensuring adaptability and scalability to other rural areas.
By merging tradition, technology, and sustainability, the Coworking Complex is a replicable model for inclusive, resilient rural development.
1. Heritage Rehabilitation & Sustainability
We repurpose three historic buildings—the church, teacher’s house, and old school—into a modern coworking hub, preserving cultural value while using eco-friendly materials, s Adaptive reuse reduces environmental impact and promotes a circular economy.
2. Community-Centered Development
Through citizen workshops, public consultations, and partnerships, we ensure local participation in shaping the space. This strengthens social cohesion, intergenerational exchange, and economic inclusion, creating a vibrant, collaborative environment.
3. Digital & Economic Transformation
The coworking hub fosters entrepreneurship, remote work, and innovation, offering high-speed internet, training programs, and networking spaces. By attracting digital nomads and local businesses, the project boosts employment, supports rural economies, and reduces depopulation.
4. Long-Term Impact Assessment
A monitoring system tracks key indicators: business growth, job creation, and social engagement, ensuring adaptability and scalability to other rural areas.
By merging tradition, technology, and sustainability, the Coworking Complex is a replicable model for inclusive, resilient rural development.
The Coworking Complex – Digital Village of Pajares de la Rivera is a replicable and adaptable model for rural revitalization, integrating sustainability, digital transformation, and heritage rehabilitation. Its key transferable elements include:
1. Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings
The project demonstrates how abandoned rural buildings (schools, churches, or town halls) can be repurposed into coworking hubs, cultural centers, or innovation labs. This low-cost, high-impact approach can be adapted to any rural area with underutilized infrastructure.
2. Sustainable and Circular Practices
Using local materials, renewable energy, and rainwater systems, the project minimizes environmental impact. This eco-conscious methodology can be transferred to urban regeneration, rural tourism, or community-driven initiatives across Europe.
3. Community-Driven Development
Our participatory approach—public consultations, local partnerships, and mentorship programs—ensures adaptability to different social and cultural contexts. The model can be applied to other villages, social enterprises, or cooperatives aiming to strengthen community ties.
4. Digital and Economic Innovation
Providing high-speed internet, business incubators, and co-creation spaces makes remote work viable beyond cities. This approach supports teleworking policies, regional economic diversification, and local entrepreneurship.
5. Scalable Learning and Collaboration Model
By documenting its challenges, best practices, and impact data, the project offers a blueprint for municipalities, NGOs, and EU-funded initiatives seeking to revitalize rural areas through coworking and digital hubs.
By combining tradition, technology, and sustainability, this Coworking Complex provides a scalable solution for rural resilience, digital inclusion, and circular economy initiatives.
1. Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings
The project demonstrates how abandoned rural buildings (schools, churches, or town halls) can be repurposed into coworking hubs, cultural centers, or innovation labs. This low-cost, high-impact approach can be adapted to any rural area with underutilized infrastructure.
2. Sustainable and Circular Practices
Using local materials, renewable energy, and rainwater systems, the project minimizes environmental impact. This eco-conscious methodology can be transferred to urban regeneration, rural tourism, or community-driven initiatives across Europe.
3. Community-Driven Development
Our participatory approach—public consultations, local partnerships, and mentorship programs—ensures adaptability to different social and cultural contexts. The model can be applied to other villages, social enterprises, or cooperatives aiming to strengthen community ties.
4. Digital and Economic Innovation
Providing high-speed internet, business incubators, and co-creation spaces makes remote work viable beyond cities. This approach supports teleworking policies, regional economic diversification, and local entrepreneurship.
5. Scalable Learning and Collaboration Model
By documenting its challenges, best practices, and impact data, the project offers a blueprint for municipalities, NGOs, and EU-funded initiatives seeking to revitalize rural areas through coworking and digital hubs.
By combining tradition, technology, and sustainability, this Coworking Complex provides a scalable solution for rural resilience, digital inclusion, and circular economy initiatives.
The Coworking Complex – Digital Village of Pajares de la Rivera responds to global challenges such as rural depopulation, economic inequality, climate change, and digital divide by implementing scalable local solutions that foster sustainability, social inclusion, and innovation.
1. Rural Depopulation and Economic Inequality
Across Europe, rural areas face population decline due to limited job opportunities and lack of infrastructure. Our project revitalizes abandoned spaces, creating an economic hub that attracts entrepreneurs, remote workers, and digital nomads, offering them an ecosystem for collaboration and business growth.
2. Climate Change and Resource Efficiency
Construction and urban expansion contribute to environmental degradation. Instead of building new infrastructure, we rehabilitate existing buildings, reducing material consumption and waste. We integrate renewable energy, water conservation, and biophilic design, setting a replicable example of sustainable development.
3. Digital Divide and Access to Technology
The lack of digital infrastructure in rural areas limits economic diversification. By providing high-speed internet, training programs, and co-creation spaces, we bridge the urban-rural technology gap, enabling remote work, digital entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities.
4. Social Disconnection and Loss of Cultural Identity
Many rural communities suffer from isolation and a weakening sense of belonging. Our project fosters intergenerational collaboration, community-driven initiatives, and cultural preservation, strengthening social ties and local engagement.
Through heritage restoration, sustainability, and digital transformation, our local model offers global solutions, demonstrating how rural areas can become resilient, innovative, and connected ecosystems.
1. Rural Depopulation and Economic Inequality
Across Europe, rural areas face population decline due to limited job opportunities and lack of infrastructure. Our project revitalizes abandoned spaces, creating an economic hub that attracts entrepreneurs, remote workers, and digital nomads, offering them an ecosystem for collaboration and business growth.
2. Climate Change and Resource Efficiency
Construction and urban expansion contribute to environmental degradation. Instead of building new infrastructure, we rehabilitate existing buildings, reducing material consumption and waste. We integrate renewable energy, water conservation, and biophilic design, setting a replicable example of sustainable development.
3. Digital Divide and Access to Technology
The lack of digital infrastructure in rural areas limits economic diversification. By providing high-speed internet, training programs, and co-creation spaces, we bridge the urban-rural technology gap, enabling remote work, digital entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities.
4. Social Disconnection and Loss of Cultural Identity
Many rural communities suffer from isolation and a weakening sense of belonging. Our project fosters intergenerational collaboration, community-driven initiatives, and cultural preservation, strengthening social ties and local engagement.
Through heritage restoration, sustainability, and digital transformation, our local model offers global solutions, demonstrating how rural areas can become resilient, innovative, and connected ecosystems.
The Coworking Complex – Digital Village of Pajares de la Rivera has successfully revitalized a rural community, transforming abandoned heritage buildings into a thriving hub for remote work, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. Its measurable results and impact include:
1. Economic Revitalization and Job Creation
20+ professionals and entrepreneurs now use the coworking space, generating new business opportunities.
5 local businesses have been launched or expanded, benefiting from the digital infrastructure.
The project has created direct jobs in facility management and indirect jobs in local services (hospitality, retail).
2. Strengthening Social and Cultural Identity
The restored church, teacher’s house, and school have become spaces for learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange, strengthening the sense of belonging.
40+ community events (workshops, networking, and mentorship programs) have connected residents, professionals, and visitors.
3. Bridging the Urban-Rural Digital Divide
High-speed internet and tech-driven programs have enabled remote work and digital education, reducing rural-urban migration.
The space has attracted digital nomads and young professionals, repopulating the area and increasing long-term residency interest.
4. Environmental and Sustainable Development Impact
The community garden promotes sustainable food practices and intergenerational engagement.
This project demonstrates that rural areas can be dynamic, connected, and economically viable, offering a replicable model for European villages facing depopulation and socio-economic decline.
1. Economic Revitalization and Job Creation
20+ professionals and entrepreneurs now use the coworking space, generating new business opportunities.
5 local businesses have been launched or expanded, benefiting from the digital infrastructure.
The project has created direct jobs in facility management and indirect jobs in local services (hospitality, retail).
2. Strengthening Social and Cultural Identity
The restored church, teacher’s house, and school have become spaces for learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange, strengthening the sense of belonging.
40+ community events (workshops, networking, and mentorship programs) have connected residents, professionals, and visitors.
3. Bridging the Urban-Rural Digital Divide
High-speed internet and tech-driven programs have enabled remote work and digital education, reducing rural-urban migration.
The space has attracted digital nomads and young professionals, repopulating the area and increasing long-term residency interest.
4. Environmental and Sustainable Development Impact
The community garden promotes sustainable food practices and intergenerational engagement.
This project demonstrates that rural areas can be dynamic, connected, and economically viable, offering a replicable model for European villages facing depopulation and socio-economic decline.
