Arts, Culture, and Heritage as Drivers of Change
Mills to the Mountain
Es Sindicat: Culture-Led Regeneration of Heritage and Productive Landscapes
The project reimagines Es Sindicat, a historic cooperative winery in Felanitx (Mallorca), as a cultural and productive landscape connecting heritage, agriculture and community life. Through the adaptive reuse of the building and the creation of a productive agrarian park, the initiative brings together wine producers, artists, residents and visitors, transforming an abandoned industrial site into a vibrant place for culture, learning and local regeneration.
Spain
Local
FELANITX-ES SINDICAT (ES)
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It involves a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Early concept
No
No
No
Individual
The proposal envisions transforming Es Sindicat, a historic cooperative winery built in 1919 in Felanitx (Mallorca), into a cultural, productive and social infrastructure reconnecting heritage, landscape and community. Rather than an isolated monument, it is understood as part of a wider territorial system shaped by agriculture, local knowledge and collective memory.
The concept addresses a key challenge in many European rural regions: the growing disconnection between historic productive landscapes and contemporary urban life, while exploring the potential of reactivating industrial heritage as a catalyst for cultural production, social interaction and local economic activity. The aim is to transform Es Sindicat into a shared platform where culture, agriculture, research and community life coexist.
The initiative benefits multiple groups: local residents, small wine producers from Pla i Llevant, artists, researchers, cultural practitioners, students and visitors, promoting collaboration between culture, production and knowledge.
Three objectives structure the proposal: preserving and reinterpreting the heritage building through minimal, reversible intervention; reconnecting the winery with the town and surrounding landscape through a productive agrarian park combining ecological systems, experimental vineyards and public space; and establishing a cultural ecosystem including residencies, exhibition and co-creation spaces, and a public archive of collective memory and viticultural heritage.
The project has received international recognition with a Europan Honourable Mention, highlighting its innovative approach to heritage regeneration and landscape integration.
By combining adaptive reuse, productive landscapes and cultural programming, the proposal demonstrates how heritage infrastructures can foster social cohesion, creative production and sustainable territorial development, offering a forward-looking model for rural Europe.
The concept addresses a key challenge in many European rural regions: the growing disconnection between historic productive landscapes and contemporary urban life, while exploring the potential of reactivating industrial heritage as a catalyst for cultural production, social interaction and local economic activity. The aim is to transform Es Sindicat into a shared platform where culture, agriculture, research and community life coexist.
The initiative benefits multiple groups: local residents, small wine producers from Pla i Llevant, artists, researchers, cultural practitioners, students and visitors, promoting collaboration between culture, production and knowledge.
Three objectives structure the proposal: preserving and reinterpreting the heritage building through minimal, reversible intervention; reconnecting the winery with the town and surrounding landscape through a productive agrarian park combining ecological systems, experimental vineyards and public space; and establishing a cultural ecosystem including residencies, exhibition and co-creation spaces, and a public archive of collective memory and viticultural heritage.
The project has received international recognition with a Europan Honourable Mention, highlighting its innovative approach to heritage regeneration and landscape integration.
By combining adaptive reuse, productive landscapes and cultural programming, the proposal demonstrates how heritage infrastructures can foster social cohesion, creative production and sustainable territorial development, offering a forward-looking model for rural Europe.
The concept emerged from an in-depth reading of Felanitx and its agricultural landscape, shaped by viticultural tradition and historic windmills. These vertical stone structures, once used for water management and agriculture, informed an understanding of how productive infrastructures structure landscape and collective memory.
At the same time, the project addressed the current condition of Es Sindicat, a cooperative winery built in 1919 and now protected as heritage. Despite its significance, it remains physically and socially disconnected from the town due to a ring road. The proposal responds by reconnecting this landmark with the urban centre and surrounding agricultural landscape while reactivating its social and cultural role.
The concept developed through a research-driven design process including site visits, exploration of rural paths and landscape structures, and analysis of the building’s spatial qualities and limitations. Historical research using archival plans, imagery and documents on the local wine industry helped reconstruct the site’s evolution and territorial relationships.
The design process combined analytical and digital tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhinoceros and Adobe Illustrator to test spatial strategies, develop interventions and represent the territorial vision.
The initiative is informed by doctoral research on John Habraken’s theories, understanding territory as a dynamic support structure. Accordingly, the agrarian park is conceived as a flexible framework rather than a fixed design, allowing productive, ecological and cultural uses to evolve over time, increasing resilience and adaptability.
From the outset, the proposal was conceived as realistic and implementable, with phased interventions to progressively activate the building and its landscape while preserving heritage and strengthening ties between community, culture and territory.
At the same time, the project addressed the current condition of Es Sindicat, a cooperative winery built in 1919 and now protected as heritage. Despite its significance, it remains physically and socially disconnected from the town due to a ring road. The proposal responds by reconnecting this landmark with the urban centre and surrounding agricultural landscape while reactivating its social and cultural role.
The concept developed through a research-driven design process including site visits, exploration of rural paths and landscape structures, and analysis of the building’s spatial qualities and limitations. Historical research using archival plans, imagery and documents on the local wine industry helped reconstruct the site’s evolution and territorial relationships.
The design process combined analytical and digital tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhinoceros and Adobe Illustrator to test spatial strategies, develop interventions and represent the territorial vision.
The initiative is informed by doctoral research on John Habraken’s theories, understanding territory as a dynamic support structure. Accordingly, the agrarian park is conceived as a flexible framework rather than a fixed design, allowing productive, ecological and cultural uses to evolve over time, increasing resilience and adaptability.
From the outset, the proposal was conceived as realistic and implementable, with phased interventions to progressively activate the building and its landscape while preserving heritage and strengthening ties between community, culture and territory.
Heritage regeneration
Nature-based productive landscapes
Adaptive reuse
Community co-creation
Rural territorial resilience
The proposal addresses sustainability through an integrated territorial, environmental and cultural strategy based on adaptive reuse, regeneration of productive landscapes and strengthening local economies.
The main objective is to reactivate the historic cooperative winery of Es Sindicat as a multifunctional infrastructure supporting cultural production, local agriculture and community life while preserving its architectural and cultural value. By reusing an existing building instead of constructing new infrastructure, the project prioritises resource efficiency and reduces the environmental impact of demolition and new construction.
A key element is the creation of a productive agrarian park reconnecting the building with the surrounding landscape and the town of Felanitx. Unlike conventional parks, it integrates experimental vineyards, ecological systems and public uses, forming a hybrid landscape where agricultural production, environmental regeneration and social activities coexist. This strengthens the local wine economy while promoting sustainable land management and ecological awareness.
The architectural intervention follows minimal and reversible design principles, preserving structures and façades while introducing lightweight, adaptable elements. This extends the building’s lifespan and allows future evolution without compromising heritage value.
The project also supports social and economic sustainability by providing shared spaces for small wine producers, artists and cultural practitioners. By linking cultural activities with agriculture and local knowledge, it reinforces regional identity and promotes resilient territorial development.
Its value lies in a holistic approach integrating ecological regeneration, cultural heritage and local economies into a single framework for sustainable rural development in Europe.
The main objective is to reactivate the historic cooperative winery of Es Sindicat as a multifunctional infrastructure supporting cultural production, local agriculture and community life while preserving its architectural and cultural value. By reusing an existing building instead of constructing new infrastructure, the project prioritises resource efficiency and reduces the environmental impact of demolition and new construction.
A key element is the creation of a productive agrarian park reconnecting the building with the surrounding landscape and the town of Felanitx. Unlike conventional parks, it integrates experimental vineyards, ecological systems and public uses, forming a hybrid landscape where agricultural production, environmental regeneration and social activities coexist. This strengthens the local wine economy while promoting sustainable land management and ecological awareness.
The architectural intervention follows minimal and reversible design principles, preserving structures and façades while introducing lightweight, adaptable elements. This extends the building’s lifespan and allows future evolution without compromising heritage value.
The project also supports social and economic sustainability by providing shared spaces for small wine producers, artists and cultural practitioners. By linking cultural activities with agriculture and local knowledge, it reinforces regional identity and promotes resilient territorial development.
Its value lies in a holistic approach integrating ecological regeneration, cultural heritage and local economies into a single framework for sustainable rural development in Europe.
The initiative approaches aesthetics as a lived experience linking architecture, landscape and cultural heritage with everyday life. It aims to transform Es Sindicat and its surroundings into a place where beauty emerges from the relationship between productive activities, public space and collective memory.
The project enhances quality of life in Felanitx by reconnecting a historically significant building with the town and its agricultural landscape. The agrarian park introduces paths, circular plazas and cultivated fields that encourage walking, gathering and daily interaction with the landscape. These spaces evolve with the seasons, allowing residents and visitors to experience agricultural rhythms and nature.
Design is central to this experience. The intervention preserves the structure of the historic winery while introducing light, reversible elements that enable new uses to coexist with its original spatial qualities. The reconstruction of former silos, inspired by surrounding windmills, creates viewpoints and public spaces that reinterpret local heritage through contemporary design.
Cultural practices are integrated into everyday life through artist residencies, exhibitions and open-air spaces, fostering dialogue between artists, residents and visitors while reinforcing local identity.
By combining heritage preservation, landscape design and cultural programming, the project creates a sensory environment shaped by spatial diversity, changing light and views of the countryside. It demonstrates how abandoned infrastructures can become meaningful landscapes where culture, nature and community life are closely intertwined.
The project enhances quality of life in Felanitx by reconnecting a historically significant building with the town and its agricultural landscape. The agrarian park introduces paths, circular plazas and cultivated fields that encourage walking, gathering and daily interaction with the landscape. These spaces evolve with the seasons, allowing residents and visitors to experience agricultural rhythms and nature.
Design is central to this experience. The intervention preserves the structure of the historic winery while introducing light, reversible elements that enable new uses to coexist with its original spatial qualities. The reconstruction of former silos, inspired by surrounding windmills, creates viewpoints and public spaces that reinterpret local heritage through contemporary design.
Cultural practices are integrated into everyday life through artist residencies, exhibitions and open-air spaces, fostering dialogue between artists, residents and visitors while reinforcing local identity.
By combining heritage preservation, landscape design and cultural programming, the project creates a sensory environment shaped by spatial diversity, changing light and views of the countryside. It demonstrates how abandoned infrastructures can become meaningful landscapes where culture, nature and community life are closely intertwined.
The initiative promotes inclusion by transforming Es Sindicat into an open, shared infrastructure where cultural, productive and social activities are accessible to diverse users. It aims to reconnect a historically significant but isolated heritage building with the town of Felanitx and its surrounding territory, creating a place for community life, cultural exchange and local production.
The proposal supports multiple forms of inclusion. Social inclusion is enabled through accessible public spaces and cultural programmes. Economic inclusion is fostered by supporting small-scale wine producers and local initiatives. Cultural inclusion is reinforced by valuing local knowledge, traditions and the collective memory linked to the viticultural landscape.
Spatial strategies contribute to these goals. The agrarian park transforms residual land into an open landscape where residents, visitors, producers and artists can meet and interact. A network of paths, plazas and cultivated plots encourages daily use and improves accessibility. Within the building, a mix of productive spaces, artist residencies, exhibition areas, community facilities and a public archive enables diverse groups to participate.
The cooperative dimension is key. By reactivating the historical cooperative spirit of Es Sindicat, the project supports collaborative production and governance, allowing small producers and cultural actors to share infrastructure, knowledge and resources.
By opening previously closed industrial spaces and improving connections with the town, the project creates a place of encounter, learning and participation for different generations and social groups, fostering belonging and collective care for heritage and landscape.
The proposal supports multiple forms of inclusion. Social inclusion is enabled through accessible public spaces and cultural programmes. Economic inclusion is fostered by supporting small-scale wine producers and local initiatives. Cultural inclusion is reinforced by valuing local knowledge, traditions and the collective memory linked to the viticultural landscape.
Spatial strategies contribute to these goals. The agrarian park transforms residual land into an open landscape where residents, visitors, producers and artists can meet and interact. A network of paths, plazas and cultivated plots encourages daily use and improves accessibility. Within the building, a mix of productive spaces, artist residencies, exhibition areas, community facilities and a public archive enables diverse groups to participate.
The cooperative dimension is key. By reactivating the historical cooperative spirit of Es Sindicat, the project supports collaborative production and governance, allowing small producers and cultural actors to share infrastructure, knowledge and resources.
By opening previously closed industrial spaces and improving connections with the town, the project creates a place of encounter, learning and participation for different generations and social groups, fostering belonging and collective care for heritage and landscape.
The initiative is conceived as an open framework enabling participation from multiple actors connected to the territory of Felanitx and its viticultural landscape. It is intended to benefit and involve local residents, small wine producers from the Pla i Llevant region, artists, researchers, cultural practitioners, local institutions and visitors.
Although the proposal originates as a design concept developed through research and site analysis, participation is embedded within its spatial and organisational structure. The reactivation of Es Sindicat builds on its historic cooperative spirit, which originally brought together local producers to share infrastructure and resources. By reinterpreting this cooperative model, the initiative proposes a governance framework in which different actors can participate in the use and evolution of the site.
Several elements of the proposal function as platforms for participation and co-creation. The agrarian park provides spaces where producers, residents and visitors can interact through agricultural activities, educational initiatives and local markets. Inside the building, cultural spaces, artist residencies and the public archive foster collaboration between artists, researchers and the local community.
The flexible spatial framework also supports long-term participation. Inspired by open systems approaches in architecture and urbanism, the design allows future initiatives and community-led activities to emerge and adapt over time.
By combining cooperative governance, shared infrastructures and adaptable public spaces, the project establishes the conditions for continuous participation and collective stewardship of the site.
Although the proposal originates as a design concept developed through research and site analysis, participation is embedded within its spatial and organisational structure. The reactivation of Es Sindicat builds on its historic cooperative spirit, which originally brought together local producers to share infrastructure and resources. By reinterpreting this cooperative model, the initiative proposes a governance framework in which different actors can participate in the use and evolution of the site.
Several elements of the proposal function as platforms for participation and co-creation. The agrarian park provides spaces where producers, residents and visitors can interact through agricultural activities, educational initiatives and local markets. Inside the building, cultural spaces, artist residencies and the public archive foster collaboration between artists, researchers and the local community.
The flexible spatial framework also supports long-term participation. Inspired by open systems approaches in architecture and urbanism, the design allows future initiatives and community-led activities to emerge and adapt over time.
By combining cooperative governance, shared infrastructures and adaptable public spaces, the project establishes the conditions for continuous participation and collective stewardship of the site.
The proposal is embedded within a multi-level governance framework involving several public institutions responsible for heritage, territorial planning and local development in Mallorca. The project was originally developed for a site proposed by the Government of the Balearic Islands, which identified Es Sindicat as a strategic location for cultural and territorial regeneration.
Several institutional actors are directly connected to the potential implementation of the initiative. The Consell de Mallorca, as owner of the site, plays a key role in heritage preservation and cultural policy at the island level. The Ajuntament de Felanitx is essential in reconnecting the site with the town and integrating the proposal within local development strategies.
Following the architectural competition, the next step would be the development of a master plan and architectural project including basic and execution phases. Implementation would require coordination between these institutions, particularly regarding governance structures and funding mechanisms.
Engagement across multiple governance levels strengthens the feasibility of the project. Local actors contribute knowledge of the territory and community needs, while regional institutions provide strategic planning capacity, heritage protection frameworks and access to funding opportunities. Together they create the conditions for a robust and long-term regeneration strategy.
Several institutional actors are directly connected to the potential implementation of the initiative. The Consell de Mallorca, as owner of the site, plays a key role in heritage preservation and cultural policy at the island level. The Ajuntament de Felanitx is essential in reconnecting the site with the town and integrating the proposal within local development strategies.
Following the architectural competition, the next step would be the development of a master plan and architectural project including basic and execution phases. Implementation would require coordination between these institutions, particularly regarding governance structures and funding mechanisms.
Engagement across multiple governance levels strengthens the feasibility of the project. Local actors contribute knowledge of the territory and community needs, while regional institutions provide strategic planning capacity, heritage protection frameworks and access to funding opportunities. Together they create the conditions for a robust and long-term regeneration strategy.
The initiative is based on a transdisciplinary approach combining architecture, urbanism, landscape design, environmental sciences, agriculture and the arts. This diversity of perspectives was essential to address the complexity of a project that links heritage regeneration, productive landscapes, cultural programming and territorial development.
During the development of the proposal, the concept was discussed with specialists from several disciplines, including architects, urban planners, landscape designers, civil engineers and agronomists. Their contributions helped evaluate the environmental, technical and spatial implications of the intervention, particularly regarding landscape management, agricultural practices and infrastructure integration.
The proposal also incorporates artistic perspectives. Artists with experience in residency programmes were consulted in order to understand how creative practices could interact with agricultural production, heritage spaces and local narratives. Their insights informed the design of artist residencies and cultural programmes within the rehabilitated winery.
Through continuous exchanges between these different fields, spatial, environmental and cultural considerations were evaluated together rather than separately. This allowed the project to evolve as a territorial strategy rather than a purely architectural intervention.
The value of this approach lies in its ability to combine technical expertise, cultural insight and local knowledge to create a more resilient proposal.
During the development of the proposal, the concept was discussed with specialists from several disciplines, including architects, urban planners, landscape designers, civil engineers and agronomists. Their contributions helped evaluate the environmental, technical and spatial implications of the intervention, particularly regarding landscape management, agricultural practices and infrastructure integration.
The proposal also incorporates artistic perspectives. Artists with experience in residency programmes were consulted in order to understand how creative practices could interact with agricultural production, heritage spaces and local narratives. Their insights informed the design of artist residencies and cultural programmes within the rehabilitated winery.
Through continuous exchanges between these different fields, spatial, environmental and cultural considerations were evaluated together rather than separately. This allowed the project to evolve as a territorial strategy rather than a purely architectural intervention.
The value of this approach lies in its ability to combine technical expertise, cultural insight and local knowledge to create a more resilient proposal.
The initiative proposes a hybrid economic model combining public investment, cultural programming and productive activities linked to the local wine economy.
Initial implementation could be financed through public investment led by regional and local institutions responsible for heritage, culture and territorial development, particularly the Government of the Balearic Islands, the Consell de Mallorca and the Ajuntament de Felanitx. Additional support could be obtained through European funding programmes supporting heritage regeneration, rural innovation and sustainable tourism.
Once implemented, the project would generate revenue through multiple activities: wine production by small-scale producers, cultural events and exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programmes, guided visits and temporary markets linked to local agriculture and craftsmanship. Public cultural spaces and a café would also contribute to the economic activity of the site.
The main costs relate to building rehabilitation, the development of the agrarian park and the management of cultural and productive programmes. These costs would initially be covered by public investment, while operational costs could progressively be supported through site-generated revenues.
By combining cultural production, agriculture and public space, the initiative creates a diversified economic ecosystem rather than relying on a single income stream. This model supports local producers, cultural actors and small-scale economic initiatives while strengthening the long-term viability of the site.
Initial implementation could be financed through public investment led by regional and local institutions responsible for heritage, culture and territorial development, particularly the Government of the Balearic Islands, the Consell de Mallorca and the Ajuntament de Felanitx. Additional support could be obtained through European funding programmes supporting heritage regeneration, rural innovation and sustainable tourism.
Once implemented, the project would generate revenue through multiple activities: wine production by small-scale producers, cultural events and exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programmes, guided visits and temporary markets linked to local agriculture and craftsmanship. Public cultural spaces and a café would also contribute to the economic activity of the site.
The main costs relate to building rehabilitation, the development of the agrarian park and the management of cultural and productive programmes. These costs would initially be covered by public investment, while operational costs could progressively be supported through site-generated revenues.
By combining cultural production, agriculture and public space, the initiative creates a diversified economic ecosystem rather than relying on a single income stream. This model supports local producers, cultural actors and small-scale economic initiatives while strengthening the long-term viability of the site.
The initiative proposes a model of culture-led territorial regeneration that can inspire many rural and small-town contexts across Europe where historic productive infrastructures and agricultural landscapes remain underused or disconnected from contemporary urban life.
Several elements are particularly transferable. The adaptive reuse of historic industrial or agricultural buildings as hybrid infrastructures combining production, culture and community activities could be applied to many heritage sites across Europe.
The concept of the agrarian park is also adaptable. Rather than a fixed design, it functions as a spatial framework organising paths, plots and public spaces while allowing productive, ecological and cultural activities to evolve over time. This flexible approach can be adapted to different landscapes where agriculture, environmental restoration and public use need to coexist.
The integration of cultural practices such as artist residencies, archives and exhibitions within productive environments also offers a replicable model for connecting creative industries with local knowledge and landscape-based economies.
While the principles of the initiative are transferable, each implementation would need to adapt to its specific cultural, environmental and economic context. Local heritage, agricultural practices and community structures would shape each version of the model.
By proposing a flexible methodology rather than a fixed design solution, the project demonstrates how heritage, culture and productive landscapes can become drivers of regeneration across diverse European territories.
Several elements are particularly transferable. The adaptive reuse of historic industrial or agricultural buildings as hybrid infrastructures combining production, culture and community activities could be applied to many heritage sites across Europe.
The concept of the agrarian park is also adaptable. Rather than a fixed design, it functions as a spatial framework organising paths, plots and public spaces while allowing productive, ecological and cultural activities to evolve over time. This flexible approach can be adapted to different landscapes where agriculture, environmental restoration and public use need to coexist.
The integration of cultural practices such as artist residencies, archives and exhibitions within productive environments also offers a replicable model for connecting creative industries with local knowledge and landscape-based economies.
While the principles of the initiative are transferable, each implementation would need to adapt to its specific cultural, environmental and economic context. Local heritage, agricultural practices and community structures would shape each version of the model.
By proposing a flexible methodology rather than a fixed design solution, the project demonstrates how heritage, culture and productive landscapes can become drivers of regeneration across diverse European territories.
The proposal has been conceived as a realistic and transferable strategy, grounded in site analysis, historical research and territorial context. Its further development is envisaged as a progressive process focused on exploring feasibility, increasing visibility and establishing potential connections with relevant stakeholders during the year following the application.
A first step would consist of further developing the concept through the preparation of a masterplan and a more detailed architectural definition, allowing the proposal to evolve at spatial, programmatic and territorial levels.
In parallel, the project could be disseminated through exhibitions, publications and presentations in academic, cultural and professional contexts, aiming to position it within European debates on heritage regeneration, rural development and the New European Bauhaus, while opening opportunities for collaboration.
It is also envisaged to explore potential links with local and regional institutions, as well as cultural and productive actors, in order to assess possible implementation scenarios and governance models adapted to the specific context.
Additionally, pilot or temporary actions could be considered to activate the site experimentally and test some of the proposed uses.
Through these steps, the proposal aims to evolve from a conceptual framework towards potential implementation scenarios, maintaining its open, adaptable and context-driven character.
A first step would consist of further developing the concept through the preparation of a masterplan and a more detailed architectural definition, allowing the proposal to evolve at spatial, programmatic and territorial levels.
In parallel, the project could be disseminated through exhibitions, publications and presentations in academic, cultural and professional contexts, aiming to position it within European debates on heritage regeneration, rural development and the New European Bauhaus, while opening opportunities for collaboration.
It is also envisaged to explore potential links with local and regional institutions, as well as cultural and productive actors, in order to assess possible implementation scenarios and governance models adapted to the specific context.
Additionally, pilot or temporary actions could be considered to activate the site experimentally and test some of the proposed uses.
Through these steps, the proposal aims to evolve from a conceptual framework towards potential implementation scenarios, maintaining its open, adaptable and context-driven character.
