Regaining a sense of belonging
MAmMAl
Collective breastfeeding point
MAmMal is a visible, beautiful and comfortable COLLECTIVE BREASTFEEDING SPACE. The difficulties of breastfeeding in public spaces lead many women to experience it in isolation, a factor that impacts the already low breastfeeding rates in Spain. The project supports breastfeeding as it is the healthiest and most sustainable feeding method. Located in an area currently undergoing transformation, it seeks to recover the sense of belonging through the most vulnerable inhabitants.
EU Member State, Western Balkans or Ukraine
Spain
Local
Barcelona
No
No
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2023-04-20
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
This project is framed within the framework of guaranteeing the Right to the City and in the effective application of gender mainstreaming in urban planning and urban design, seeking to expand the concept of a Caring City to specifically address the breastfeeding period.
Women still face multiple situations of discrimination when breastfeeding in public spaces. MAmMAl project advocates for the need and benefits of breastfeeding in public and collectively. This way, it supports the petition to bring a draft law to the Spanish Parliament to recognize the Right to Breastfeed in Public Spaces, to protect the rights of children and women against any situation of discrimination in public spaces. The project takes shape in a pavilion that seeks to be beautiful, visible, accessible, safe, comfortable and inclusive for different types of families going through the breastfeeding period. With its circular wooden structure integrating a bench, it promotes the exchange of experiences of the people using it.
The pavilion was set up for 10 days in Plaza de les Glòries in Barcelona. The area has been under construction for years and today still has a provisional nature, so the installation of the pavilion also promoted the recovery of the sense of belonging by the citizens living in this area. More than 500 people, especially women, babies, children and their families were able to enjoy the space, as well as different breastfeeding and parenting support groups. During this time, different dissemination activities were carried out as well as a research to understand the experiences of breastfeeding mothers in public spaces.
An objective of the project is that this pavilion can be adapted and replicated in different contexts. We are currently working on a tour with the Spanish Association for the Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding (AELAMA) to move the pavilion and its activities to different cities in Spain.
Women still face multiple situations of discrimination when breastfeeding in public spaces. MAmMAl project advocates for the need and benefits of breastfeeding in public and collectively. This way, it supports the petition to bring a draft law to the Spanish Parliament to recognize the Right to Breastfeed in Public Spaces, to protect the rights of children and women against any situation of discrimination in public spaces. The project takes shape in a pavilion that seeks to be beautiful, visible, accessible, safe, comfortable and inclusive for different types of families going through the breastfeeding period. With its circular wooden structure integrating a bench, it promotes the exchange of experiences of the people using it.
The pavilion was set up for 10 days in Plaza de les Glòries in Barcelona. The area has been under construction for years and today still has a provisional nature, so the installation of the pavilion also promoted the recovery of the sense of belonging by the citizens living in this area. More than 500 people, especially women, babies, children and their families were able to enjoy the space, as well as different breastfeeding and parenting support groups. During this time, different dissemination activities were carried out as well as a research to understand the experiences of breastfeeding mothers in public spaces.
An objective of the project is that this pavilion can be adapted and replicated in different contexts. We are currently working on a tour with the Spanish Association for the Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding (AELAMA) to move the pavilion and its activities to different cities in Spain.
breastfeeding point
breastfeeding space
caring city
right to the city
gender mainstreaming
This project addresses the objectives of dissemination and visibility for healthier and more sustainable nutrition during early childhood, while effectively supporting and facilitating breastfeeding in public spaces. Furthermore, the architectural object - based on sustainable and local construction - is designed to be reused and relocated to different places and cities. Specifically, the project addresses the following objectives in relation to sustainability:
- Design a reusable architectural object (pavilion). The pavilion is designed to allow assembly and disassembly multiple times so that it can be reused and relocated. Currently the pavilion is dismantled and stored waiting to be located at its next destination.
- Build with local and sustainable resources. The laminated wood used to build the wooden structure and the furniture of the pavilion meets the requirements of sustainable production and the companies involved in its construction are local and linked to the social and solidarity economy.
- Promote breastfeeding as a source of public health. Breastfeeding is the healthiest and most sustainable diet during early childhood: it is ecological, it does not generate waste or consume resources, it is free. It has a positive impact on the health of children and mothers (greater immunity, protection against breast cancer) so in the long term it is beneficial in terms of public health.
Beyond disseminating the benefits of breastfeeding in the health field, it is necessary to bring this message closer to the general public and offer real and accessible support and facilities to mothers and families, just as this project does.
- Design a reusable architectural object (pavilion). The pavilion is designed to allow assembly and disassembly multiple times so that it can be reused and relocated. Currently the pavilion is dismantled and stored waiting to be located at its next destination.
- Build with local and sustainable resources. The laminated wood used to build the wooden structure and the furniture of the pavilion meets the requirements of sustainable production and the companies involved in its construction are local and linked to the social and solidarity economy.
- Promote breastfeeding as a source of public health. Breastfeeding is the healthiest and most sustainable diet during early childhood: it is ecological, it does not generate waste or consume resources, it is free. It has a positive impact on the health of children and mothers (greater immunity, protection against breast cancer) so in the long term it is beneficial in terms of public health.
Beyond disseminating the benefits of breastfeeding in the health field, it is necessary to bring this message closer to the general public and offer real and accessible support and facilities to mothers and families, just as this project does.
The project takes the shape of a circular and modular wooden pavilion that seeks to generate an experience of comfort and intimacy, temporarily converting a large, empty public space into the living room of our house. To achieve this, the design pursues the following objectives in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience:
- Visibility and warmth. The structure (modular with 8 pillars, 7m in diameter and 3.5m in height) allows interior-exterior visibility, promoting visible breastfeeding. The exterior face incorporates an illuminated sign that indicates the location of the space and makes it visible when it gets dark. The wood of the structure and the covering canvas give it a domestic and warm character.
- Tranquility and equipment. The interior offers an intimate and safe space that makes it easy to breastfeed, express milk, change the diaper, prepare the bottle, warm the milk and wash utensils or hands. It is equipped with a piece of furniture that includes these facilities, with a sink and a water point, a refrigerator, a microwave, a space that functions as a baby changing table and electricity connection points for charging the breast pump or phone.
- Comfort and community. It has a circular wooden bench, to promote collective care and mutual support. The floor is covered with a soft carpet that allows playing, crawling or sitting. The structure is covered with canvases to provide shade. There are also a lot of nursing pillows that are used for breastfeeding or playing.
- Visibility and warmth. The structure (modular with 8 pillars, 7m in diameter and 3.5m in height) allows interior-exterior visibility, promoting visible breastfeeding. The exterior face incorporates an illuminated sign that indicates the location of the space and makes it visible when it gets dark. The wood of the structure and the covering canvas give it a domestic and warm character.
- Tranquility and equipment. The interior offers an intimate and safe space that makes it easy to breastfeed, express milk, change the diaper, prepare the bottle, warm the milk and wash utensils or hands. It is equipped with a piece of furniture that includes these facilities, with a sink and a water point, a refrigerator, a microwave, a space that functions as a baby changing table and electricity connection points for charging the breast pump or phone.
- Comfort and community. It has a circular wooden bench, to promote collective care and mutual support. The floor is covered with a soft carpet that allows playing, crawling or sitting. The structure is covered with canvases to provide shade. There are also a lot of nursing pillows that are used for breastfeeding or playing.
This project aims to guarantee the Right to the City and in the effective application of gender mainstreaming in urban planning and urban design, seeking to expand the concept of a Caring City to specifically address the breastfeeding period. Breastfeeding creates a universal bond between mothers: of all cultures, beliefs, races and economic situations. In fact, MAmMal was hosting the activities of the “Between cultures” axis within the framework of “Model. Barcelona Architectures Festival". The objectives in terms of inclusion were:
- Generate a safe space to ensure the Right of women and children to breastfeed in public spaces. The project embraces the idea that protecting the rights of the most vulnerable groups achieves more inclusive and friendly public spaces for all people, taking into account the perception of security with a gender approach also in the breastfeeding period. Additionally, a support person was caring the space and informing about its functions and objectives.
- Guarantee access for all women to public and free breastfeeding spaces, where it is possible to share care tasks (beyond the nuclear family model) with specific supports and facilities. The pavilion welcomed a large number of parents, grandparents and children of all ages who used it to breastfeed, rest and play. The feedback from users was very positive, asking for the pavilion to remain in the public space indefinitely.
- Visibilize and normalize breastfeeding in public spaces, raising awareness about the discrimination that women still suffer. As a freely accessible pavilion in a public space with a program of activities open to general public, it fostered coexistence between mothers and the local community. The pavilion drew attention on a relatively unaddressed topic that was disseminated at international architecture conferences. Healthcare professionals and breastfeeding support groups expanded its reach to many women/breastfeeding people and their families.
- Generate a safe space to ensure the Right of women and children to breastfeed in public spaces. The project embraces the idea that protecting the rights of the most vulnerable groups achieves more inclusive and friendly public spaces for all people, taking into account the perception of security with a gender approach also in the breastfeeding period. Additionally, a support person was caring the space and informing about its functions and objectives.
- Guarantee access for all women to public and free breastfeeding spaces, where it is possible to share care tasks (beyond the nuclear family model) with specific supports and facilities. The pavilion welcomed a large number of parents, grandparents and children of all ages who used it to breastfeed, rest and play. The feedback from users was very positive, asking for the pavilion to remain in the public space indefinitely.
- Visibilize and normalize breastfeeding in public spaces, raising awareness about the discrimination that women still suffer. As a freely accessible pavilion in a public space with a program of activities open to general public, it fostered coexistence between mothers and the local community. The pavilion drew attention on a relatively unaddressed topic that was disseminated at international architecture conferences. Healthcare professionals and breastfeeding support groups expanded its reach to many women/breastfeeding people and their families.
The primary beneficiaries and those most affected by this project are mothers and breastfeeding individuals, along with the people who accompany them during this period, who participated in the following ways during the implementation:
- Using the space spontaneously according to their needs and providing feedback about their experience.
- Participating in the identification of problems that affect breastfeeding in public spaces through a study carried out in parallel to the implementation of the pavilion.
- Participating in the definition of the criteria for future breastfeeding points in public spaces through a study carried out in parallel to the implementation of the pavilion.
The project empowers local communities, specifically local breastfeeding and parenting support groups, who have used the space to give visibility to their activities and goals. Normally these groups operate in health centers, closed buildings with restricted access, and therefore their demands are unknown to the general public.
Health professionals, lactation experts, and activists for the protection of women's and children's right to breastfeed have seen in the MAmMAl project an opportunity to expand the discussion about breastfeeding beyond the healthcare realm, placing it in the public and social rights sphere, and giving it visibility so that such an everyday and yet relatively unknown topic can reach the entire citizenry. They have actively participated in the dissemination of the project and encouraging the use of the pavilion, in the dissemination of the study and sharing their knowledge in the activities that were carried out as part of the MAmMal programming.
Currently AELAMA, an association integrated by healthcare professionals related to maternal and child care and other people with specific training in breastfeeding, has been involved in the development of the project and in the organization of a tour to bring MAmMAl to different Spanish cities.
- Using the space spontaneously according to their needs and providing feedback about their experience.
- Participating in the identification of problems that affect breastfeeding in public spaces through a study carried out in parallel to the implementation of the pavilion.
- Participating in the definition of the criteria for future breastfeeding points in public spaces through a study carried out in parallel to the implementation of the pavilion.
The project empowers local communities, specifically local breastfeeding and parenting support groups, who have used the space to give visibility to their activities and goals. Normally these groups operate in health centers, closed buildings with restricted access, and therefore their demands are unknown to the general public.
Health professionals, lactation experts, and activists for the protection of women's and children's right to breastfeed have seen in the MAmMAl project an opportunity to expand the discussion about breastfeeding beyond the healthcare realm, placing it in the public and social rights sphere, and giving it visibility so that such an everyday and yet relatively unknown topic can reach the entire citizenry. They have actively participated in the dissemination of the project and encouraging the use of the pavilion, in the dissemination of the study and sharing their knowledge in the activities that were carried out as part of the MAmMal programming.
Currently AELAMA, an association integrated by healthcare professionals related to maternal and child care and other people with specific training in breastfeeding, has been involved in the development of the project and in the organization of a tour to bring MAmMAl to different Spanish cities.
The exchange between stakeholders at various levels (vertical) was initiated, primarily involving public administrators and professionals, in order to define the topic, format, and conditions for project implementation. Barcelona city council and Mies van der Rohe Foundation financed the project and, through the curator, define with the architects the topic that it must address. They were also in charge of managing together with the project managers, the legal and security issues in relation to the implementation. On the other hand, public administrations at various levels can benefit from the outputs and outcomes of the project and all the activities related to it that were managed by professionals.
Secondly, the project allowed exchange between professionals and citizens. On the one hand, between breastfeeding women and professionals of healthcare field through the activities within the project or proposed by self-organized local groups. On the other hand, among architects, mothers and citizens in general. The participation of lactating women in the study on breastfeeding in public spaces will allow architects and researchers to develop and improve the project in the future and to continue innovating in this field. Two activities were also organized in which the architects responsible for the design of the pavilion explained it to the public through an open visit.
On a horizontal level, the project enabled exchanges between breastfeeding women (and their companions) through spontaneous encounters while using the pavilion or through their attendance at support groups or other scheduled activities. It also allowed breastfeeding women to make their realities visible to the general public. Finally, an exchange was fostered between professionals and academics from various fields, both in the design and implementation of the pavilion and in the planning and development of the various activities that took place.
Secondly, the project allowed exchange between professionals and citizens. On the one hand, between breastfeeding women and professionals of healthcare field through the activities within the project or proposed by self-organized local groups. On the other hand, among architects, mothers and citizens in general. The participation of lactating women in the study on breastfeeding in public spaces will allow architects and researchers to develop and improve the project in the future and to continue innovating in this field. Two activities were also organized in which the architects responsible for the design of the pavilion explained it to the public through an open visit.
On a horizontal level, the project enabled exchanges between breastfeeding women (and their companions) through spontaneous encounters while using the pavilion or through their attendance at support groups or other scheduled activities. It also allowed breastfeeding women to make their realities visible to the general public. Finally, an exchange was fostered between professionals and academics from various fields, both in the design and implementation of the pavilion and in the planning and development of the various activities that took place.
Professionals from art and cultural management, architects, urbanists, gender consultants, specialists in wooden structures and carpentry, mediators and facilitators, lactation consultants, academics and researchers as well as mothers and breastfeeding people were involved in the project
Regarding the topic of the project, the collaboration between cultural managers with architects and gender consultants made it possible to develop an attractive, daring and innovative topic, which addresses and makes visible current challenges in the socioeconomic, health and urban fields.
In relation to the design and implementation of the pavilion, the collaboration between architects with different specialties (from the most artistic to the most social and technical issues) with artisan carpenters, has allowed us to create a modular wooden structure, which integrates the ephemeral and itinerant nature of the pavilion with a high degree of comfort, functionality and aesthetics in the design.
Regarding the programming and use of the pavilion, collaboration with health professionals and lactation consultants helped disseminate among breastfeeding mothers and families with babies, encouraging both spontaneous and organized use through breastfeeding and parenting support groups. The researchers and academics participated in the design of the study with breastfeeding women as well as taking in the programmed activities.
Likewise, the interaction and exchange of knowledge between researchers and academics, professionals from different disciplines and mothers has been key to making breastfeeding visible and recognized outside the family/private and healthcare environment. The knowledge generated from the experience of mothers will be of vital importance for the future development of this project. The work of the mediators served to facilitate the relationship between the different agents on the basis of respect and mutual recognition.
Regarding the topic of the project, the collaboration between cultural managers with architects and gender consultants made it possible to develop an attractive, daring and innovative topic, which addresses and makes visible current challenges in the socioeconomic, health and urban fields.
In relation to the design and implementation of the pavilion, the collaboration between architects with different specialties (from the most artistic to the most social and technical issues) with artisan carpenters, has allowed us to create a modular wooden structure, which integrates the ephemeral and itinerant nature of the pavilion with a high degree of comfort, functionality and aesthetics in the design.
Regarding the programming and use of the pavilion, collaboration with health professionals and lactation consultants helped disseminate among breastfeeding mothers and families with babies, encouraging both spontaneous and organized use through breastfeeding and parenting support groups. The researchers and academics participated in the design of the study with breastfeeding women as well as taking in the programmed activities.
Likewise, the interaction and exchange of knowledge between researchers and academics, professionals from different disciplines and mothers has been key to making breastfeeding visible and recognized outside the family/private and healthcare environment. The knowledge generated from the experience of mothers will be of vital importance for the future development of this project. The work of the mediators served to facilitate the relationship between the different agents on the basis of respect and mutual recognition.
In the realms of urban planning and architecture, particularly within the context of the 'caring city' concept, the project brings innovation to a relatively unexplored area by focusing specifically on the breastfeeding period.
In the specific field of spaces for breastfeeding, innovation consists of proposing a space for collective breastfeeding and where the act of nursing is made visible, valued, and socially recognized, removing it from the private and familial sphere and situating it in the public sphere. Currently, there are some proposals for breastfeeding spaces, such as booths or nursing rooms in workplaces or shopping centers. These options offer closed spaces for individual use, perpetuating the isolation of mothers and promoting the message that it is not normal to breastfeed in public spaces and that mothers must hide to do so. On the other hand, the breastfeeding furniture in public spaces, although they place breastfeeding in a public and visible place, continue to think of breastfeeding as an individual act. The MAmMAl project is innovative by focusing on collective breastfeeding and, specifically, developing the concept of Collective Breastfeeding Point in public spaces.
On the other hand, the rights, supports and facilities around breastfeeding (and care in general) are commonly associated with the labor, medical or social sphere. Linking these rights and supports to the field of urban planning, urban design and architecture is an innovative practice.
Finally, focusing the strategy to recover the sense of belonging in the breastfeeding period is also an innovative element. Putting the most vulnerable groups, such as lactating mothers and babies, at the center of the recovery of an hostile environment, motivates us to make the greatest effort to transform these environments into welcoming, friendly and inclusive places for all citizens.
In the specific field of spaces for breastfeeding, innovation consists of proposing a space for collective breastfeeding and where the act of nursing is made visible, valued, and socially recognized, removing it from the private and familial sphere and situating it in the public sphere. Currently, there are some proposals for breastfeeding spaces, such as booths or nursing rooms in workplaces or shopping centers. These options offer closed spaces for individual use, perpetuating the isolation of mothers and promoting the message that it is not normal to breastfeed in public spaces and that mothers must hide to do so. On the other hand, the breastfeeding furniture in public spaces, although they place breastfeeding in a public and visible place, continue to think of breastfeeding as an individual act. The MAmMAl project is innovative by focusing on collective breastfeeding and, specifically, developing the concept of Collective Breastfeeding Point in public spaces.
On the other hand, the rights, supports and facilities around breastfeeding (and care in general) are commonly associated with the labor, medical or social sphere. Linking these rights and supports to the field of urban planning, urban design and architecture is an innovative practice.
Finally, focusing the strategy to recover the sense of belonging in the breastfeeding period is also an innovative element. Putting the most vulnerable groups, such as lactating mothers and babies, at the center of the recovery of an hostile environment, motivates us to make the greatest effort to transform these environments into welcoming, friendly and inclusive places for all citizens.
This project aims to ensure the Right to the City and the Rights of Women and Children in line with the principles of a Caring City. Current urban planning does not take care into consideration, even though it is central to the well-being and life of the inhabitants. Cities have been built based on a stereotype of the male citizen, leaving aside the experience of women, children, people with functional diversity and senior citizens. Furthermore, the burden of care has been structurally assumed by women, taking care of domestic work in the private sphere. The gender approach in architecture and urban planning proposes an alternative model to our productive cities: the caring city. This model is based on the idea that urban space should favor shared social responsibility.
Within this framework, the MAmMAl project is developed, implemented within “Model. Barcelona Architectures Festival”. The theme of the pavilion was defined jointly with the curator Eva Franch and the Mies van der Rohe Foundation. Once it was defined, our team developed the design process, with the support of specialists in structural design and wood construction. As we had a very short period of time to design and implement the pavilion (2 months) it was not possible to carry out a participatory co-creation process. However, we used our embodied experiences as breastfeeding mothers to introduce into the design those elements that we consider necessary and that we miss in the public spaces of our city.
Since it was conceived as a long-term project from the beginning, and although we weren't able to conduct a formal citizen participation process before implementation, it was crucial for us to gather the experiences of breastfeeding women. To achieve this, we conducted a survey and organized a participatory workshop during the pavilion's implementation. This valuable information will be used in the future development of the project.
Within this framework, the MAmMAl project is developed, implemented within “Model. Barcelona Architectures Festival”. The theme of the pavilion was defined jointly with the curator Eva Franch and the Mies van der Rohe Foundation. Once it was defined, our team developed the design process, with the support of specialists in structural design and wood construction. As we had a very short period of time to design and implement the pavilion (2 months) it was not possible to carry out a participatory co-creation process. However, we used our embodied experiences as breastfeeding mothers to introduce into the design those elements that we consider necessary and that we miss in the public spaces of our city.
Since it was conceived as a long-term project from the beginning, and although we weren't able to conduct a formal citizen participation process before implementation, it was crucial for us to gather the experiences of breastfeeding women. To achieve this, we conducted a survey and organized a participatory workshop during the pavilion's implementation. This valuable information will be used in the future development of the project.
The project can be replicated and transferred at all levels, from the methodology, processes and knowledge generated to the architectural object.
The pavilion is designed to be assembled and disassembled multiple times, so that it can be moved and installed in other locations. We are currently working on a tour to various cities at the national and international levels. Additionally, we have submitted various applications to implement the pavilion in other public spaces in Barcelona
The project is scalable, in the form of a network of breastfeeding points in public spaces at a local or regional level. The pavilion can be reused, replicated, adapted, and integrated into an existing network of spaces. Beyond the physical aspect, the concept of a collective breastfeeding space and its installation in a public and visible location also represent innovative and transferable contributions
The programming of activities carried out during the time that MAmMAl was implemented in Barcelona, including talks, round tables, a survey and a participatory workshop as well as the promotion of the use of the space in a self-managed manner by local groups, could be replicated by accompanying the pavilion on its journey through different territories.
Finally, the survey and the participatory workshop with breastfeeding women have allowed us to generate data and knowledge about the experiences of breastfeeding in public spaces, about the issues that women face, about their feelings and perceptions and about how breastfeeding spaces in public spaces should be like to meet their needs. In this case, transferability, replicability and scalability occur at several levels. The methodology used for the study can be replicated in other contexts and scaled from the local level to a metropolitan, regional or even national or European level. The data collected locally gives us indications of a general problem and ideas for solutions that can be transferable to other contexts.
The pavilion is designed to be assembled and disassembled multiple times, so that it can be moved and installed in other locations. We are currently working on a tour to various cities at the national and international levels. Additionally, we have submitted various applications to implement the pavilion in other public spaces in Barcelona
The project is scalable, in the form of a network of breastfeeding points in public spaces at a local or regional level. The pavilion can be reused, replicated, adapted, and integrated into an existing network of spaces. Beyond the physical aspect, the concept of a collective breastfeeding space and its installation in a public and visible location also represent innovative and transferable contributions
The programming of activities carried out during the time that MAmMAl was implemented in Barcelona, including talks, round tables, a survey and a participatory workshop as well as the promotion of the use of the space in a self-managed manner by local groups, could be replicated by accompanying the pavilion on its journey through different territories.
Finally, the survey and the participatory workshop with breastfeeding women have allowed us to generate data and knowledge about the experiences of breastfeeding in public spaces, about the issues that women face, about their feelings and perceptions and about how breastfeeding spaces in public spaces should be like to meet their needs. In this case, transferability, replicability and scalability occur at several levels. The methodology used for the study can be replicated in other contexts and scaled from the local level to a metropolitan, regional or even national or European level. The data collected locally gives us indications of a general problem and ideas for solutions that can be transferable to other contexts.
Protecting the right to breastfeed for women and children is a global challenge. Although the WHS recommends minimum breastfeeding until 2 years of age, the reality in Spain is that only half of babies reach 6 months of age while breastfed.
Public spaces remain aggressive environments for breastfeeding women. According to a study carried out in Spain in 2022, 52% of participating women admit to having hidden to breastfeed in public spaces, 63.5% have felt judged and 15% have been recriminated (LOLA MullenLowe i LinQ Market Research España S.A.). In addition, many women describe public spaces as uncomfortable, unpleasant, unprotected or insufficiently clean for breastfeeding and describe specific breastfeeding rooms as “too closed” spaces. These factors do not help the already low breastfeeding rate in Spain.
Breastfeeding is a delicate and intense period, wonderful but sometimes complicated, in which it is comforting to have access to community spaces to exchange experiences with other mothers and families. This informal transmission of knowledge and support networks are decisive for more successful, longer-lasting and happier breastfeeding.
MAmMAl offers a comfortable and safe as well as visible space so that breastfeeding in public spaces is normalized and recognized as a vital necessity. Additionally, the space offers all the necessary elements to breastfeed or express milk: benches with and without backrests, shade, space to wash utensils, access to drinking water, refrigerator, microwave to heat milk, electricity point to charge the breast pump, soft floor and nursing pillows. The space has a circular structure, designed for collective use and to promote the meeting and exchange of knowledge and experiences. It is also designed having the comfort of babies and toddlers in mind.
Public spaces remain aggressive environments for breastfeeding women. According to a study carried out in Spain in 2022, 52% of participating women admit to having hidden to breastfeed in public spaces, 63.5% have felt judged and 15% have been recriminated (LOLA MullenLowe i LinQ Market Research España S.A.). In addition, many women describe public spaces as uncomfortable, unpleasant, unprotected or insufficiently clean for breastfeeding and describe specific breastfeeding rooms as “too closed” spaces. These factors do not help the already low breastfeeding rate in Spain.
Breastfeeding is a delicate and intense period, wonderful but sometimes complicated, in which it is comforting to have access to community spaces to exchange experiences with other mothers and families. This informal transmission of knowledge and support networks are decisive for more successful, longer-lasting and happier breastfeeding.
MAmMAl offers a comfortable and safe as well as visible space so that breastfeeding in public spaces is normalized and recognized as a vital necessity. Additionally, the space offers all the necessary elements to breastfeed or express milk: benches with and without backrests, shade, space to wash utensils, access to drinking water, refrigerator, microwave to heat milk, electricity point to charge the breast pump, soft floor and nursing pillows. The space has a circular structure, designed for collective use and to promote the meeting and exchange of knowledge and experiences. It is also designed having the comfort of babies and toddlers in mind.
The pavilion was used by more than 500 people, mainly breastfeeding women, babies, young children and their families, who were able to enjoy the space spontaneously over a period of 10 days. Moreover, up to 4 breastfeeding and parenting support groups moved their activities to the pavilion. Indirectly, the installation of the pavilion in an environment exposed to construction works over several years has benefited the residents of the neighborhood, allowing the appropriation and resignification of a disused area.
Around 50 people attended the day of talks and activities in which knowledge and research regarding breastfeeding and the collectivization of care in public spaces were disseminated, with the participation of 6 experts.
Data on breastfeeding in public spaces were generated through a survey and a participatory workshop, in which 192 and 10 women respectively participated. The information collected in Barcelona confirms the data from studies from other contexts on the discomfort that women feel when breastfeeding in public spaces. Additionally, this study collected information on what public spaces should be like to meet the needs of women and those accompanying them when breastfeeding in public spaces. This valuable information can indirectly benefit all breastfeeding women, both in the city of Barcelona and at the regional, national or even European level.
The project has also had an impact at symbolic level. It has reached many women and breastfeeding support groups from Catalonia, Spain and other countries. We received very good reviews and messages of support and, most importantly, it has made many people understand the importance of architecture in relation to the needs and rights of women and children and social inclusion in general.
Two outputs have been generated that serve to encourage municipalities to host MAmMAl and be part of the forthcoming tour: a descriptive document of the project and a visual summary of the study results.
Around 50 people attended the day of talks and activities in which knowledge and research regarding breastfeeding and the collectivization of care in public spaces were disseminated, with the participation of 6 experts.
Data on breastfeeding in public spaces were generated through a survey and a participatory workshop, in which 192 and 10 women respectively participated. The information collected in Barcelona confirms the data from studies from other contexts on the discomfort that women feel when breastfeeding in public spaces. Additionally, this study collected information on what public spaces should be like to meet the needs of women and those accompanying them when breastfeeding in public spaces. This valuable information can indirectly benefit all breastfeeding women, both in the city of Barcelona and at the regional, national or even European level.
The project has also had an impact at symbolic level. It has reached many women and breastfeeding support groups from Catalonia, Spain and other countries. We received very good reviews and messages of support and, most importantly, it has made many people understand the importance of architecture in relation to the needs and rights of women and children and social inclusion in general.
Two outputs have been generated that serve to encourage municipalities to host MAmMAl and be part of the forthcoming tour: a descriptive document of the project and a visual summary of the study results.
Both
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