Spaces that put life in the center – Ateneo

Architecture is not only building: it is a relationship, shared space and transformation. Housing cooperatives and community projects are promoting a new way of understanding construction: ethics, sustainable and participatory.

The classic housing model has prioritized economic benefit. On the face of it, projects such as La Rachola or local initiatives in the Baix Llobregat are committed to an architecture at the service of the community.

Principles of cooperative ethical architecture:

• Environmental sustainability (materials, efficiency, circular economy)
• Participatory design (Future inhabitants decide)
• Assignment of use, not property
• Common spaces for collective life
• Rooting in the territory and mutual support

“The Rachola“

The rachola sccl It is an architectural cooperative located in El Prat de Llobregat that is part of the Network of the Ateneu Cooperativa del Baix Llobregat. His work focuses on energy rehabilitation, improving the health of homes and the promotion of a more sustainable urbanism and rooted in the territory. Since its inception, the entity is committed to an architecture critical of the traditional model and aimed at responding to current environmental and social challenges.

As a non -profit cooperative, Rachola is organized since democratic participation and collective work. The team is made up of architects who work in a community key and from a perspective of ecological responsibility and social justice. In addition to the rehabilitation projects, they also carry out dissemination and training actions around energy efficiency and accessible architecture.

Within the Ateneu, Rachola participates in intercooperation processes and has been present in activities linked to territorial circles and cooperative housing projects or technical advice for the improvement of community spaces. Its contribution allows to connect the sector of architecture with the values of the social and solidarity economy and to expand our gaze on how we inhabit and transform everyday spaces.
Architecture can also be a tool for social transformation. When the design is based on the values of the social economy, spaces that take care of, connect and grow communities.

Architecture can also be a tool for social transformation. When the design is based on the values of the social economy, spaces that take care of, connect and grow communities.