Industrial Re-Evolution is the proposal to develop and transform Torrent de l’Estadella, an industrial estate on the periphery of Barcelona. The main objectives of the proposal are: to restore the industrial estate ecologically, returning it to its original condition as a seasonal wash; to connect and integrate the industrial area with the adjacent city through a series of public space and infrastructure interventions; to and ensure that Torrent de l’Estadella maintains its productive character, proposing a new hybrid industrial building typology and generating points of reference for the city through landmarks.
Torrent de l’Estadella is part of Barcelona’s metropolitan industrial belt and one of the few industrial zones that are still within Barcelona’s municipal limits. As a consequence, Barcelona’s residential areas have grown around it, making the industrial estate a barrier within the city. In order to connect the neighborhoods of Sant Andreu de Palomar and Bon Pastor, the proposal is concentrated in the north of Torrent de l’Estadella, generating a continuous connection.
In terms of environmental aspects, Torrent de l’Estadella was originally a seasonal wash, which was transformed into agricultural lands, and then the current industrial estate. At present, a linear park is being developed adjacent to the site. Not only will it permit recreational activities and improve the ecological value of the area, it will also connect Torrent de l’Estadella with the city center. The proposal takes advantage of this park and extends its uses across the site, merging the ecological value of the Camà Comtal Park with the tree-lined streets of the Bon Pastor neighborhood and the Besòs River.
The final territorial considerations involve infrastructure: i.e., connecting the Torrent de l’Estadella industrial estate with the adjacent estate using the existing bridge that crosses the train tracks in order to improve industrial mobility and the exchange of resources between the two industrial estates and to build an eco-energy plant that can supply heat and power to the new neighborhood and surrounding residential areas.
The proposal is outlined as a series of phases or urban stages to transform the industrial estate into a hybrid residential-productive neighborhood, while maintaining the industrial activity within each phase.
The first stage is the Re-Generative phase, which consists of giving a second life to deteriorated or abandoned structures within the Torrent de l’Estadella. In this stage, a series of hybrid buildings are developed adjacent to the Camà Comtal Park, including a parking-residential-park structure that serves both the Torrent de l’Estadella and the Sant Andreu Comtal Station across the park. This building also creates a pedestrian connection between the site and the new park. Additionally, two key buildings are included in this stage: the Urban Living Room and the Eco-Energy Plant. The Urban Living Room involves reconditioning an existing industrial building and to transform it into a covered public plaza. The Eco-Energy Plant incorporates heat and power production across the site and provides it with a roof-park that can host a variety of events.
The second stage is the Re-Integrating phase, which involves the replacement of several existing buildings with new hybrid residential-industrial buildings, as well as improving the public space between the buildings.
The final stage is the Re-Evolution phase. It consists of the integrating and activating all the structures within the site, including new structures and renovations. By this stage, some buildings will begin to evolve and shift their use: for example, the parking structure will incorporate co-working spaces and new, more permanent uses will be added to the Urban Living Room.
