Exhibition and Events Urge Protection of Everyday Heritage

The Barcelona Federation of Neighbourhood Associations (FAVB), through its Heritage Commission, has launched 'Paisatges perduts' (Lost Landscapes), an initiative highlighting the progressive loss of architectural, urban, and landscape heritage across the city's neighbourhoods. The project forms part of Barcelona's 2026 World Capital of Architecture programme. A photographic exhibition at Centre Cívic Pati Llimona, running until Saturday 31st October 2026, displays 77 before-and-after images documenting changes in historic buildings across all 10 districts of Barcelona. The visuals aim to make visible the disappearance of both unique heritage elements and the everyday, functional architecture that gives character to neighbourhoods. Dolors Canudas, a member of the FAVB's Heritage Commission, said the initiative draws attention to how local, industrial, and functional buildings are being replaced by structures with no connection to their surroundings. She warned that urban planning has often prioritised development over the preservation of a place's identity, calling for any new project to begin with a full assessment of existing heritage values.

"Conservation Should Be the Default"

Josep Maria Boronat, representing the Association of Architects for the Defence and Intervention in Architectural Heritage (AADIPA) at the College of Architects of Catalonia, spoke at one of the project's round tables. He argued that heritage protection must extend beyond listed buildings to include urban landscapes, traditional uses, and social relationships that give meaning to places. Boronat highlighted cases where historic facades are preserved but the original commercial or community use is lost, eroding the neighbourhood's cultural fabric. He advocated for a reversal in planning logic: "We should justify why something should be demolished, not why it should be conserved." He added that rehabilitating existing buildings could simultaneously preserve heritage and generate housing, making it a more sustainable approach than widespread demolition and reconstruction.

La Clota Cited as a Key Example

The FAVB has identified the Horta-Guinardó area of La Clota as one of the most concerning cases of heritage loss. Canudas described the former rural nucleus as undergoing a transformation that is diminishing its historical and landscape value. She also noted a citywide shift: while recent years saw increased protection efforts in areas like Horta and Sant Andreu, current planning appears to offer less support for preserving historic urban fabrics.

  • The 'Paisatges perduts' exhibition runs until Saturday 31st October at Centre Cívic Pati Llimona.
  • Weekly round tables take place every Wednesday in October, featuring experts, residents, and political representatives.
  • Guided walks are scheduled for Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October in La Teixonera and Cases Barates de Can Peguera.

Further details on the exhibition and events are available via the Gertu Kultura programme page.

Reported by beteve.cat, apropacultura.org, betevé.