Abstract
City is House’ was the motto that identified our design proposal for an international competition launched in 2018 for remodeling the urban fabric around the emblematic building known as ‘Mercat Central’ in the city centre of Valencia, Spain. By examining the impact of food markets on social interactions, economic vitality, and cultural identity, the competition asked how their strategic integration could contribute to the overall health and liveliness of the city of Valencia.
Our proposal envisioned a put care at the centre of the urban renewal strategy, envisioning a re-distributed constellation of places that acted as a catalyst for social well-being, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging for urban dwellers: a city transformed into a house. On the one hand, a gendered approach to urbanism, drawing upon critical theories, let us address the unique needs and experiences of different groups and communities, supported by a participatory process where all stakeholders expressed their needs and concerns. On the other hand, spaces were claimed for neglected user groups, such as children, supporting Aldo van Eyck’s assertion that a city designed with children in mind is one that benefits everyone.
As part of the design and competition process, the paper will showcase the different strategies that helped us respond to the needs of the place and its dwellers. Performative travels where visual ethnography served as evidence of accumulated experiences, highlighting the impact of public spaces on individuals and communities. Hand-drawings and models that were crucial for the understanding of the place and its tacit qualities. Public presentations, exhibitions and Internet forum conversations that were crucial for the participatory process.
Through the exploration of these themes and tools, the paper aims to shed light on the transformative potential of architecture and urban regeneration in fostering places of care within our cities.
Our proposal envisioned a put care at the centre of the urban renewal strategy, envisioning a re-distributed constellation of places that acted as a catalyst for social well-being, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging for urban dwellers: a city transformed into a house. On the one hand, a gendered approach to urbanism, drawing upon critical theories, let us address the unique needs and experiences of different groups and communities, supported by a participatory process where all stakeholders expressed their needs and concerns. On the other hand, spaces were claimed for neglected user groups, such as children, supporting Aldo van Eyck’s assertion that a city designed with children in mind is one that benefits everyone.
As part of the design and competition process, the paper will showcase the different strategies that helped us respond to the needs of the place and its dwellers. Performative travels where visual ethnography served as evidence of accumulated experiences, highlighting the impact of public spaces on individuals and communities. Hand-drawings and models that were crucial for the understanding of the place and its tacit qualities. Public presentations, exhibitions and Internet forum conversations that were crucial for the participatory process.
Through the exploration of these themes and tools, the paper aims to shed light on the transformative potential of architecture and urban regeneration in fostering places of care within our cities.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 84-85 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
| Event | Situated Ecologies of Care: The 20th AHRA International Conference - Portsmouth School of Architecture, Portsmouth, United Kingdom Duration: 25 Oct 2023 → 27 Oct 2023 Conference number: 20 https://ahra2023.org/ |
Conference
| Conference | Situated Ecologies of Care |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Portsmouth |
| Period | 25/10/23 → 27/10/23 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Urban Regeneration
- Commoning Practices
- Care
- Public Space