Cooperative Architecture and Design Autonomy

Apr 3, 2025

Lecture Notes: Architecture, Cooperative Practices, and Design Autonomy

Introduction

  • Speaker: Matthew Blunderfield, supported by the Architecture Foundation
  • Event: Discussion on architecture, cooperative movements, and design autonomy
  • Context: Visit to Barcelona with students from RCA, focusing on architectural themes of excess and sustainability

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Architectural Exuberance in Barcelona

  • Figures: Gaudi, Jujol, Enric Miralles, Flores Prats
  • Themes: Architectural abundance, repurposing materials, aesthetic abundance

Socially-Focused Architecture

  • Example: La Borda Cooperative Housing by LaCol
    • Built in 2018, emphasizes social richness
    • Emphasis on autonomy and collective ownership

LaCol Cooperative

  • Origins: Formed post-2008 crisis, inspired by cooperative movements in Sants, Barcelona
  • Goals: Address common needs through cooperative structures
  • Key Architect: Christina Gamboa

Design Autonomy and Collective Work

  • Autonomy: Seen as crucial in both design and user control
  • Collective Design: Balances formal autonomy with cooperative user input

Case Study: La Borda

  • Design: Monolithic form with material efficiency (polycarbonate, timber, concrete)
  • Functionality: Space for communal living and personal adaptation
  • Notable Architects: Lucien Kroll, Frei Otto, Giancarlo De Carlo

Evolution of LaCol

  • Initial Projects: Student bases, cooperative genealogy research
  • Practice Today: Multi-disciplinary and cooperative, non-hierarchical structure

Challenges and Adaptation

  • Design Process: Emphasis on collective input, flexible design meeting future needs
  • Sustainability: Focus on evolving urban challenges, gender perspectives

Future and Ongoing Projects

  • La Morada Project: Housing for women, feminist architectural approach
    • Emphasizes privacy and community interaction

Personal Reflections

  • Motivations: Combining personal and collective goals, feminist urbanism
  • Educational Influence: Importance of alternative narratives in architecture education

Sustaining Energy and Radicality

  • Legacy: Maintaining ambition and innovation post major projects
  • Collective Strength: Utilizing diverse perspectives and adaptability in practice

Final Thoughts

  • Vision and Future: Continuously questioning and evolving practice
  • Importance of Collective Discussion: Regular assemblies to guide practice direction

Conclusion

  • Speaker Engagement: Encouragement for more inclusive voices and perspectives
  • Future Directions: Continued exploration of cooperative and sustainable architectural practices

Resources

  • LaCol Cooperative: For more info on projects and philosophy
  • Architecture Foundation: Events and resources on architectural development

These notes summarize the key points discussed in the lecture regarding cooperative architecture practices in Barcelona and the role of autonomy and collectivity in design.