As part of EVDS' semester-long study abroad program, Master of Architecture candidate Gabriel Hernández Solano travelled to Barcelona, Spain, to document informal settlements and the resulting urban and spatial typologies, patterns, and consequences.
There he met Ixia Mendoza, an anthropologist at the University of Barcelona, who was in the process developing her thesis on the reutilization and recollection of urban residues by the African immigrant community. Based on Mendoza's theoretical framework, the two decided to collaborate to create AFRIKLANDO BCN, an interactive website of audiovisual maps, diagrams, and architectural drawings that retraces the history of a significant portion of the African immigrant community there and its importance in the 'recycling' of the city. The maps and drawings will recreate the distinct journeys participants have taken since their arrival in Barcelona.
"Gabriel has taken on a very ambitious research project looking at transient immigrant African populations in Barcelona. He has documented the various informal arrangements occupied by this community over the last decade," explains Graham Livesey, professor of architecture, and Hernández's supervisor for the project.
Documenting a side of immigration that is generally overlooked, AFRIKLANDO BCN examines the diverse uses and reuses of spaces by African immigrants in the city since 2000. Focusing on issues surrounding vacant buildings, temporary uses of space, and the recollection of urban residues, the study also highlights the importance of alternatives to top-down approaches in urban development, planning, and design.
Using a participatory and interdisciplinary approach, the project was carried out with the collaboration of members of the African community in Barcelona to address the impacts of policies and plans that exclude vulnerable groups from full inclusion in critical aspects of urban planning. "Gabriel has developed a strong commitment to the social and political aspects of architecture and urbanism," Livesey says.
Once published, Hernández and Mendoza hope the research will serve as a reference for emerging local initiatives that are currently working to enable regularization processes for immigrants in Barcelona and ensure that existing informal work in these communities is recognized.
The gallery presentation, which runs in EVDS' Kasian Gallery March 10-28, is a preview of the final digital project.
EVDS provides a variety of ongoing study abroad opportunities for its students. These range from one week field study courses to semester-long programs in Barcelona or Melbourne, Australia. The faculty supports a well-rounded design education that includes practical, real-world engagement with ideas, practices, and precedents beyond local borders.
Click here for more information about our study abroad programs.