Why Is Spain’s Social Housing So Well-Designed?

This article discusses the innovative and well-designed social housing projects in Spain, focusing on the recent recognition of the Modulus Matrix building in Cornellà de Llobregat. Designed by Peris + Toral Arquitectes, this housing development won the 2024 RIBA International Prize, highlighting a shift in how social housing is perceived. The article illustrates how Spain's local governments have been proactively addressing housing challenges by implementing design principles that prioritize sustainability and quality.

Spain faces significant housing issues, including increasing evictions, energy poverty, and a lack of adequate housing for its citizens. In Barcelona, the surge in short-term rentals has exacerbated the housing crisis, driving up prices and limiting availability for locals. In response, the city has announced plans to ban short-term rentals by November 2028 and has been working on a Right to Housing Plan from 2016 to 2025 to double its social housing provision.

Recent architectural trends in social housing emphasize community-oriented designs and environmentally friendly materials. Notable examples include the 72 social housing units completed by MIAS Architects and Coll-Leclerc, which feature a facade optimized for solar gain and ventilation. Additionally, many new projects are utilizing mass timber to speed up construction while reducing carbon emissions.

Barcelona's ambitious housing plan is supported by significant financial resources, with €1.7 billion directly contributed by the City Council and nearly €3 billion in public and private funding over ten years. This funding allows the city to purchase existing buildings and vacant apartments to increase its social housing stock.

Barcelona has also introduced cooperative housing initiatives that enable residents to participate in the design and management of their living spaces. These cooperatives often provide lower-than-market rents and promote communal living, as seen in projects like La Borda, which offers shared amenities and spaces for residents.

The article points out that despite the architectural quality of new social housing projects, the overall supply remains insufficient to meet the demand. While Barcelona now has the largest public housing stock in Spain, it still falls short of the European average for social housing availability. The upcoming Housing Plan aims to rethink current policies, aspiring to make housing a fundamental right for all citizens.

Spain's social housing revolution reflects a commitment to sustainable living and community well-being, though challenges remain in meeting the growing demand for affordable housing. As cities like Barcelona continue to innovate and adapt, they set a precedent for other European cities facing similar housing dilemmas.