COL·LAB, S.Coop. is a cooperative based near Barcelona, Spain, specializing in facilitating collaborative processes for organizations and public administrations. The cooperative is composed of professionals with backgrounds in areas such as architecture, urban planning, social sciences, and participatory methodologies. It was founded to offer technical support for projects that require co-design, collective decision-making, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
The origins of COL·LAB, S.Coop. are rooted in the practical and academic experiences of its founders, who have collectively worked on a broad range of projects in Catalonia and beyond. Ana Fernández is noted as one of the founding partners. The cooperative prioritizes participatory approaches, aiming to bridge gaps between citizens, organizations, and institutions in the context of urban development and social transformation.
COL·LAB, S.Coop. undertakes concrete, measurable projects, including facilitation of public consultations, participatory budgeting, and the development of participatory processes for urban planning in various municipalities in the Barcelona metropolitan area. They have contributed to events such as Barcelona Architecture Weeks and have supported school communities in rethinking public spaces. Their practice emphasizes transparent documentation of processes and results, with a focus on adapting to each context.
The cooperative’s work typically centers on the practical implementation of participatory methodologies rather than producing generic strategies or reports. They bring structured formats for dialogue and negotiation among different stakeholders, documenting impact and process learning for both clients and communities. The cooperative is positioned as a small-scale, practice-oriented group working primarily within Catalonia’s socio-political landscape.