Through the Threshold

Poblenou, in Barcelona, was the industrial heart of the city until the end of the 20th century. Today, its transformation under the 22@ plan has generated extreme contrasts: alongside modern office buildings and technology centers, urban voids persist, abandoned lots and a growing real estate pressure that expels long-time residents. In this context we find Masoliver Passage, a space with a strong industrial identity and a distinctive urban scale, which remains underutilized and disconnected from its surroundings despite its great potential.

In an effort to apply urban acupuncture, four sites within the passage (Masoliver A, B, C, and D) were selected to introduce public housing, community spaces, commercial areas, temporary accommodations, and public facilities—all contributing to alleviating the housing crisis and strengthening neighborhood life. These elements are built with prefabricated, low-carbon timber structures that ensure efficient construction and minimal environmental impact. The design unfolds as a gradual transition between public and private space, where the passage is conceived as an extension of the home. The sequence—passage, threshold, courtyard, and entrance—is repeated in each intervention, creating a gradient of intimacy. This progression continues indoors through elevated walkways that connect the residences around shared courtyards. The architectural strategy respects the existing urban fabric while introducing a modular cross-laminated timber structure. The repetition of a fixed module, spaced at varying intervals, allows for flexible housing configurations tailored to each site. This approach not only optimizes construction but also accommodates different housing typologies. Following the same modular system, the ground floors house commercial spaces and public facilities that activate the passage, including a day center and a community dining hall, fostering an inclusive and diverse urban environment. Finally, sustainability is a core principle of the project, prioritizing passive design strategies and the use of low-carbon natural materials. Winter gardens, green roofs for rainwater management, cork facades, solar protection, cross-ventilation, and integrated vegetation are some of the measures employed to enhance environmental performance and urban livability.