A mixed, compact and inclusive neighborhood in the old Mercedes Factory

An architecture firm Batlleiroig proudly introduces Ecodistrict laMercedes, a project to reactivate an old Mercedes-Benz factory in Barcelona. The project generates new economic and residential activity, contributing to the large urban regeneration of Bon Pastor and Besòs, which has now become the most dynamic urban area in the city.

Photo credit: SBDA

Completing the urban grid

The old industrial site blocks the connections between residential areas with very different social and economic characteristics. The LaMercedes area will be the crossing point of two new urban axes: through the east-west axis, the historic centre of Sant Andreu will be connected with the neighbourhood of Bon Pastor and the future park of Rec Comtal, with the park of the Besòs river. The north-south axis will connect La Maquinista and the neighbourhood of Baró de Viver with the park of Rec Comtal and the future developments of the Torrent de la Estadella industrial estate. The proposal connects historically isolated areas, despite their proximity, and contributes to a new centrality that will articulate and unite the heterogeneous urban and social fabrics of the environment.

Photo credit: SBDA

Photo credit: Batlleiroig

Recycling the industrial heritage

The historical and heritage value of the Mercedes lies both in the material value of all its buildings, the result of successive projects during the 1950s to 1970s by architect Robert Terradas. Its Nordic-inspired rationalist architecture, as well as its intangible value, gives testimony to the industrial past of the neighborhood, which many of its neighbors were participants in. The proposed development recognizes the architectural history and social significance of the place through the reuse of various existing buildings. The project is based on the conservation of the main industrial buildings, which are used for cultural and educational facilities. Complemented by new buildings for economic activities, this complex is organized around the existing central building, of which the structure is preserved to provide shelter for a large public plaza, intended to be the center of activity in the new neighbourhood, and which must house a large clean energy production center. Maintaining the character of the place and creating this symbolic space that contributes to reinforcing the sense of belonging to the neighbourhood.

Photo credit: SBDA

Photo credit: SBDA

Photo credit: SBDA

A mixed-use neighbourhood

The historic complex is transformed to house economic activity, which includes not only offices and facilities focused on education and knowledge, but also a specific type of activity focused on the creativity of the 4.0 industry, as well as innovation, research, and sustainability.

Photo credit: SBDA

Photo credit: SBDA

Photo credit: SBDA

New ways of living

laMercedes is destined to become a neighborhood where people can learn, live, and work. A compact neighborhood with houses of all types and characteristics, together with a multitude of ground floor commercial shops, community facilities, and economic activities. Together, they configure a new centrality that contributes to unifying the heterogeneous urban fabric of the environment.

Photo credit: SBDA

Photo credit: SBDA

Photo credit: SBDA

Ready to fight the climate emergency

An urban habitat ready to fight climate change. Structured around green infrastructure – streets and squares – and designed with systems and materials that can reduce temperatures in its surrounding environment by up to 3ºC. The free space will be a permeable and accessible meeting place that promotes social cohesion. Priority will be given to green spaces, enhancing nature and biodiversity over vehicles, which are eliminated from public spaces.

Photo credit: SBDA

Photo credit: SBDA

About Batlleiroig

Founded in 1981 by Enric Batlle and Joan Roig, Batlleiroig is an architecture firm located in Barcelona. The firm's multidisciplinary team combines the practice of Planning, Landscape, and Architecture. Batlleiroig has always understood design as a continuous process linked to the correct development of its professional activity. They understand architecture as a profession that must superimpose creativity and technique to obtain maximum efficiency in its results. Committed to the environment and involved in searching for solutions to solve the planet’s climate emergency, Batlleiroig has been involved in the narrative of Landscape and Nature since its founding.