Barcelona Social Housing
Official website
This page has been seen 1 688 timesThere are 3 people interested in this call for projects
Call for projects organizer
ArchMedium is dedicated to the organization of architectural competitions for students and young architects since 2009. We created a digital platform of architecture academic competitions under the same conditions as the professional competitions, in which a prestigious jury handles the entire process of choosing the winners. We see architecture as a technical discipline that transcends borders. The knowledge of it allows students to put it in practice what they have learned according to the needs of the site, following the words of Patrick Geddes “Think Global, Act Local.”
Description
INTRODUCTIONBarcelona is going through a moment of housing emergency where 40% of the purchases of flats are made only to invest and the increase of tourist apartments exponentially increases the price of rents. There are large numbers of empty homes and the lack of rental housing makes the neighbors forced to move, a phenomenon known as gentrification. Currently Barcelona only has 1.5% of social rental housing, a figure far removed from the 50% in Vienna, or 30% in cities such as Berlin or Paris. Barcelona City Council considers access to housing a priority and is implementing policies to increase these figures.
PROPOSAL
Sensitive to this problem, from ARCHmedium we invite students and young architects to explore new typologies about social housing in a consolidated environment in the center of Barcelona. We propose the transformation of an existing office building from the 20th century to social housing. The existing 18.000m2 will house 160 homes and small scale businesses. The objective of the competition is to guarantee the social function of housing through rethinking the housing space. Proposals must explore new typologies and urban ways to respond to the program and improve the scope of intervention. The intervention must meet the highest environmental criteria, seeking a low energy consumption.
PROGRAM
We propose the transformation of an office building located in Via Laietana 8-10 to public rental housing. The building has a Ground Floor + 7 floors and a Roof Top Terrace. Without taking into consideration the interior patios and stairs, the building has 10.000m2 to intervene. The competition establishes the adaption of 1500 m2 of commerce in the ground floor and 160 houses in the upper floors. The houses contemplate different sizes, users and typologies that will cover the whole of the building.
The building has 2 basement floors that will not be taken into account for the competition. The program of the Roof Top Terrace is left free for participants to propose what they think is adequate.
Community (3)
Rewards
1º Winners Student
$2 3142º Winners Student
$1 1573º Winners Student
$578
- Considered for publication in an architecture magazine.
- One-year subscription to an architecture magazine.
- Reviews in digital magazines and several architecture blogs.
- 1 year subscription to ARCHcase Premium
- One-year subscription to an architecture magazine.
- Reviews in digital magazines and several architecture blogs.
- 1 year subscription to ARCHcase Premium
10 Honorable mentions Student
- Considered for publication in an architecture magazine.- Reviews in digital magazines and several architecture blogs.
- 1 year subscription to ARCHcase Premium.
Winners Young Architects
$2 314- Considered for publication in an architecture magazine.
- One-year subscription to an architecture magazine.
- Reviews in digital magazines and several architecture blogs.
- 1 year subscription to ARCHcase Premium
3 Honorable mentions Young Architects
- Considered for publication in an architecture magazine.- Reviews in digital magazines and several architecture blogs.
- 1 year subscription to ARCHcase Premium
Timeline
Registration starts
Special Registration
Registration ends
Special Registration
Registration starts
Early Registration
Registration ends
Early Registration
Registration starts
Regular Registration
Registration ends
Regular Registration
Submission ends
Publications & Exhibitions
Publication of received projects
Results
No publication yet
Calls for projects that may be of interest to you
Architecture and Urban planning, Art, Design
2026 Tokyo Design Awards:
In its inaugural year, the Tokyo Design Awards welcomes participants from all backgrounds to help shape a new legacy in global design. From Architectural Design, Interior Design, and Product Design to the exciting new Character & Pop Design category, the awards spotlight work that inspires, connects, and drives innovation across disciplines.
$209 - $249 to register
1 remaining day
Publication + Certificate + Other
Architecture and Urban planning, Design
2026 The Noble World Hotel Awards :
The 2026 Noble World Hotel Awards represents unparalleled excellence in the global hospitality industry, recognizing the world’s most outstanding hotels, prestigious leaders and designs in hospitality through the highest levels of achievement and distinction.
$450 - $750 to register
1 remaining day
Publication + Certificate + Other
Architecture and Urban planning, Art, Design
2026 Noble Business Awards:
The Noble Business Awards celebrates a century of distinguished achievements, recognizing exceptional leadership and remarkable business success on a global scale. Renowned for its prestigious legacy in business history, it extends an invitation to visionary entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, companies, and organizations to join this esteemed tradition.
$295 - $445 to register
1 remaining day
Publication + Certificate + Other
Architecture and Urban planning, Art, Design
2025 Rome Design Awards: Season 2:
The Rome Design Awards celebrates exceptional achievements in global design, highlighting the most creative and influential work. Inspired by the Renaissance era, this prestigious international design award is committed to recognising excellence in interior design, architecture, product design, lighting, packaging, and beyond, reflecting the period's dual focus on beauty and functionality.
$90 to register
2 remaining days
Publication + Certificate + Other