Negotiating Interstice
Chloe Comino
Masters of Architecture - University of Tasmania
chloe.comino@gmail.com


Negotiating the Interstice is an alternate architectural proposition to the tabula rasa strategy currently in motion in the fringe 1920’s neighbourhood of Bon Pastor in Barcelona. This scheme seeks to re-use the existing social housing while catalysing higher densities interstitially.

Driven by a socially sustainable approach, interstitial densities may arise opportunistically according to resident’s development positions, desire for participation and ability to negotiate with surrounding neighbours.

Once built to house textile factory workers and gypsies relocated from the Barcelona World Fair site, the architecture borrows from caravan inspired economy and temporary use of space.

Imbuing value on the existing neighbourhood results in maintaining equitable access to housing and nurturing social and cultural diversity.