Barcelona, November 2024. h3o architects, an architecture studio based in Barcelona, presents The Communal Barbecue (La Barbacoa Comunal) a project for urban and landscape renewal in the industrial area of Castell d’Aro, at the heart of the Costa Brava. This 1,700m² intervention has transformed a former parking lot into a plaza with a distinctive identity, characterised by its vibrant colour and communal spirit, designed both for residents and the pedestrians and cyclists who pass through the Baix Empordà area.

Initially conceived as a park providing access to Vía Verde del Carrilet —a popular hiking route—it gradually turned into a parking lot with a semi-hidden municipal barbecue. On special occasions, this neglected corner would come to life through community meals organised by locals. This spontaneous and convivial activity deeply inspired the design by h3o architects.

Collective meals have always been a central pillar of community identity and social cohesion in our Mediterranean culture. Street dinners during local festivals, calçotades with friends in February, Sunday barbecues, or blowing out birthday candles with classmates in a park—these are all moments that foster community through food,” highlight Adrià Orriols, Joan Gener, and Miquel Ruiz of h3o architects.

The studio's primary inspiration was to understand collective meals as a social and revitalising element of public spaces. With three key ideas—a sculptural barbecue, a large zigzagging table seating up to 50 people, and the re-naturalisation of the surroundings— the project seeks to elevate and celebrate this symbolic gathering place for the neighbourhood.

The renovation transforms the original barbecue into the centrepiece of the plaza, conferring its own distinctive character to the entire square. Restored and visually emphasised, the grill is clad in blue tiles and ceramic details that bring Mediterranean hues to the square. Two new elements also stand out: a pergola-pamela with an organic design that provides shade for those cooking, topped by a chimney that makes the barbecue a landmark visible from afar.

Another highlight of the project is the long, zigzagging table that meanders and intertwines between the trees. Designed by the studio to accommodate up to 50 diners, this table encourages socialisation and communal dining in a naturalised atmosphere. Additionally, it offers flexibility and accessibility through empty spaces, allowing it to adapt to different situations and needs.

Beyond improving a gathering place, the project also aims to make a positive contribution to the environment through a re-naturalisation process. A landscape dimension has been added to the plaza by preserving some existing trees and planting native vegetation. This includes species that promote bird nesting, along with flowering plants that encourage pollination. Rocks of various sizes add depth and robustness to the geometry of the space, while the colours of the barbecue contrast with the earthy tones of the rocks and vegetation.

The asphalt field that once covered the parking lot has been transformed into a playful arrangement of broken shapes with diverse textures and tones. Through a fracturing process, most of the original asphalt slab was removed, leaving two paths that invite visitors to explore the plaza: one through the greenery and another connecting the main street to the barbecue, seamlessly integrating the plaza into its surroundings. By replacing much of the asphalt with vegetation, the project reduces the “heat island” effect and improves soil permeability, resulting in a fresher, more inviting space.

The Communal Barbecue goes beyond fulfilling the function of an urban space by reimagining the concept of community through gastronomy and architecture. incorporating design elements that encourage social interaction and connection with nature, the project by h3o architects aims to foster a renewed perception of shared environments. Thus, the plaza becomes a stage where vitality and social bonds intertwine, turning every gathering into a celebration of collective life.