Belloch: architecture, nature and technology in dialogue

Conference dedicated to Manuel Baldrich. The session, led by Marc Cuixart, author of his biography, reviews the architect’s thinking and body of work, with the participation of Mònica Fornt, Baldrich’s granddaughter. The dialogue reflects on the contemporary relevance of the principles of rationalism and their relationship with architecture, context and everyday use, taking the Belloch School as its central reference. The event concludes with a visit to the Belloch School. Activity organised with the collaboration of Santa & Cole.

A roundtable with an open debate on the role of trees in the contemporary city, with the participation of professionals from diverse disciplines. The session addresses the function of trees in wellbeing, thermal comfort and biodiversity, as well as the challenges associated with their implementation and management. An open forum for professionals and the wider public to rethink trees as essential green infrastructure within the public realm.

A conversation on how urban spaces shape human relationships, identity and a sense of community in the contemporary city. The session explores architecture and urbanism as cultural and social tools capable of fostering more inclusive forms of coexistence, incorporating a gender perspective and the cross-cutting role of technology in the way the city is designed and inhabited.

A roundtable on the impact of materials on contemporary architecture and the shaping of the urban landscape. The session addresses the relationship between natural and industrial materials, life cycles, and new construction systems as responses to environmental challenges. An interdisciplinary dialogue to rethink materiality as a key tool for moving towards more sustainable and responsible construction models.

A visit to the Belloch School, an architectural complex designed in 1965 by Manuel Baldrich. The tour offers an understanding of Belloch as a comprehensive work in which architecture and landscape are closely intertwined. Now the headquarters of Santa & Cole and urbidermis, the site keeps the original spirit of the project alive. An activity aimed at the general public and professionals, organised in collaboration with urbidermis and Santa & Cole.

A visit to the Belloch School, an architectural complex designed in 1965 by Manuel Baldrich. The tour offers an understanding of Belloch as a comprehensive work in which architecture and landscape are closely intertwined. Now the headquarters of Santa & Cole and urbidermis, the site keeps the original spirit of the project alive. An activity aimed at the general public and professionals, organised in collaboration with urbidermis and Santa & Cole.

A conversation on the role of innovation and technology in responding to the challenges of the contemporary city. Drawing on diverse perspectives and concrete experiences, the session examines how technology can activate new models of collaboration, improve urban management, and generate social, environmental and collective impact when it is coherently integrated into urban processes and the city’s context.

A participatory workshop to explore how vegetation and trees can improve thermal comfort in the city. Through the planting of a small climate shelter, the activity highlights green spaces as essential infrastructure for reducing temperatures, enhancing wellbeing and addressing the effects of climate change. An activity aimed at the general public and families.

A visit to the Belloch School, an architectural complex designed in 1965 by Manuel Baldrich. The tour offers an understanding of Belloch as a comprehensive work in which architecture and landscape are closely intertwined. Now the headquarters of Santa & Cole and urbidermis, the site keeps the original spirit of the project alive. An activity aimed at the general public and professionals, organised in collaboration with urbidermis and Santa & Cole.