CRAFT EARTH improves urban-nature transition zones in Barcelona through participatory processes and the implementation of new urban-ecological elements using local, natural materials (earth, wood and sisal fibers) and advanced fabrication techniques (large-scale 3D printing and CNC milling). The primary objectives are to demonstrate a sustainable approach to manufacturing; mitigate urban-nature transition zone degradation; and foster a reconnection with nature prioritizing an underserved area by engaging three distinct social groups: emerging professionals from IAAC’s masters programs, young schoolchildren from Barcelona’s urban center, and citizens from the Font del Gos neighborhood. To date the activity has progressed through the co-design, co-creation and production phases, with installation and evaluation planned for the months ahead.

CRAFT EARTH builds upon the 2022 OPEN NATURE project (https://valldaura.net/open-nature/), which identified the boundary of the city of Barcelona with the 8,000+ hectare Collserola Natural Park as holding great potential for social and ecological intervention and introduced an initial set of urban-ecological elements to the same Font del Gos site in which the CRAFT EARTH element will soon be added. Such transition zones have the capacity to become biodiversity hotspots where distinct biomes overlap and blend to form a rich ecotone. Similarly, they can serve as welcoming gateways inviting urban citizens to engage with the surrounding nature. However, much of the Collserola border is currently underperforming in both respects, suffering from environmental issues like severe erosion and biodiversity loss, as well as a lack of public amenities encouraging human use. CRAFT EARTH aims to address these shortcomings by implementing urban-ecological elements that simultaneously mitigate erosion and provide diverse habitat, while also offering shelter and furnishings for people to enjoy.

EIT Community New European Bauhaus CRAFT EARTH is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.