Manifesta 15 MO.CA

The Challenge

The challenge was to create a mobile, self-sustaining structure that would travel between 11 metropolitan cities participating in Manifesta 15. The project needed to embody the biennial core values of environmental responsibility and mobility, while facilitating cultural engagement and educational programming in each city during their Focus Week.

Our Solution

IAAC, through its Valldaura Labs, developed MO.CA (Mobile Catalyst), an advanced ecological mobile home built entirely from zero-kilometre natural materials. This innovative structure was adapted as the Manifesta 15 Mobile Venue, designed to travel across cities and host a wide range of community-driven events such as workshops, performances, and educational programs. By combining MO.CA’s self-sufficiency with Manifesta’s cultural mission, the project creates a sustainable, decentralised platform for cultural interaction.

Type of Project

A nomadic, eco-conscious mobile venue that serves as a hub for cultural programming and community engagement in each of the 11 metropolitan cities. The venue reflects the themes of mobility, sustainability, and environmental responsibility central to Manifesta 15.

Project Outputs

Key output of the project is a self-sustaining mobile venue, designed to host cultural and educational events across multiple cities.

The Project

The MO.CA structure, designed by IAAC’s Valldaura Labs, became the Manifesta 15 Mobile Venue, providing a flexible space for community engagement. Built from locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, the venue embodies Manifesta’s values of decentralisation and environmental stewardship.

The mobile venue consists of a central platform housed on a 5.4-meter-long, 2.4-meter-wide trailer. Two tool boxes—one containing utilities like a kitchen and toilet, and the other holding modular furniture—flank the central space, making it adaptable for various activities.

The venue travels between cities, setting up in the main squares of each municipality for the duration of their Focus Week. Its mobile design and eco-friendly construction materials align with Manifesta’s goals of connecting diverse urban populations while promoting environmental sustainability.

MOCA, as the backbone of the venue, is designed to be fully off-grid, powered by solar energy and equipped with water recycling systems. This makes the venue self-sufficient, eliminating the need for external power sources while minimising waste.

The structure relies on monocrystalline solar panels that power the utilities, including a kitchen, LED lighting, and media-related activities. Water is recycled through a three-stage filtration system, and a humus toilet system avoids water waste.

Our Contribution

The project was developed and constructed by IAAC’s Valldaura Labs, in collaboration with the Manifesta 15 team and local municipalities. The students and researchers from IAAC’s Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities (MAEBB) programme played a key role in the design and execution of this mobile venue, ensuring it met both practical and environmental goals.

Who is it for?

MO.CA is designed for local communities and participants of Manifesta 15, offering an inclusive and sustainable space for cultural activities. Its mobility allows it to serve diverse audiences in multiple cities, promoting a sense of interconnectedness and shared cultural experiences.