RESPIRA Climate Shelter - IAAC Barcelona

The Challenge

The challenge was to design urban elements that address contemporary public space issues in densely populated cities, such as new pedestrian areas, environmental sustainability, and resilience against the effects of climate change, particularly heatwaves.

Our Solution

A series of urban elements designed with the residents of Roquetes, Poblenou, and Born neighbourhoods, addressing critical issues like climate resilience, urban inclusion, and sustainable living. These elements were 3D-printed using Pure.Tech, a pioneering material that absorbs and neutralises pollutants like CO2, NOx, and VOCs, thus contributing to cleaner air and healthier urban environments.

Type of Project

An urban innovation project designed as a participatory, sustainable initiative. It highlights how urban spaces can be transformed into environmentally friendly, pedestrian-centric areas that offer respite from rising temperatures and improve air quality.

Project Outputs

The key output is the co-designed urban elements that address contemporary public space challenges. These elements aim to create pedestrian-friendly zones and climate shelters that mitigate the effects of heatwaves and urban pollution.

The Project

RESPIRA is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to tackle the growing challenges of climate change and urbanisation through co-designed, climate-conscious urban interventions. The project was developed with community input and focused on creating pedestrian-friendly zones and climate shelters to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures and improve air quality in dense urban areas. The use of innovative materials like Pure.Tech underscores RESPIRA’s commitment to eco-responsibility and sustainability.

The urban elements created as part of RESPIRA are located in public spaces across Barcelona, particularly in the Roquetes, Poblenou, and Born neighbourhoods. These spaces are designed to enhance pedestrian zones, offering respite during heatwaves and providing a place for community interaction. The co-designed elements are multifunctional, promoting inclusion, safety, and environmental sustainability.

RESPIRA integrates innovative materials and sustainability at its core. By using Pure.Tech, a cutting-edge CO2-neutralising material, the project not only contributes to creating healthier urban spaces but also demonstrates how cities can adopt new technologies to combat pollution and climate challenges. The initiative is a model of how community-driven design can foster environmental and social resilience in urban settings.

Our Contribution

IAAC provided expertise in advanced architecture and sustainable design, while local communities contributed their insights and experiences. This partnership ensured that the project was not only innovative but also deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of the local population.

Who is it for?

RESPIRA is designed for the residents of Roquetes, Poblenou, and Born, as well as visitors and urban planners interested in sustainable and inclusive urban innovation. It serves as a climate shelter for communities during heatwaves, a pedestrian-friendly zone for city dwellers, and a model for future urban interventions aimed at improving air quality and creating resilient cities.