Barcelona-based architecture studio h3o architects has completed an innovative urban renewal project called The Communal Barbecue (La Barbacoa Comunal) in the industrial area of Castell d'Aro, located in the heart of Spain's Costa Brava region. This remarkable 1,700 square meter intervention has successfully transformed a forgotten parking lot into a vibrant plaza with a distinctive identity, characterized by bold colors and a strong communal spirit designed to serve both local residents and the pedestrians and cyclists who travel through the Baix Empordà area.
The project, led by architects Joan Gener, Miquel Ruiz, and Adrià Orriols, represents a thoughtful approach to community-centered design that celebrates the Mediterranean tradition of collective dining. The site was originally conceived as a park providing access to Vía Verde del Carrilet, a popular hiking route, but over time it gradually deteriorated into a parking lot with a semi-hidden municipal barbecue facility. However, on special occasions, this neglected corner would suddenly come alive through spontaneous community meals organized by local residents, and this convivial activity served as the primary inspiration for h3o architects' innovative design approach.
"Collective meals have always been a central pillar of community identity and social cohesion in our Mediterranean culture," explain the three founding architects of h3o architects. "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 and shared experiences."
The studio's primary design philosophy centered on understanding collective meals as both a social and revitalizing element of public spaces. Working with three key conceptual ideas—a sculptural barbecue facility, a large zigzagging communal table capable of seating up to 50 people, and the comprehensive re-naturalization of the surrounding environment—the project seeks to elevate and celebrate this symbolic gathering place for the entire neighborhood.
The renovation process transformed the original barbecue into the stunning centerpiece of the plaza, conferring its own distinctive character to the entire square. The facility has been carefully restored and visually emphasized through the use of vibrant blue tiles and decorative ceramic details that bring authentic Mediterranean colors and textures to the public space. Two significant new architectural elements also stand out prominently: an organically designed pergola-pamela structure that provides essential shade for those cooking, topped by a distinctive chimney that makes the barbecue a recognizable landmark visible from considerable distances throughout the area.
Another major highlight of the project is the impressive long, zigzagging communal table that meanders and gracefully intertwines between the existing mature trees. Specifically designed by the studio to comfortably accommodate up to 50 diners simultaneously, this innovative table design actively encourages socialization and communal dining experiences within a carefully naturalized atmosphere. The table also offers remarkable flexibility and accessibility through strategically placed empty spaces and openings, allowing it to adapt effectively to different social situations, community needs, and accessibility requirements.
Beyond simply improving an existing gathering place, the project also aims to make a substantial positive contribution to the local environment through an extensive re-naturalization process. A comprehensive landscape dimension has been thoughtfully added to the plaza by preserving several existing mature trees and introducing carefully selected native vegetation species. This environmental approach includes specific plant species that actively promote bird nesting opportunities, along with various flowering plants that encourage natural pollination processes. Rocks of various sizes and textures have been strategically placed to add visual depth and structural robustness to the overall geometry of the space, while the vibrant colors of the barbecue facility create an appealing contrast with the natural earthy tones of the rocks and surrounding vegetation.
The original asphalt field that once covered the utilitarian parking lot has been completely transformed into a playful and dynamic arrangement of broken geometric shapes featuring diverse textures and complementary tones. Through an innovative fracturing process, the design team removed most of the original asphalt slab, deliberately leaving two distinct pathways that invite visitors to explore and experience the plaza in different ways: one path winds through the lush greenery and natural elements, while another creates a direct connection between the main street and the central barbecue facility, seamlessly integrating the plaza into its broader urban surroundings.
By replacing a significant portion of the impermeable asphalt surface with carefully selected vegetation and permeable materials, the project successfully reduces the harmful "heat island" effect commonly associated with urban development and substantially improves soil permeability throughout the site. This environmental improvement results in a noticeably fresher, more inviting, and more sustainable public space that benefits both the immediate community and the broader ecosystem.
The project team included Marcel Heras, Ramon Illan, and Paula Widonska as key design team members, with specialized consulting provided by Carolina Valero for general engineering, Ofici Arquitectura for structural engineering, Mercè Lorente for landscape architecture, Natura Montfred for environmental sustainability, and Via Bizzuno for professional lighting design. The construction was completed in 2024, with photography documentation provided by Jose Hevia and Lluis Tudela.
The Communal Barbecue project goes far beyond simply fulfilling the basic functional requirements of a typical urban public space by fundamentally reimagining the very concept of community interaction through the powerful combination of gastronomy and thoughtful architecture. By incorporating innovative design elements that actively encourage meaningful social interaction and foster a deeper connection with the natural environment, the project by h3o architects aims to promote a completely renewed perception of what shared community environments can achieve.
Thus, this transformed plaza becomes much more than a simple public space—it serves as a dynamic stage where community vitality and strengthened social bonds naturally intertwine, effectively turning every gathering, whether large or small, into a genuine celebration of collective life and Mediterranean cultural traditions. The success of this project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural intervention can revitalize neglected urban spaces while honoring and enhancing the cultural practices that bring communities together.
