Jardins Europa

Public Space

In 1970, Francesc Mitjans signed one of the most significant projects of his career: the Illa Europa. Located between the Gràcia neighborhood and Baix Guinardó, a residential complex emerged, comprising 509 apartments, 22 commercial spaces, an underground parking lot, and a central courtyard dedicated to a garden. While the project was not as visible or well-known as other major urban developments in Barcelona, it represents one of the first interventions in the city that proposed a model of urban coexistence in a closed environment, oriented toward social and residential well-being.

The project unfolds within the heart of the block, in the gardens. Mitjans’ original concept is sober due to its predominance of white, impressive in its cancellation of the horizon, coherent in aesthetics, and free of unnecessary embellishments—an architecture that is straightforward and honest.

The new intervention is located in the garden area that occupies the roof of the parking structure. It aims to preserve Mitjans’ aesthetic while updating it to meet contemporary needs. All technical deficiencies related to waterproofing and structural safety are corrected. All architectural barriers are removed, allowing any user to access any point without assistance. The vegetation system is improved with native, low-water-demand plants. An old tank is restored and transformed into a cistern for rainwater storage. Light pollution is reduced to enhance the restfulness of the residents.

An “invisible” intervention is carried out to respect the original author’s architecture. The palette of final materials used is the same as those of the original designer: red, handcrafted fired ceramic, terrazzo, and the rest of the furniture and new elements in white lacquered steel.