In this first stage, the catalogue focuses on the modern and contemporary architecture designed and built between 1832 –year of construction of the first industrial chimney in Barcelona that we establish as the beginning of modernity– until today.
The project is born to make the architecture more accessible both to professionals and to the citizens through a website that is going to be updated and extended. Contemporary works of greater general interest will be incorporated, always with a necessary historical perspective, while gradually adding works from our past, with the ambitious objective of understanding a greater documented period.
The collection feeds from multiple sources, mainly from the generosity of architectural and photographic studios, as well as the large amount of excellent historical and reference editorial projects, such as architectural guides, magazines, monographs and other publications. It also takes into consideration all the reference sources from the various branches and associated entities with the COAC and other collaborating entities related to the architectural and design fields, in its maximum spectrum.
Special mention should be made of the incorporation of vast documentation from the COAC Historical Archive which, thanks to its documental richness, provides a large amount of valuable –and in some cases unpublished– graphic documentation.
The rigour and criteria for selection of the works has been stablished by a Documental Commission, formed by the COAC’s Culture Spokesperson, the director of the COAC Historical Archive, the directors of the COAC Digital Archive, and professionals and other external experts from all the territorial sections that look after to offer a transversal view of the current and past architectural landscape around the territory.
The determination of this project is to become the largest digital collection about Catalan architecture; a key tool of exemplar information and documentation about architecture, which turns into a local and international referent, for the way to explain and show the architectural heritage of a territory.
We kindly invite you to help us improve the dissemination of Catalan architecture through this space. Here you can propose works and provide or amend information on authors, photographers and their work, along with adding comments. The Documentary Commission will analyze all data. Please do only fill in the fields you deem necessary to add or amend the information.
The Arxiu Històric del Col·legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya is one of the most important documentation centers in Europe, which houses the professional collections of more than 180 architects whose work is fundamental to understanding the history of Catalan architecture. By filling this form, you can request digital copies of the documents for which the Arxiu Històric del Col·legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya manages the exploitation of the author's rights, as well as those in the public domain. Once the application has been made, the Arxiu Històric del Col·legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya will send you an approximate budget, which varies in terms of each use and purpose.
The project's main objective is to serve as a catalyst for recreational, cultural, sports and educational activities around the river channel.
This can be explained through three basic strategies:
Territorial Logic to enhance river channels as areas of landscape interest.
Urban Strategy to consolidate a green recreational and cultural axis adjacent to the river.
Technical Solution — a specific, low-environmental-impact intervention.
TERRITORIAL LOGIC, SUPRA-MUNICIPAL SCALE: THE RIVERBED
The project aims to revive activity within river channels. These channels, by definition, have always been remarkable ecotones — transitional spaces that depend on both the river ecosystem and the adjacent landscape. These areas possess rich environmental and scenic value. However, when passing through urban centres, these channels have been neglected, with rivers often channelled into barriers separating floodable and non-floodable areas.
The proposal is driven by the belief that restoring activity to these spaces and blurring the boundary between river and city will enrich these environments, encouraging their preservation and a sense of ownership.
MUNICIPAL LOGIC, URBAN STRATEGY: GREEN AXIS AND THE DEVESA
Manlleu’s history and prosperity are closely tied to the river, with both agricultural and industrial activity benefiting from the Ter’s course. Analysis of the urban structure reveals that during periods of major development, the town turned its back on the river. In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalise the area with green spaces, cultural facilities and sports zones. As a result, a new recreational and cultural axis has emerged along the left bank of the river.
This axis begins at the RENFE train station on the westernmost edge and continues through the sports area, children’s parks and the Paseo del Ter, culminating at the Ter Museum on the eastern end. Here, where there is a kiosk and a small kayak dock, the river forms a meander, creating a vast 30-hectare dehesa (meadow) on the right bank.
The project’s main goal is to extend this recreational and cultural axis from the left bank to the right bank, unlocking a large, previously underutilised area. In this way, Manlleu gains 30,000m² of open space. This space offers a wealth of possibilities, from leisurely walks through the dehesa to new sports activities that respect the environment.
Educational activities can also be promoted, effectively serving as an outdoor extension of the Ter Museum — a place to understand and explain the importance of the river, its surrounding ecosystems, and the industrial heritage such as sluices and canals.
CONSTRUCTION LOGIC, TECHNICAL SOLUTION: THE ECOTONE
Of all the possible options, a walkway was chosen. Walkways are low-environmental-impact infrastructures. By definition, a walkway is designed to be floodable, naturally integrating with the river's dynamics. The project features a series of concrete platforms reminiscent of ancient river crossings where people could step from stone to stone.
The design addresses the specific needs of river environments – it avoids formalism, providing an efficient response to hydraulic and functional requirements. Concrete walls, 25cm thick and spaced 2.25m apart, run perpendicular to the river’s flow, maintaining the daily average flow capacity. Above these walls, 1.5m x 3.95m cantilevered concrete platforms, just 10cm thick, minimise impact on the water flow. The platforms do not touch each other, ensuring the structure remains open and enhances hydraulic performance during high-water events. Between the platforms, metal grates provide accessibility for pedestrians and service vehicles, and are removable for maintenance.
Crossing from one bank to the other, pedestrians leave the comfort of the urban ecosystem, becoming aware of the river's power. The sound of water against the walls, the humidity and temperature changes immerse visitors in the fluvial ecosystem.
Over the years, the walkway will evolve: the colour of the concrete will change based on water levels, the walls will bear marks from stones and logs carried by the river, and the metal framework will darken under the sun’s radiation. In this way, the walkway will transform into an ecotone — a transitional zone between two ecosystems, urban and fluvial.