Calaf Territorial Plan
Emergency Design Studio
This proposal examines how varying scales of urban design intervention can revitalize small rural towns and create a more self-sufficient agrarian landscape. Combatting depopulation in rural areas is an ongoing issue in Spain and the world, which creates economic, ecological, and demographic stress. Using the town of Calaf, located in the Anoia region of Catalunya, Spain, as a case study, the following study analyzes how to use its existing strengths to make an independent and well-connected network in the town and the surrounding area.
Using GIS analysis, archival sources, and demographic information, a clear set of themes around feeding, connecting, and extending arise. The historic layout of Calaf has a uniquely radial structure, with a central plaza that the rest of the urban form extends from. Since the town already has a strong heart in this central plaza, the key to invigorating the potential of the fabric is to create a spine that allows for better access to this heart.
By investing specifically in design interventions that cater to youth, job training, food accessibility, and inter-rural connection, this proposal focuses on the most threatened demographics and topics of rural living. All in all, the analysis helps develop a new theme in understanding this complex landscape - harvesting. The literal and symbolic meaning of the harvest is a key element of the founding and maintenance of rural towns, which can be used to safeguard their future. The findings through the following proposal demonstrate that a multi-scalar approach to rural-specific design intervention can help combat depopulation by increasing self-sufficiency and creating more connection between small towns in agrarian areas. ure preparedness among the community.
Fall 2025
Escola Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Barcelona
Using GIS analysis, archival sources, and demographic information, a clear set of themes around feeding, connecting, and extending arise. The historic layout of Calaf has a uniquely radial structure, with a central plaza that the rest of the urban form extends from. Since the town already has a strong heart in this central plaza, the key to invigorating the potential of the fabric is to create a spine that allows for better access to this heart.
By investing specifically in design interventions that cater to youth, job training, food accessibility, and inter-rural connection, this proposal focuses on the most threatened demographics and topics of rural living. All in all, the analysis helps develop a new theme in understanding this complex landscape - harvesting. The literal and symbolic meaning of the harvest is a key element of the founding and maintenance of rural towns, which can be used to safeguard their future. The findings through the following proposal demonstrate that a multi-scalar approach to rural-specific design intervention can help combat depopulation by increasing self-sufficiency and creating more connection between small towns in agrarian areas. ure preparedness among the community.
Fall 2025
Escola Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Barcelona