Glories Square 60 Social Housing Units by SV60 Arquitectos

Located in the vibrant urban context of Barcelona, the Glories Square 60 Social Housing Units by SV60 Arquitectos respond to the complex social, urban, and climatic conditions of the city. The project reflects a rational approach to housing design, emphasizing flexibility, adaptability, and community interaction, while respecting the broader architectural language of Barcelona’s historic “ensanche” urban fabric. The design merges functionality, social engagement, and architectural clarity to create a residential complex that is both contemporary and contextually sensitive.

A Permeable and Sculpted Volume

The housing block is conceived as a permeable architectural system, pierced by multiple voids that traverse the building from facade to facade. These voids are more than aesthetic gestures—they connect interior courtyards, allow natural ventilation, and bring daylight into the heart of the building. The resulting spatial composition generates a housing model sculpted by interior voids, which not only optimizes climatic performance but also fosters interaction among residents.

The architectural strategy prioritizes social connectivity without compromising privacy. Shared spaces emerge naturally within the structure, offering areas for neighbors to meet, interact, and build community. The positioning of terraces, patios, and voids ensures that while these internal spaces encourage sociability, the privacy of individual homes is maintained. The volumetric articulation of the block also seeks to align with its urban surroundings, creating a silent, functional architecture that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding “ensanche” streetscape.

Integration with Urban Context

The project addresses the challenging topography of the site with a large plinth that absorbs the elevation differences while organizing circulation and access. This base functions as a structural and programmatic element, carefully carved to accommodate diverse uses and facilitate connections with the public realm. The plinth links the housing block to prominent nearby urban features, including Les Encants market and Les Glories Square, while simultaneously defining the inner courtyard as a communal space equipped for leisure and social activities.

By establishing relationships between the building and its surroundings, the architects create a residential block that is both inward-looking and outward-facing, bridging the private and public realms. The inner courtyard acts as a microcosm of urban life, offering residents a safe, engaging environment while reinforcing connections to the city. This thoughtful interplay of scale and context ensures that the housing complex functions as an integral part of the neighborhood, rather than an isolated entity.

Rational Housing Modules and Flexibility

At the core of the design is a rational modular system, with housing units based on 3.00 x 3.00-meter modules. This modular approach allows efficient use of space, maximizing the number of bedrooms while maintaining flexibility for different household sizes and needs. Rooms are conceived as adaptable elements, capable of expanding or contracting using facade spaces, including climatic galleries. This adaptability empowers residents to personalize their homes according to lifestyle requirements and family growth, making the project highly responsive to social variability.

The careful arrangement of openings, terraces, and voids establishes internal spatial continuity across the complex. By creating visual and physical links between dwellings, the design enhances community interaction while promoting energy efficiency. The thoughtful positioning of gaps and patios not only improves natural ventilation and daylight penetration but also encourages sustainable living practices, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation.

Social and Climatic Considerations

SV60 Arquitectos prioritized both social and environmental performance in the design. The interior courtyards and perforated facades foster interaction among residents while also mitigating the effects of Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate. The layout encourages airflow and passive cooling, reducing energy consumption and creating comfortable interior environments. Shared outdoor areas provide gathering spaces for children and adults alike, strengthening the social fabric of the community.

The project exemplifies a contemporary approach to social housing, where architecture serves not only as shelter but also as a tool for social cohesion and urban integration. By blending private and communal spaces, the design creates a network of interactions that enhance the quality of life for residents while respecting their autonomy. The perforated, sculptural nature of the building allows light and air to permeate the structure, producing dynamic interior environments that respond to both human and climatic needs.

Conclusion

Glories Square 60 Social Housing Units demonstrates how rational design, modular efficiency, and social sensitivity can coexist within a complex urban context. By combining a permeable, sculpted volume with flexible housing units and strategically designed communal spaces, SV60 Arquitectos created a residential complex that is adaptable, sustainable, and socially engaging. The project balances individual privacy with opportunities for interaction, harmonizes with the surrounding “ensanche” fabric, and responds thoughtfully to climatic conditions. It stands as a compelling example of contemporary social housing, illustrating how careful design can enhance urban life, foster community, and provide high-quality living environments within a densely populated city.

Photography: JOSÉ HEVIA