The Re[Vi]ure Es Sindicat project has won the prestigious international Europan competition, which this year recognised the architectural proposal redefining the future of Es Sindicat in Felanitx, a former cooperative winery in Mallorca. Arnau Carbó, lecturer at UIC Barcelona School of Architecture, is among the architects awarded.

The proposal seeks to recover the building and transform it into a large multifunctional facility combining various public uses: a centre for cultural and artistic creation, an exhibition space on the winery’s past and a gastronomy laboratory focused on local produce. In addition, the project includes incorporating public housing for residents of the Mallorcan municipality of Felanitx.

“We decided to include public housing within the project because we believe it is the best way to bring everyday life back to Es Sindicat,” explains Arnau Carbó. “Adding public housing ensures the building has a real and continuous use. It would not be just a museum-like space for visitors, but a useful and accessible place for the people of Felanitx. Furthermore, we wanted to reinforce the community role that Es Sindicat has had, and continues to have, within the town,” argues the architect and UIC Barcelona lecturer.

For Carbó, the project’s strength lies in its “multi-scalar approach”. “We have worked with the same intensity and coherence across the urban scale, the landscape and surroundings, the social dimension and relationship with the town, as well as the architectural and heritage aspects,” he explains. The lecturer also revealed that they are working with the Council of Mallorca to define the final design of this collective housing. “For us, it is essential to listen to the authorities and the local community of Felanitx before finalising the proposal,” he adds.

EUROPAN is an international competition that this year held its 18th edition, in collaboration with the Council of Mallorca and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda. Behind the Re[Vi]ure Es Sindicat project are young architects Aina Perelló, Arnau Carbó, David Perelló, Francisca Gual and Sergi Pérez.