This initiative, intended to serve as an example and encourage resident communities to undertake similar interventions, is part of a party wall plan that has been in place for 35 years. This program offers continuous subsidies to facilitate these types of urban rehabilitation projects.
“"Often there isn't enough demand. We know it's complex to agree and do work at home, but it's very worthwhile. That's why we wanted to place this project at the center of the capital status."
One of the most prominent projects is the Golden Getaway in Sants-Montjuïc, although throughout 2026, work will begin on party walls in all districts of the city, with completion expected by 2027. During the construction process, street exhibitions will be held to inform citizens about the transformations.
Architect Pepe Lacruz Vela, responsible for the Sants-Montjuïc project, explained that his proposal for the two walls of the Jardí de Francesc Maclans i Girvès is complex and has received excellent neighborhood acceptance. One of the party walls has even exceeded initial expectations, evolving from the original idea to incorporate 10 balconies and two openings. The intervention uses mustard yellow ceramic pieces of Mediterranean inspiration and a metallic mesh that allows vegetation to grow freely. The balconies, which each neighbor can decide to open and size, transform the wall into a functional facade. The project also includes biodiversity elements, such as nests for protected birds and even a lizard hotel, and structural studies are carried out beforehand to ensure safety.
“"There are neighbors who have opted for several openings. Some open the kitchen; others, the living room, or others, spaces."
The Party Wall Plan has an extensive subsidy program to facilitate these transformations. The first line of aid covers up to 30% of the cost (with a maximum of 30,000 euros) for actions combining landscape integration and improved thermal insulation. The second line, for adding windows, French doors, or balconies, can cover up to 50% of the cost (with a cap of 70,000 euros). These amounts can be further increased if the project includes sustainability elements, such as photovoltaic panels, or if it involves party walls with ventilated light wells.
Anna Ramos emphasized that each district of Barcelona will have its party wall transformed by 2027, as a result of an international ideas competition for young architects organized with the International Union of Architects and Unesco. Solutions range from more sober proposals, such as the one on Travessera de les Corts, to designs with blue colors in Sarrià – Sant Gervasi, or ancestral rammed earth techniques, and highly visible interventions like that of the Parc Lineal de la Sagrera.
