The Masia de Can Soler, located in the Sant Genís dels Agudells neighbourhood and adjacent to the Collserola Natural Park, is a benchmark project in the landscape restoration and socio-environmental revitalization of Barcelona. The area has undergone a major transformation, initiated by the 2018 Neighbourhood Plan, with the aim of restoring its rural character, improving historical pathways, and reviving traditional agricultural use. With the involvement of local residents, community organizations, and the Els Tres Turons Foundation, the site today serves as a green connector between city and nature, and as a space for inclusion, environmental education, and community engagement.
An executive project was undertaken to rehabilitate and urbanize the surroundings of the masia for community, agricultural, and sports uses. The intervention, designed by the architectural studio Espinàs i Tarrasó, addresses structural and drainage issues and ensures the provision of basic services necessary for the proper functioning of the area.
The project area includes garden plots, paths, green areas, forest zones, and sports facilities, and is located within a 62-hectare watershed with steep slopes, which posed technical challenges for the design.
In terms of implementation, a fully separate sewer network was deployed to manage rainwater and wastewater independently. The system includes a 900 m³ retention tank, a secondary filtration tank beneath the multipurpose sports court, and large-diameter collectors adapted to the terrain’s morphology. New manholes, drains, and open channels were also installed to capture and channel surface runoff. In terms of services, a new power and lighting network with energy-efficient, remotely managed LED technology was added, along with an irrigation and plumbing network for green areas and public fountains. Infrastructure was also laid for future fibre optic connections, with potential applications in communications, security, and environmental monitoring.
All actions contribute to a sustainable and inclusive transformation of the area. Operationally, the project addresses issues related to poor drainage and improves accessibility and safety. Environmentally, it ensures efficient management of water and energy resources, promotes biodiversity, and anticipates the future scalability of services. In this way, the project consolidates Can Soler as a reference space for environmental education, social inclusion, and urban ecological transition.
