The Social Architecture of Itziar González Virós: Towards a Democratic Space Construction

Abstract

The paper explores the meaning of social architecture based on the analysis of the thought and work of the Barcelona-based architect Itziar González Virós (1967). The main aim consists of reflecting on the characteristics of design of processes focused on democratic construction of space from a double significance: on the one hand from the affinities with feminist thought; on the other, from the identification of feminine leadership traits. Based on the case study justification and the methodological approach, two key projects from the architect are presented to exemplify social architecture practices: “Another Lesseps square is possible” (2002) and “Les Rambles” (2017-2018). The discussion on social architecture will continue to scrutinize the mentioned double significance through reflections on design towards egalitarian forms of relationship; the agency capacity to accompany change; community value as a key element; and the barriers and potentials derived from feminine leadership traits. Thus, it concludes with the review and nuance of the initially raised hypotheses about the notion of social architecture.