Green Blanket in Barcelona, Spain

During the International Biennial of Landscape Architecture in Barcelona, an extraordinary sight adorned Plaça Nova—a vibrant green blanket comprising 8000 aromatic plants. This ephemeral installation, organized by the Institute of Architects of Catalonia, aimed to engage with the city’s residents and interact with their surroundings.

The magic of this green spectacle lies in its participatory nature. The aromatic plants were distributed among the attendees, empowering them to play a role in transforming the city. Each individual had the liberty to choose the point they wished to change, whether it be a playground, a space with accessibility challenges, or an urban garden.

Participants documented their contributions by posting photographs on social media, accompanied by the hashtag #fempaisatge. Through this digital mapping, the organizers received valuable insights, showcasing citizens’ preferences for new landscapes, reporting areas that needed improvement, enhancing the neighborhood, or adorning facades.

This interactive and communal project underscored the power of collective action in shaping the urban landscape. By fostering a sense of ownership and creativity, the green blanket installation became a testament to the city’s harmonious fusion of nature and urban living.

Location: Barcelona, Spain / Date: 2016 / Program: Public installation, landscape show / Status: Built – Ephemeral / Collaboration: Barcelona Landscape Biennial Team