Urbanchat - Interviews with architects
Meet Elisenda Bonet: Architect, Founder, and Director of 48H Open House Barcelona. With an architecture background from ETSAB (Higher Technical School of Architecture of Barcelona), she's led this cultural nonprofit since 2013. 48H Open House Barcelona welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually, granting access to 250 diverse buildings and styles
In the interview, Elisenda Bonet unveils her personal connection with the city, sharing her favorite corners, insights, and perspectives about Barcelona.
What project are you currently working on? - In finding means and strategies for the diffusion of architecture as a main cultural fact and in the 14th edition of the architecture festival 48 H Open House BCN, 21 and 22 October 2023. Why do you like Barcelona? - For its cultural, urbanistic and climatic characteristics, for being culturally active, rich in heritage and for being my city. Which local architect or movement has influenced you? - Albert Viaplana. What building in Barcelona inspires you and would you recommend to visit? - A pioneering example of sustainable architecture from 2000 is the Botanical Garden: a public space on a former landfill site whose design is inspired by fractals (self-repeating patterns. What is the most underrated building in Barcelona? And why? - The Dispensario Antituberculoso de Josep Lluís Sert. I do not think that the use of a building that has been preserved since its completion in 1938 should be changed; the idea of setting up a museum in this building does not seem appropriate to me. Which is your favourite Museum in town and why? - The CCCB. It's not really a museum, but I find it very interesting how the old charity house was rehabilitated and expanded to house a multidisciplinary institution, with a programme of exhibitions, debates, festivals, concerts, etc. What’s your perfect plan for a Sunday in Barcelona? - Strolling through its streets like a flâneur. Which is one of your favourite restaurants? - DIREKTE Boqueria, a small restaurant with only 15 seats in the sometimes invisible arcaded square of the Boqueria. Which is your favourite local artist/designer/architect? - Josep M. Jujol. 1Which is one of your favourite public spaces in Barcelona to meet a friend? - Passeig de Sant Joan , in one of the spaces with permeable paving created by Lola Domenech. What is your architectural dream for Barcelona? - That the architect's work is valued as that of a professional who contributes to enhancing the quality of people's lives.