Layers of a City
From March 3th to 30th, 2025, Ha.aH art space invites international artists to apply for our March 2025 residency program centered around the theme Urbanism: Layers of a City.
Located in the heart of Barcelona, Ha.aH provides a space for immersive exploration, creation, and dialogue. This residency is designed for artists who wish to investigate the complexities of urban environments, their histories, transformations, and social dynamics. Through research, production, and exhibition, selected artists will engage with the urban fabric of Barcelona and present their work to the local community.
For questions or additional information, contact us at spacehaah@gmail.com
Barcelona, A City Of Layers
Barcelona offers an unparalleled backdrop for urban inquiry. Its vibrant streets, historic architecture, and dynamic sociocultural context provide fertile ground for artists to explore themes such as urban identity, migration, sustainability, and community spaces. Ha.aH, situated near the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana, is a 350m² hub for artistic innovation, collaboration, and exhibition.
Program Focus
Our goal is to advance the selected artists’ professional development by offering a supportive space for creative exploration. Up to 8 artists in residence will produce their work over 1 month, culminating with a collective exhibition. Participants are encouraged to engage with local art professionals, propose talks and workshops, and delve into Barcelona’s rich socio-cultural environment.
The March residency is dedicated to artistic exploration of urbanism. Artists are encouraged to delve into topics such as:
- The interplay between architecture and community.
- The impact of urbanization on identity and environment.
- Historical and contemporary transformations of public spaces.
- Innovative visions for sustainable urban futures.
Application Timeline
Application due: Sunday, January 31st
Selection Announcement: Wednesday, Feb 5th
Program starts: Monday, March 3rd
Program ends: Friday, March 28th
Read more: Full Residency Calendar
Guide to the Theme:
Urbanism is a field that intersects architecture, sociology, ecology, and art, offering a dynamic lens through which to explore the complexities of cities. For artists applying to this residency, “Urbanism: Layers of a City” invites you to delve into the intricate strata that form the urban fabric—historical, cultural, physical, and human.
This guide aims to inspire proposals and creative processes by outlining key dimensions and questions relevant to the theme.
What is Urbanism?
Urbanism refers to the study and practice of designing, inhabiting, and transforming cities. It encompasses the interactions between people and their built environment, considering how these relationships shape and are shaped by history, culture, and economics.
A city is not a monolithic entity but a tapestry woven from diverse layers:
- Physical Layer: Buildings, streets, parks, and infrastructure.
- Historical Layer: The legacy of past eras embedded in architecture and landmarks.
- Social Layer: Communities, traditions, and daily interactions.
- Ecological Layer: Natural systems, green spaces, and urban sustainability.
- Digital Layer: The increasing influence of technology and smart systems on urban life.
Key Concepts to Explore
- Urban Identity
- How does a city reflect its residents’ identities and histories?
- What role does architecture play in shaping a sense of belonging?
- How do migration and globalization impact urban character?
- Transformations
- Examine the evolution of a city’s physical and social layers over time.
- How do urban renewal and gentrification affect communities?
- What stories do the remnants of past eras tell?
- Public vs. Private Spaces
- Investigate the dynamics between public spaces like parks and plazas and private domains.
- How do people reclaim or redefine public spaces?
- Sustainability and Resilience
- Explore the balance between urban development and ecological sustainability.
- What creative solutions address environmental challenges in cities?
- The Human Experience of Cities
- How do sound, light, movement, and rhythm influence urban life?
- Capture the ephemeral moments that define the human relationship with the city.
- The Invisible City
- Delve into the hidden aspects of urban life: underground networks, forgotten histories, or marginalized communities.
- How can art reveal what remains unseen or overlooked?
Questions to Inspire Your Proposals
- What does “layering” mean in the context of a city, and how can your project reflect this concept?
- How does your perspective or lived experience inform your interpretation of urbanism?
- Which specific aspect of urban life resonates most with your practice?
- How will you engage with Barcelona as a case study for your exploration of urbanism?
- How might your project contribute to conversations about the future of cities?
Artistic Approaches to Urbanism
- Mapping and Documentation
- Create visual or interactive maps of the city’s layers.
- Document overlooked aspects of urban life through photography, video, or writing.
- Intervention and Interaction
- Design site-specific installations or performances in public spaces.
- Invite public participation to explore collective urban narratives.
- Critical Reflection
- Use sculpture, painting, or digital media to critique urban systems or highlight inequalities.
- Draw attention to sustainability challenges or urban resilience.
- Collaboration and Community Engagement
- Partner with local residents, architects, or urban planners.
- Facilitate workshops, walks, or talks to involve the community.
Engaging with Barcelona
Barcelona provides a rich context for examining urbanism, with its layered history and vibrant cultural scene.
- Gothic quarters and modernist architecture offer contrasts between past and present.
- Social movements have long shaped public spaces like Plaça Catalunya.
- Sustainable urban initiatives, such as the Superblocks project, offer innovative case studies.
How can your project reflect or respond to Barcelona’s unique urban story?
This theme invites a broad range of interpretations, from deeply personal reflections to collaborative explorations of urban life. By engaging with the “Layers of a City,” your work can illuminate the multifaceted nature of cities and contribute to a deeper understanding of urbanism as both a concept and lived experience.
We look forward to seeing how you interpret and respond to this theme. Good luck with your application!
More info / Contact
Deja una respuesta