IN/BETWEEN

IN/BETWEEN: Reconnecting City and Nature through Architecture
Academic project — Master’s thesis

Inbetween transforms a 1970s community center and vocational school in Barcelona’s Can Baró neighborhood into a vibrant, sustainable hub that bridges city and nature. Located at the edge of Parque de los Tres Turons, the site occupies an ecotone—a transitional zone where urban fabric meets natural terrain.

The project focuses on three goals: creating continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, optimizing flexible programmatic use, and enhancing energy efficiency through passive design.

Fragmented outdoor areas are reimagined as a sequence of gardens, plazas, and ramps, linking city streets to the adjacent quarry. Inside, spaces are reorganized to maximize daylight, ventilation, and thermal comfort, while a new bioclimatic façade adapts to programmatic and climatic needs.

A central light-filled patio, sustainable water systems, and modular interior arrangements foster an adaptable, welcoming environment.

The building opens to its surroundings in summer for natural ventilation and closes in winter to retain warmth, harmonizing with the local climate.

Inbetween redefines what a neighborhood building can be—serving as a living bridge between people, programs, and ecosystems.