Vivir la Utopia: Barcelona Anarchist Memorial | Barcelona, Spain | Unit 21 | 2024 zijie.cai.18@ucl.ac.uk

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The Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT), founded in 1910, marked the rise of Spanish anarchism, which united workers across Barcelona and Spain. Despite the decline of the CNT’s influence during the Franco regime, this project hopes to revive the movement’s legacy in contemporary memory by establishing an anarchist memorial at the former Can Baró quarry in Barcelona. Originally central to the urban development of Barcelona’s Eixample district, the quarry now transforms into a space that captures the spirit of anarchism. Using advanced tools like Grasshopper and Blender, the design transforms historical data into a dynamic memorial. Techniques such as anamorphosis and data point re-coordination shape the site, integrating 1930s building heights and facades into the design. The multi-level memorial narrates the anarchist story through immersive experiences, featuring anamorphic carvings visible only from specific viewpoints. This blend of history, memory, and landscape invites visitors to engage with Barcelona’s anarchist legacy in a powerful tribute to its enduring spirit.

Anarchist War Memorial Museum The interior spaces between -1F Screening Room and 2F Gallery.

Site landscape

Site masterplan

Wall inflation simulation

Final film

Final Presentation