Xavier Casanovas: “Rehabilitation is an indicator of a country’s development”

The preservation of historical heritage and sustainable rehabilitation are increasingly important topics in the architectural and social fields according to Xavier Casanovas, president of the RehabiMed Association, professor of Rehabilitation at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and director of various European urban regeneration, restoration, and rehabilitation projects. He currently plays an essential role at the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a non-governmental organization that works closely with UNESCO on issues of conservation and protection of cultural heritage around the world. For Xavier “historical heritage is a valuable inheritance, a legacy from our ancestors that we are obliged to preserve.”

RehabiMed, the association that brings together experts and organizations from various countries, has the mission to promote rehabilitation, restoration, and urban regeneration in the region. For Casanovas, rehabilitation is an indicator of a country's development: "The more developed countries tend to have more activity in rehabilitation than the less developed ones", he claims.

The impact of RehabiMed's projects varies, depending on the context of intervention. In post-conflict areas, like Syria, for example, the priority is to empower the local population, promoting improvements in quality of life and job creation. These projects also aim to preserve heritage and sustainability, adapting to the energy and environmental needs of each community. However, Casanovas warns that "European standards on energy efficiency do not always align with the realities of developing countries, which poses a challenge in their implementation."

One of the key approaches of RehabiMed is the sustainable rehabilitation of architectural heritage, which involves not only the conservation of historical elements but also the improvement of energy efficiency and the integration of buildings into the contemporary environmental and social context. This approach is especially relevant in Barcelona, where rehabilitation efforts of neighborhoods and historical heritage include the modernization of infrastructures, the enhancement of buildings' energy efficiency, and the use of sustainable materials.

The urban heritage of Barcelona is fundamental for various reasons that go beyond its aesthetic value. Firstly, this heritage is a living testimony of the city's history and culture; every corner of Barcelona tells a story that reflects its evolution over the centuries. Moreover, the urban heritage contributes to the identity and the sense of belonging of the people of Barcelona. The emblematic buildings, squares, and streets are part of the social fabric of the city, creating an emotional bond between the inhabitants and their environment. This sense of identity is crucial for social cohesion and local pride.

From an economic perspective, urban heritage also plays a vital role in tourism. Barcelona is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, and its rich architectural heritage attracts millions of visitors each year. This not only generates significant revenue for the city but also creates jobs in sectors related to tourism, hospitality, and culture. However, we must not forget the negative effects that the focus on tourism can bring, such as the well-known 'gentrification' and the displacement of the local population from historic neighborhoods, which requires the search for a balance in development.

The preservation of urban heritage is essential for the sustainable development of the city. Maintaining and rehabilitating historic buildings not only helps to conserve history, but also promotes sustainable construction practices and the efficient use of resources. By integrating heritage into urban development plans, Barcelona can move towards a future that respects its past.

Currently, “one of the most promising trends in the field of rehabilitation is the integration of energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy generation into heritage buildings. Innovative materials allow this to be done without compromising the historical value of the constructions”,according to Casanovas.

In recent years, urban rehabilitation has been a priority for the city of Barcelona, with a focus on sustainability, improving the quality of life of its inhabitants, and the conservation of architectural heritage. The rehabilitation in the Ciutat Comtal has been and is an integral process that encompasses a series of actions and policies aimed at improving, recovering, and modernizing the urban fabric, especially in areas that have suffered deterioration due to the passage of time or disorganized growth.

There are programs that allow the rehabilitation of old buildings with the goal of increasing energy efficiency, improving accessibility, and ensuring the structural safety of the properties. In fact, an essential component of rehabilitation policies is energy renovation. Existing buildings are renovated to comply with sustainability standards, which includes the installation of thermal insulation systems, renewable energies, and efficiency in consumption. Urban rehabilitation in Barcelona seeks to balance economic development with social and environmental improvement, respecting its rich historical heritage and committing to innovation and sustainability.

At Grup Núñez i Navarro, we have been committed to this trend for more than 35 years, rehabilitating historic buildings in Barcelona, among which we highlight: Hotel Granvia; H1898; Palau Martorell in Carrer Ample 11 and more recently the office building Via Laietana 26.

The rehabilitation of historic buildings does not have to be at odds with modernity. That is, the architectural value and historical identity of a property can be preserved while giving it new life through the introduction of modern technologies and finishes. This type of approach allows for the revitalization of historic areas of the city, maintaining their cultural appeal, but adapting them to contemporary needs.

According to Casanovas, "rehabilitation is key for sustainable development that allows the use of existing infrastructure without expanding cities beyond their limits".

With more than 40 years of experience in the sector, Casanovas observes a significant change in public perception towards rehabilitation and sustainability. “Society has changed a lot in its perception of rehabilitation and sustainability. These concepts have become fundamental,” he comments. Nevertheless, today education plays a crucial role in instilling these values in the new generations, ensuring that the conservation of heritage and respect for the environment continue to be priorities for the future.

Barcelona is carrying out a wide range of heritage rehabilitation interventions, aimed both at preserving its rich architectural history and integrating these spaces into a modern and dynamic city. Heritage rehabilitation in Barcelona is at an important juncture, with many projects underway to conserve and renew old buildings. These efforts seek to maintain their historical value while adapting and connecting them with the modern city where they are located.

Heritage rehabilitation allows for the combination of the best of architectural tradition with contemporary technologies and needs, resulting in a balance between historical value and modern functionality.