The Orba neighborhood is located in the southern part of the metropolitan area of Valencia, in eastern Spain. It is strategi-cally situated between a large area of traditional orchards and the wetlands of Albufera Natural Park. These two distinct landscape areas are interrupted by the spread of urbanization to the south. The progressive deterioration of the traditional irriga-tion channels has caused the Mediterranean ecosystems such as the narrow riparian forests, the coastal lagoon, the dunes and the rice�elds to be no longer connected.

This residential suburb consists of a series of very similar housing blocks of 3-5 �oors, arranged in north-south or east-west direction. The locality is slowly losing population since the construction and furniture industries slowed down.

Citizen activism has been of vital importance since the 70s to claim basic amenities such as primary school and public open spaces. Productive gardens and some social services are only possible thanks to bottom-up initiatives but they �nd no of�cial support. Civic associations are currently demanding the adminis-tration to meet the commitments on social housing policies.

Inhabitants seem to be aware of the need for the city to grow in terms of quality, rather than in square meters. There are some vital upgrading changes in the housing blocks to be introduced through a participatory approach within an overall strategy.

1 TEAM CODEES-VAL-561

adequate housing for all residents

minimal ecological footprint on the territory

new economic activities and employment

Recooperation is an holistic proposal for urban revitalization. The restoration of the conti-nuity of natural ecosystems constitute the framework for the upgrading changes to be intro-duced in the built environment. The local production and the further management of low cost, modi�able, non-de�nive housing solutions are the key for a participatory approach within an overall sustainable strategy.

Traditional Valencian Orchards

Vacant lots

Vacant lots

Barranco de Torrent

"In historical fact, good housing like plentiful food, is more common where it is locally produced through network structures and decentralizing technologies" Turner, John F.C, Housing by People. Towards Autonomy in Building Environments, Marion Boyars, London, 1976

Orba neighbourhood

“Recooperation”

Valencian Metropolitan Area Urban layout1:75,000 1:7,500

1:2,000