Built in the 19th century as a textile manufacturing industry, Can Batlló was originally one of the most important manufacturing bastions of the time. Today, after spending more than 30 years in disuse, it is a space of public concession and neighborhood management of great activity and initiative. The former industrial plant is now home of the Self-Managed Community and Neighborhood Space of Can Batlló (Espai Comunitari i Veïnal Autogestionat de Can Batlló).
The community space is governed through a model of collective/community self-management rooted in neighbourhood participation and shared responsibility. Decision-making is organized through open assemblies where residents, associations, and users of the space can take part on an equal footing. Governance is horizontal and non-hierarchical, prioritizing consensus, transparency, and inclusivity.
