The Fabra i Coats community space and activities were initiated by the Ajuntament de Barcelona (Barcelona City Council), which transformed the former textile factory into a municipal facility within the city’s network of “Fàbriques de Creació”. Currently, the Fabra i Coats buildings host 20+ entities, including associations, formal and informal groups, public outlets, making it a key hub for local residents and for the entire city.
The participatory approach has transformed Fabra i Coats into more than a venue: it has become a living civic commons. Its governance model combines a municipal technical team with the Fabra Council, a participatory platform that brings together staff, residents, and external actors. This ensures that programming and strategic decisions are collectively shaped, with community priorities guiding the process rather than top-down directives. The project is closely integrated with local life, incorporating social housing, educational facilities, and community centers within the complex, which reinforces Fabra i Coats as a civic anchor and a vibrant public space at the heart of the Sant Andreu neighborhood.
