Barcelona’s iconic Park Güell is set to revive Antoni Gaudí’s ingenious and eco-conscious water management system. Work will commence in March, led by Barcelona Serveis Municipals (BSM), the public company managing the park. This restoration project aims to optimise water resource management in the face of increasing climate challenges.
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Gaudí, celebrated as an architect, urban planner, and landscape designer, also demonstrated his skills as a hydraulic engineer in Park Güell. The original rainwater harvesting system, constructed around 1905, was designed to capture and store rainwater for irrigating the park’s extensive grounds. According to La Vanguardia, this restoration addresses the growing need for sustainable water solutions, especially with the increasing frequency of intense rainfall and severe droughts.
Restoring Gaudí’s Vision
The project focuses on the recovery of two original rainwater deposits. The larger one lies beneath the famed Sala Hipóstila, boasting a capacity of 1,200 cubic metres. This vast underground reservoir, supported by Gaudí’s characteristic columns, originally collected water from the Plaça de la Natura. The restoration will reopen this space, transforming it into a functioning channel.
Water captured by the Passeig de les Palmeres collector will flow through this deposit, which remains hidden from the thousands of daily visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Subsequently, it will descend to a second deposit, known as the ‘Depósito de la Pota d’Elefant’ (Elephant’s Foot Deposit) or ‘Depósito de la Entrada de Carruatges’ (Carriage Entrance Deposit). This second cistern, located near the park’s main entrance on Carrer d’Olot, boasts a capacity of 100 cubic metres and will be rehabilitated to store water and directly connect to the park’s renovated irrigation system.
A Proto-Ecological Approach
Historical documents and studies reveal that Gaudí conceived Park Güell as a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system. His intention was to control runoff, prevent erosion, improve drainage, and promote reforestation in what was then a largely barren area. This visionary approach integrated ecological and sustainable design principles into his work at the beginning of the 20th century, a fact highlighted by the Google Arts & Culture project.
Laia Bonet, First Deputy Mayor and President of BSM, stated:
This project exemplifies the model of city we champion: a Barcelona prepared for the impact of global warming, optimising water usage and committing to reuse and efficiency, while protecting urban greenery against droughts and extreme events.
Furthermore, with this intervention, Barcelona takes a step forward in preserving an emblematic space recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage.
Modernising Irrigation
The restoration of the deposits is part of a larger initiative to overhaul the irrigation system across the 17-hectare park. The new system will be fully automated, equipped with intelligent programming tools. This will improve irrigation efficiency and tailor it to the specific needs of different areas within the park. For instance, drip irrigation will be implemented in the Jardins d’Àustria, children’s play areas, and spaces near the park’s heritage elements.
Additionally, the project will improve the park’s drainage by renewing pavements and addressing erosion on paths and slopes. The number of drinking water fountains will also double, increasing from five to ten.
These works, including the restoration of the original reservoirs, are scheduled to begin in March. BSM expects completion by the end of 2027, with an investment of 4 million euros in the project. This complements the larger BSM and Barcelona City Council investment plan of 39 million euros for improvements to Park Güell and its surroundings from 2023-2027, as detailed by BSM in their official statement, which includes enhancing the irrigation and sanitation systems.
This restoration demonstrates a commitment to preserving Antoni Gaudí‘s legacy and his forward-thinking approach to sustainable design. By reviving his original water system, Park Güell is not only honouring its history but also adapting to the challenges of a changing climate.
