Sensing the City: Preparing for 48H Open House Barcelona

As the sun casts a golden glow over Barcelona this Thursday afternoon, the city buzzes with anticipation for the upcoming 48H Open House Barcelona. This weekend, October 25-26, marks the sixteenth edition of the festival, inviting us to "Sent l’Arquitectura"—Feel the Architecture.

This year's theme encourages us to engage with spaces beyond the visual, to immerse ourselves in the textures, sounds, and scents that define our built environment. With 199 buildings, eight itineraries, and 207 activities spanning seven cities—including Barcelona, Badalona, and Sitges—the festival offers a rich tapestry of experiences.

Reflecting on my recent encounters, like the serendipitous meeting with Don Miguel in El Raval, I've come to appreciate the profound impact of human connections on my journey. These interactions have deepened my understanding of the places I visit, reminding me that architecture is not just about structures but the lives intertwined within them.

As I plan my itinerary, I'm drawn to spaces that tell stories of community and resilience. The "Open Petits" initiative, inviting children to discover hidden miniature houses, speaks to the playful spirit of exploration. "Open Cuina," with its specially crafted recipes, offers a sensory journey through culinary traditions.

This weekend, I aim to balance my roles as a photographer and storyteller with that of an active participant, engaging all my senses to truly feel the architecture. By embracing the unexpected and immersing myself fully, I hope to capture not just images, but the essence of Barcelona's evolving narrative.

As the festival approaches, I invite you to join me in this exploration. Let's move beyond observation to experience the heartbeat of our city, one space at a time.