The Integration of campsites in cultural landscapes: architectural actions on the Catalan coast, Spain

Abstract

Over the last 60 years, the development of tourism in Spain has produced an unprecedentedoccupation of the territory. Urban growth, hotels and infrastructures have transformed much ofthe natural environment. This phenomenon has irreversibly altered conditions of regions withgreat landscape value, putting their cultural heritage at risk. Yet, the campsite is a model of touristsettlement based on shared living in the open natural space. It promotes minimal and temporaryinterventions in the territory, by means of transportable accommodations with precise occupations ofplace, leaving a slight footprint. Therefore, architecture contributes to affording the order and servicesthat these individual artifacts cannot provide by themselves. In terms of slight land occupation andnatural qualities preservation, the campsite has proven to be one of the most responsible touristmodels. It is an opportunity for the future: a resource for landscape integration and local dynamicsreactivation. We present a set of architectural actions for the integration of campsites in culturallandscapes along the Catalan coast. These are recommendations catalogued by means of a diagnosistool that proposes strategies at different levels, from enclosure to lodgings. Focusing on end-users,this research fosters cultural identity preservation and responsible communal living in nature.