Euskadi is consolidating the path to turn architectural innovation into public housing through the European architecture and urbanism contest Europan, aimed at young professionals. Projects selected in Lasarte-Oria, Beizama, Eibar, and Vitoria-Gasteiz are progressing from idea contests towards their execution.
The Europan program allows for tackling complex sites, exploring new residential typologies, incorporating productive and community spaces, and opening opportunities for new generations of professionals. The Director of Housing, Land, and Architecture, Pablo García Astrain, stated that “architectural innovation gains its full value when it reaches the construction site and begins to be inhabited. Our commitment is to accompany the winning teams throughout a long process, from the initial proposal to construction”.
In Lasarte-Oria, the "Common Node" proposal, by the team Tarte+Ele, won first prize in Europan 15. The project proposes 100 productive public housing units, compatible with work or creative activities. The process began in 2018, with completion of the development expected in 2029.
In Beizama, "Ongi etorri", by the team OE Grup, was the winning proposal for Europan 16. It includes 12 rental protected housing units with productive and cooperative facilities, adapted to the scale of a small municipality. Construction tenders are planned for 2026, with occupancy in 2028.
In Eibar, Europan 17 has enabled the transformation of the AIBE industrial building into 40 endowment accommodations, combining heritage recovery, urban regeneration, and affordable housing supply. The construction tender is planned for 2027, with completion between 2028 and 2029.
Vitoria-Gasteiz has joined Europan 18. A consultation process with private owners and Ensanche 21 will be developed for a joint operation across the 5 blocks of Bustaldea. Construction completion is projected for 2030.
The Basque experience also includes previous projects in Basauri and Bilbao. The Europan Euskadi network covers six locations. García Astrain argues that “public housing must aspire to the highest architectural quality and respond to social changes.” He emphasized that innovation requires continuity: “To transform ideas into housing, land, planning, financing, project design, tendering, and cooperation between administrations are needed.”
