Collaboration is a core value of this project, and the ability to work creatively across differences is central to its success. Collaboration is essential because the complex issues faced by designers and land managers extend far beyond the realm of a single discipline or area of expertise. From the beginning, this project was structured as a collaboration that was open to the emergent possibilities and latent capacities that would appear as it progressed.

The first and most important collaboration was between the Chair of Being Alive at the ETH Zurich in Switzerland and Marc Sánchez of Innova Horse Care in Conca del Barberà. The Chair of Being Alive is a research team consisting of landscape architects, architects and scientists led by Prof. Teresa Galí-Izard that seeks to generate new potentials for more alive, integrated and evolving landscapes in the present and future. Innova Horse Care has expertise in regenerative land management that centers the health and happiness of horses. Recognizing that the health of the horse is deeply entwined with the health of the soil, Innova pioneers integrated management strategies based on principles derived from regenerative agriculture.

This partnership set in motion a process that continues to expand, integrating knowledge from disparate sources as the project progresses. Many of these collaborations were not planned, instead emerging from connections, fortunate coincidences and aligned interests. In this way, the project responds to opportunities and potential, expanding in order to bring new energy, enthusiasm and knowledge into the fold.

Important project collaborators include landowners and residents in Senan who continue to share their knowledge about the local conditions and history. Without this valuable input, the project would not be possible. Additionally, we have built partnerships with a number of scientists and engineers based in Catalonia who bring their own expertise about the local soil and vegetation communities. Scientists at the ETH Zurich have also contributed to the project, providing valuable advice as well as cutting edge research methodologies. Architecture students at the ETH Zurich have also participated in the project, notably as part of a week-long intensive workshop in Senan focused on the garden project. Their creativity, questions and critique push the project forward.

As the project continues, we welcome further collaborations. If you are interested, please email, harris@arch.ethz.ch