The success of Ricardo Bofill and the Taller de Arquitectura has a special importance for two reasons: the Taller has essentially contributed with a series of projects and actions to the development of a new “integrated urbanism”. After the failure of the concept of the “green city”, we are now witnessing a powerful movement in favour of the recovery of certain values of the traditional city. Thus, there is a clear and general desire for public spaces where real social life can be enjoyed, along with a recognition of the need to give our neighbourhoods a clear, imaginable definition. The Taller has interpreted both challenges in an inspired and potent fashion. Moreover, it has been shown that the city must have a significant relationship with its surrounding area, in the sense of bringing together and visualising its particular qualities. In effect the urban forms created by the Taller play the role of “centres” which in turn structure their surrounding areas and regions.
