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l Terreno is one of the most legendary neighbourhoods in Mallorca, with its history as a popular area to live dating back to the 18th century, if not earlier. In the mid-20th century, it was a beacon of Hollywood glamour and Mediterranean style, but was then slowly overtaken by over-tourism and leaner times. After years of decline, the neighbourhood has recently seen a revitalization thanks to passionate residents appreciating the heritage of their neighbourhood, local creatives bringing in artistic energy, as well as key urban redevelopment. Part of this revitalization comes in the form of Project Gomila, a colourful collection of mixed-use buildings recently renovated by Rotterdam-based MVRDV and GRAS Reynés Arquitectos – whose offices are in the heart of the neighbourhood.

In reality, El Terreno is a rather small and highly concentrated area. It is difficult to get a sense of it without walking around and exploring its streets on foot. Snuggled between the bay of Palma, where large hotels and famous clubs, like Lio’s, guard the front line of the Paseo Maritimo, and the hilly Bellver forest, where tiny, meandering streets feature an eclectic mix of concrete buildings, art deco townhouses and Mediterranean villas, El Terreno is a fascinating study in urban planning.

Project Gomila was initiated thanks to the Fluxia family, owners of the Mallorca-based Camper shoe brand, who purchased a series of plots with the idea of developing a plan of renewal that would align with their brand ethos of sustainability and innovative design. Guillermo Reynés, founding partner of GRAS Reynés Arquitectos, grew up in El Terreno, and his architectural approach of restoring and reviving historic properties on the island, but with a contemporary and sustainable vision, was a perfect fit for the project. Reynés worked with MVRDV before starting his own practice on the island, and their expertise in urban renewal and green design made for an ideal partner to help undertake the project. “The Gomila Project activates a new centrality in Palma, a new meeting and reference point not just for the people in the neighbourhood, but for all the citizens. [It] has been very well received, bringing back good memories that Palmesanos had of the area”, says Guillermo Reynés.