Cooperativa Obrera Mataronina, Industrial heritage building in Mataró, Spain
The Cooperativa Obrera Mataronina is an industrial complex built in the late 1800s and designed by Antoni Gaudí with distinctive catenary arches supporting its structure. The site originally contained a casino, worker housing, and production facilities, though now only the bleaching warehouse and auxiliary building remain.
The complex was built between 1878 and 1882 as part of the cooperative movement expanding across Catalonia during that era. Its construction marked a milestone in industrial design, as it demonstrated how architecture could serve both production and community purposes simultaneously.
The building reflects how worker cooperatives shaped industrial spaces in late 1800s Catalonia, combining practical needs with social values. Visitors can see how architecture was used to support community-oriented enterprises.
The heritage building now houses contemporary art collections and welcomes visitors interested in both the architecture and exhibitions. Plan adequate time to view the exterior structure and browse the interior galleries at a relaxed pace.
This was among the first buildings where Antoni Gaudí employed catenary arches as a primary structural system, an innovation he would revisit throughout his career. These arches distribute weight with exceptional efficiency, becoming a signature element of his architectural approach.
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