Reclaiming Andalucía’s farmhouses: strategies for water resilience, adaptive reuse and eco-tourism

Abstract

Water scarcity is an escalating crisis, particularly in semi-arid regions like Andalucía, Spain, where climate change and rising demands from agriculture and tourism threaten livelihoods and ecosystems. This thesis proposes the adaptive reuse of cortijos as hubs for communal practices, including eco-tourism, research, and water management. Focusing on the province of Málaga, the proposal integrates traditional water management methods such as balsas and rainwater harvesting, with modern innovations like greywater recycling and renewable energy. Cortijos will be reimagined to accommodate new programs and users that reflect contemporary ways of living and align with current ecological and social values. The resulting design creates an immersive space that fosters awareness and engagement with water resilience strategies while preserving the architectural and historical identity. This thesis demonstrates how cultural heritage can be positively transformed through contemporary design, serving as a model for sustainable strategies in architectural preservation and innovation.