Program 

 

This year, the 3rd edition of the ROAD Workshop, titled "Typological On-Site Investigations – As pallozas de Piornedo", will take place mainly at ROAD’s headquarters in Galicia, at Lugar Fontao in Xuances, near Esteiro Beach, but also in the Serra dos Ancares, also in the province of Lugo. 

 

It will be conducted by architect Luis Feduchi and organized in collaboration with Asociación Ser, founded by filmmaker Oliver Laxe. 

 

Asociación Ser's main objective is to protect and revitalize the rural environment of Os Ancares, Lugo, by fostering sociocultural activities and promoting rural development in the region. 

 

The workshop will focus on the future of the palloza, a traditional stone-and-thatch-roof dwelling that can be found in the Serra dos Ancares in Lugo, Galicia, among other places throughout Europe. Many are currently in a state of abandonment and their maintenance is a challenge. 

 

The primary aim of the workshop is to develop a methodology for studying this typology and to explore design strategies for its protection and revitalization. 

 

Additionally, the workshop seeks to lay the foundation for a year-long research program that will include the creation of a publication, exhibition or documentary, and an on-site prototype of the design outcome, to be hopefully built during the summer of 2026. 

 

In addition to the research and design activities, the workshop includes guided itineraries to explore exemplary contemporary interventions on Galicia’s rural heritage. 

 

The workshop spans two weeks, from July 4 to 19, 2025. 

 

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Itineraries 

 

Exemplary Interventions in the Vernacular and Heritage Architecture  

 

As part of the 3rd edition of the ROAD Workshop, participants will engage in itineraries exploring vernacular and heritage architecture in Galicia.  

 

The central focus of the workshop is the study of the pallozas of Piornedo, traditional dwellings of the Serra dos Ancares, where participants will conduct on-site investigations and engage with members of ROAD's partner organization, Asociación Ser. 

 

Two additional guided itineraries are included: 

 

• July 4, 2025 – Day One Itinerary A visit to Santiago de Compostela and its rural periphery to examine the notable works of architect Victor López Cotelo, guided by his collaborator, architect Ángel Panero. 

 

• Midway through the Workshop participants will explore Casas Grandes (large 19th-century farmhouses) located and studied in previous workshops in the A Mariña Lucense region as well as in A Terra Chá, guided by architect Carlota Eiros, author of the seminal book A casa grande do século XIX. 

 

The workshop concludes on July 19, 2025, with the presentation of participants’ work at the headquarters of Asociación Ser in Vilela, Navia de Suarna, a renovated family house designed under energy efficiency and sustainability standards. 

 

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Applications

 

The 3rd edition of the ROAD Workshop titled "Typological On-Site Investigations – As pallozas de Piornedo" focuses on the study and preservation of traditional stone-and-thatch-roof dwellings typical of the Serra dos Ancares. This workshop is organized in collaboration with Asociación Ser, a local organization dedicated to protecting and regenerating rural environments. 

 

Open to all interested participants, selection is based on the submission of a letter of motivation, a short bio, and/or samples of personal work. Please send them to road.site.info@gmail.com. 

 

The registration fee is 520 euros. ROAD will assist participants locating accommodation and boarding.  

 

Thanks to sponsorship by the Arquia Foundation, two grants are offered for students of architecture and/or recently graduated architects. The grants cover tuition, room, board, travel expenses (including scheduled itineraries), and travel assistance insurance for the duration of the workshop, which runs from July 4 to 19, 2025. 

 

For further information or inquiries, please contact road.site.info@gmail.com.