Architecture is Cooperation

In a world that is deeply interconnected yet marked by structural inequalities, international development cooperation stands as one of the most meaningful expressions of human solidarity. Far from being merely a proactive or altruistic gesture, it is a vital instrument of global justice—one through which nations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and communities themselves coordinate actions to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable, across economic, social, political, environmental, and cultural dimensions.

In this sense, international cooperation should be understood as both an ethical and political response to the historical and ongoing inequalities that affect millions of people across the world. The goal is to promote sustainable, inclusive, and equitable human development through dialogue, knowledge sharing, resource mobilization and collaborative efforts on specific projects. The contexts in which these actions are carried out are often shaped by the impacts of armed conflict, humanitarian crises, extreme poverty, forced migration, environmental degradation, and other forms of systemic exclusion.

The fractures of history—shaped by processes such as colonization, slavery, world wars, and the imposition of extractive economic models—alongside contemporary political, social, and economic choices, have contributed to a profoundly unequal global order. Within it, prosperity and access to rights coexist with destitution, insecurity, and chronic scarcity, but often in vastly different and disconnected spaces across our shared home: planet Earth. This unequal coexistence of contrasting realities is not accidental but the result of historical power relations that persist and must be addressed through justice and shared responsibility.

While millions of people across five continents raise their voices and come together to transform these realities, development cooperation projects seek to offer targeted solutions to the needs that arise from the daily struggle for survival, dignity, and equality. These initiatives span multiple areas—from food security and access to clean water to education, health care, environmental protection, and the promotion of human rights—and are made possible through the cooperation of diverse actors: governments, international organizations, NGDOs, universities, cooperatives, local associations, and, most importantly, the target communities themselves, which play an active and essential role.

In Spain, a strong decentralized cooperation network brings together regional governments, town councils, universities, NGOs, and professionals dedicated to sustainable development. Supported by both public and private funding, this network actively collaborates with communities and institutions across various countries in the Global South to address urgent challenges such as access to decent housing, basic services, and development opportunities that remain out of reach for millions. Spanish cooperation stands out for its focus on rights and commitment to gender equity, environmental sustainability, and institutional strengthening.

Within this framework, disciplines like architecture, urban planning, and engineering play a particularly important role. Participatory design of public spaces, planning sustainable settlements, improving basic infrastructure, and restoring housing in post-conflict contexts are just a few examples of how technical cooperation can positively impact people’s daily lives. The exhibition Architecture is Cooperation presents a selection of outstanding projects in which architects and development professionals have worked hand in hand with local communities to improve their surroundings, their homes, and ultimately, their quality of life, even under challenging conditions.

It is important to emphasize that international cooperation should not be seen as a one-sided act of generosity from industrialized countries toward those labeled as “less developed.” This paternalistic view has largely been replaced by contemporary approaches that see cooperation as a horizontal, participatory process grounded in reciprocity, mutual respect, and shared learning. Within this framework, cooperation becomes a call to conscience and a commitment to global responsibility. It involves recognizing the inherent dignity of every human being and understanding that a world marked by inequality, violence, and fragmentation is not only unsustainable but also ethically unacceptable.

When thoughtfully designed and carried out with genuine participation, cooperation projects have the potential to significantly improve the living conditions of millions. However, on their own, they cannot overcome the structural causes of global inequality. The profound transformation of the international system—its economic rules, governance structures, and political priorities—is a responsibility shared by all sectors of society. This transformation requires change not only at the institutional level, but also at the cultural level. It calls for a critical examination of our lifestyles, consumption habits, relationships with the environment, and the ways we relate to one another.

In short, international cooperation is far more than just a technical instrument for development. It is a manifestation of our shared humanity, a commitment to the common good, and a tangible expression of global justice. In an increasingly interconnected world, global challenges—such as climate change, forced migration, pandemics, hunger, and conflicts—know no borders. Cooperation thus becomes a necessity, not just out of solidarity, but also from a sense of collective responsibility. Only by embracing mutual care, recognition, and cooperation can we create a truly just, inclusive, and sustainable future for everyone, everywhere on the planet.

Main image: Community Productive Development Center Las Tejedoras, Chongón, Ecuador, 2023, Bamba Studio, Natura Futura. Photo © JAG Studio