FROM ECONOMIC UNIT TO RURAL PATRIMONY: THE CONSERVATION OF THE “MAS” IN CATALONIA.

Dolores Sánchez-Aguilera; Jaume Font-Garolera University of Barcelona, Spain

The “mas” (traditional rural house) is a fundamental institution in the history of Catalonia, both from the perspective of landscape formation as in the social and economic structure of the region. Socioeconomic transformations have led to a change in the function of “mas” and the loss its former economic mission. The aim of this paper is to analyse the transformation process of the “mas” and the strategies addressed to the conservation of this institution due it is symbolic meaning by terms of Catalan identity. In particular, we revised the iniciatives of the Foundation Mas i Terra and the policy developed by Regional Government to promote the catalogue of “mas” that must included in all Municipal Urban Plans by law from 2004.