Learning Expedition in Madrid
Join Urban Roots’ Learning Expedition in Madrid, a two-day, place-based experience designed for students interested in urban food systems, sustainability, and circular practices. The expedition brings together students, researchers, practitioners, and community actors to explore how food, urbanism, and ecology intersect in everyday city life.
Through curated field visits, urban walks, and participatory methods, participants engage with community gardens, kitchens, and food banks that showcase innovative approaches to composting, food redistribution, and the reuse of underutilized urban land.
As part of the Urban Roots collective learning journey, students took part in the Madrid Learning Expedition to critically explore urban food systems through local initiatives, shared experiences, and situated observation. Throughout the expedition, participants engaged with diverse practices around food, urban agriculture, circularity, and community-based action, developing new perspectives on more equitable, resilient, and circular cities.
Apr 23 - 24, 2026
Madrid Learning Expedition
Moments from the Madrid Learning Expedition
CIEC Visit
Participants were introduced to CIEC’s role in urban circular economy, with discussions focusing on food systems, waste flows, and community-based innovation.
First Gathering and Introduction
Participants gathered at CIEC for the first introduction session, meeting the local team and getting familiar with the space and the program.
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Studio
Participants worked in groups to reflect on the field visits, exchange observations, and develop shared ideas for circular urban food systems.
CIEC Visit
Exploring CIEC’s outdoor spaces and circular urban agriculture practices.
CIEC:fablab Visit
The group explored CIEC’s fablab facilities and learned how digital fabrication, material experimentation, and circular design practices can support local food and resource systems.
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Studio
Participants presented their field observations and discussed emerging ideas through a collaborative studio session.
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Studio
Participants worked in groups to reflect on the field visits, exchange observations, and develop shared ideas for circular urban food systems.
TIERRA Visit
Participants were introduced to TIERRA’s research and innovation approach, focusing on circular food systems, sustainability, and urban resilience.
Retiro Park: Urban Agriculture
The visit focused on urban agriculture practices in Retiro Park and their role in ecological learning, public space, and circular food systems.
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Studio
Participants worked in groups to reflect on the field visits, exchange observations, and develop shared ideas for circular urban food systems.
Lavapiés: Urban Community Garden
Participants explored the community garden as a space of collective care, urban commons, and neighborhood-based ecological practices.
TIERRA Visit
Learning about circular food systems and material experimentation at TIERRA.
Retiro Park: Urban Agriculture
Exploring urban agriculture and ecological learning practices in Retiro Park.
LA OSA Visit
Participants visited LA OSA to learn about cooperative food systems, collective consumption practices, and alternative models for local food distribution.
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Studio
Collective mapping of key concepts around circularity.
