Singin-in the Rain
Mixed-Use Development
With the aim to contribute to the productivity of Barcelona and shape a new link between two existing districts, the proposal creates a new centre for the city with a mixed-use program that would attract different communities, working with the site’s topography to optimize the land for production.
The two proposed buildings that embrace this centre sit on top of a terraced new landscape that accommodates public spaces, vegetation, and areas for productivity.
The space between the buildings is covered through a semi-transparent roof that acts as a breathable membrane to control its microclimate.
Location:
Barcelona, Spain Type:
UrbanStatus / Year:
Competition / 2017Size:
23,500 m²Client:
Europan,
Barcelona City CouncilAerial view of the new development, which optimizes the land for production
With the topic ‘Productive Cities’ for the Europan competition, Barcelona City Council chose a site for urban renewal in the northern suburbs, between the city limits and the Collserola mountain.
The aim of the competition for this site was to create a mixed-used development that would contribute to the productivity of the city and shape a new link between two existing districts, whilst addressing the city’s sustainability criteria towards creating high-quality environments.
The proposal responds to the brief by finding new opportunities for production, creating a new centre for the city that would attract different communities, and working with the site’s topography to optimize the land for production.
The site is on top of a valley at the Collserola mountain, and it is the starting point of a watercourse, which is already channelled and buried.
Site view
The proposal takes this site condition as opportunity to define multiple terraces that accommodate public spaces and areas for productivity such as farming, connected through paths, whilst facilitating collection of rainwater for re-use.
The new proposed centre connects the two existing city districts in one direction and connects the city with the Collserola mountain in the other, filling the urban gap and articulating an existing green corridor.
Section drawing
Diagram showing building floors and landscape terraces levels
Embracing this centre there are two new buildings with a mixed-use program including residential units at the upper floors, areas for work, labs and production activities, retail, restaurants, and community areas.
View of terraces covered through a semi-transparent roof
The two buildings allow the continuity of the green corridor that links the city with the mountain. The space between the buildings integrates community and public spaces, and its covered through a semi-transparent roof that acts as a breathable membrane to control its microclimate.
Diagram showing microclimate control, energy production, and rain water collection strategy
This breathable membrane is extended and modified to become the facade of the buildings, as double skin façade, that insulates and protects the buildings, and optimizes the sunlight and natural ventilation.
