Case 1: W.E.R.

The main objective of the project is to provide a solution to the desolate landscape of abandoned concrete structures (White Elephants), a result of the real-estate bubble in Spain. A replicable system will be established that will allow us to reinforce and colonize these structures, giving them a second life and achieving circular architecture.

AN ADAPTABLE BUILDING: The objective now is the rehabilitation of the original structure and its reinforcement with a perimeter box. The new floors are constructed with a metal structure, with the idea of being dismantlable and allowing for future reuse. Next, the "typical" scheme of a residential tower is inverted, with a dual programmatic and environmental function. Finally, the spaces are structured under the same grid, making it possible to modularize the spaces and adapt to the preexisting structure. Thus, the global rules for transforming a White Elephant into a colonizable space are defined. SYSTEMATIZATION: How should a home be today? How many family structures exist today? Who will be the end users who will inhabit these spaces? Given the impossibility of resolving these questions, the objective is to generate a spectrum of homes that is heterogeneous enough. Each of the homes in the building is achieved through a programming system where certain values are parameterized, generating infinite results. Downspouts are used as growth nodes and bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom spaces are ordered on a privacy gradient. Groups of homes are established according to their base structure and their quality is evaluated based on their total surface area, surface area dedicated to their occupants, orientation, and amount of facade and terrace surface areas. It is therefore a non-deterministic process where what interests us most is not the group of final solutions, but the process to reach them. SUSTAINABILITY: The project promotes sustainability through architectural recycling, constructive strategies with prefabricated and cold connections, and energy efficiency through double-skin facades. In addition, water consumption is reduced through rainwater collectors and greywater treatment systems. The naturalization of the environment contributes to reducing the heat island effect and improving the local green infrastructure. As a result, a negative entity has been turned into something positive, which is the motivation behind the entire project.