Learning center for New technologies in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona

Project of a learning center for new technologies. Implanted in harmony with the environment and composed of 3 volumes in which the program is located. Enveloped by a perimeter concrete wall seen on both sides that respond to the composition of the facades, supporting the structure of the building and air-condition the interior spaces.

The implementation of the building is consistent with the environment, taking into account that it will be used for a public space and not a residency space, like the rest of the plaza. The project aims to complete the block as part of the set of heights of the buildings that surround it. Regarding the alignments in plan, it follows that of the adjacent buildings since the surrounding blocks are continuous on the outside. A more special space is created inside. As for access, it follows the harmony of the area, and the spaces are accessed through covered steps. The main access is in the pass where previously there was a “cul de sac”. Transforming that alley into a more special space with a widening and a porch that overlook an interior plaza. This creates a flow that will give movement to said space so that no residual spaces are created. The program will be placed in three main volumes, with different shapes and characteristics that will be connected by interstices in which all the server spaces, stairwells, toilets, facilities and storage will be placed. In these three main volumes will be placed all the spaces served, the classrooms. Technology changes rapidly, therefore, what is needed are wide, multipurpose spaces with different light inputs and orientations, which allow the change of use. All these spaces are surrounded by walls that end up defining the geometry of the floor. These walls will be the elevations of the project, the structure of the building and the ones that will heat the interior spaces. The walls are 40cm reinforced concrete, concrete seen on both sides. Inside is a circuit of water pipes, acting as an active insulation, which will be connected to a geothermal heat pump that will be responsible for circulating the water at the corresponding temperature so that the walls radiate cold or heat depending of necessity. Supported on the structural walls by means of a "stabox" and to allow the space to be multipurpose and to leave space for future changes,  solid 30cm reinforced concrete slabs will be used.  These walls, together with the openings, end up forming the facades of the project.