Cosmic Hub

Project idea

In a Barcelona’s postindustrial district, a public and a residential building been developed. In an educational space architecture hub, there is exhibition of models of space habitats printed in 3d by students during their extracurricular classes in the building. A proces of printing in a glass sphere and assembling moduls are shown in the colorfully lighted with LED lamps dark double-hight room. Additionally, two cafes and an architectural studio have been arranged. Roofs of the new and existing buildings have been connected with green bridges. Around the building, there are various active zones.

Project description

Urban context
The site is situated in El Poblenou, a district in Barcelona's Sant Martí area. Historically, an industrial center filled with factories and warehouses has undergone a significant transformation. Today, it is a lively, diverse community that blends residential areas, creative industries and public buildings. There is a need to balance developed spaces with green infrastructure, aligning with broader objectives to improve environmental quality and create more livable cities. The area continues to evolve and modernize while retaining its distinct industrial legacy. Through the incorporation of green infrastructure, public spaces, and thoughtful urban planning, the district seeks to remain functional, welcoming, and sustainable.

Concept
At the place of some old warehouses, a new service building and a residential building have been developed. Introduced green areas include small-scale architectural elements such as benches, pathways in linear parks, and shaded areas, encouraging peaceful leisure activities and promoting a sense of community among residents. Furthermore, the integration of residential and service functions with the green space creates a hybrid urban typology. This dynamic environment responds to the context of the site, forming a well-balanced neighbourhood.

Roofs of the new and existing buildings have been connected with green bridges. The outdoor space is enriched with recreational areas for local residents. In front of the commercial building – an educational space architecture hub, a plaza has been designed to exhibit models of space habitats printed in 3d by students during their extracurricular classes in the building.

On the right, there are seating for students to work also outside and some exhibition screens. These elements connect interior functions of the building with the external passage, creating harmony with the surrounding environment. Another active zone is an outdoor part of a café. The external spaces foster integration among people while acting as the meeting and stopping point for people walking along the green corridor, giving the plaza a commercial character.

An island with a water feature crossed by bridges and greenery are located along the passage. Benches and tables create a friendly space for social interaction in an open green setting. Behind the residential building, the green area offers additional recreational opportunities. The main passage there is a dynamic public space separated from the residential area.

The users of the the hub are each social groups: adults, children, the disabled, users and workers. Spaces are allocated based on the public community lifestyle, ensuring communal areas for integration. In the center, there are shown 3d printing and then the exhibition of outer space models inside the dark double-hight room.

The design encompasses three floors of the public building and also three floors of the residential building. Additionally to the exhibition, in the center, there are also two cafes and an architectural studio.

Technical information

Technological solutions:
A challenge to overcome was to provide sustainible installations for two buildings. In the collection room, there is located a boiler and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. The form is vertically highlighted by a curtain wall of the height of the whole building. The courtain walls from the South incorporate the middle glass layer with insulation separating floors for fire regulations. The multi-part blinds are slidable. For access to sun light for 0 and 1 floors, a glass-tube construction is assembled. An untypical solution is incorporation of different railings. In some parts, only an attic wall is higher to accentuate the weight of the from there. Sometimes railings are offset back to keep there some greenery.

Materials and colors:
The podium of the buildings as well as column-and-beams frames are cladded with black sinterred stone produced by Laminam. The upper residentional building is finished with white sinterred stonewith a roughed part. Windows and doors are made of anthracite aluminium by Aluprof well known from its low carbon footprint. Railings are made of light grey aluminium. On green roofs there are recycled tiles. These materials contribute to a harmonious and modern aesthetic ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The courtain walls introduce transparency. From the South, they are shaded with blinds.

Documentation

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