Based on the concept of ´identity within diversity`, the proposal is organized as a set of buildings and open spaces that allow for the best optimization of the topography and landscape, as well as the control of building scale, in order to deliver a sense of proximity and identity to the residents.

    The group of buildings for communal use is set in the central part of the plot, to achieve, as much as possible, an equal travel distance to/from the living units. Organized around a central square, which acts as an agora – the main meeting point, all communal buildings are connected through a series of covered walkways.

    The living units are distributed in 4 distinct districts, composed of groups of 4-6 houses, alternated with open spaces. We propose a modular pattern with shared services which can be adapted internally for various configurations, depending on the needs of the residents. All units have direct access externally, through individual porches and gardens. Two approaches to the houses‘ roof enclosures allow for an overall unity, without losing individuality.

    In order to achieve full accessibility for all units, each group of houses is set within similar terrain slope and the connection to the communal areas is achieved through flat covered walkaways or a system of fully accessible ramps.

    The organization and distribution of the buildings avoids large built areas, generating a scale that matches the small neighboring town. The diversity of green and open spaces, such as planted gardens, allotments, outdoor activity areas or informal green spaces encourages a variety of activities, sedentary or active.

    The proposal embodies both an architecture and infrastructure which can incorporate various circumstances of the inhabitants.

     In 2007 EMVS (the Madrid Municipal Housing Developers Council) launched an architectural competition to design 186 council flats for rentals in Carabanchel. The terms and conditions asked for the design of a traditional perimeter block development with a central courtyard.

    At MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos we decided to modify the original terms and conditions due to the topographical characteristics of the plot. We proposed the construction of a continuous zigzaged housing block whose location and orientation were adapted to the steep slope of the plot with the aim to contribute to a permeable urban fabrics and put in place basic criteria of sustainable architecture.

     In our proposal the built areas are threaded around interconnected garden-filled courtyards on the ground floor that open up onto the outside world. Apartments and covered galleries on the upper floors continue the sequence of irregular spaces overlooking large open courtyards.

     In our proposal the apartment typology is organized in three zones: continuous rows: covered galleries, amenities and facilities, and living quarters that are priority oriented to the southeastern side of the apartments. The zigzag nature of the construction, whit the tree continuous zones, makes the consistent typology of the apartments function correctly allowing for coherent ventilation, sunlight, circulation and accesibility throughout the whole.

    In 2009 Madrid City Council launched an architectural competition to design 160 council flats in a completely new development built on a wasteland in the form of an enclosed structure with an inner courtyard.

    We proposed the creation of a permeable architecture. In opposition to traditional perimeter block of unitary height, we proposed the construction of a series of buildings whose position and orientation obey basic criteria for sustainable architecture: optimising sunshine in the housing units and within the inner courtyard.

    We proposed constructing four buildings positioned in such a way as to create a homogeneous but permeable whole. “The empty spaces, depending on their potential, have been converted into spaces that form part of a large communal house or receptacles or spatial translations of new social habits” (Manuel Delgado, sociologist).

    MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos has coined the phrase “everyday codes” defined as the daily routines we all tend to follow in everyday life. Because of this we replicate these codes on rythmic facades, while incorporating elements of diferentiation in keeping with the variety of everyday family life. In our proposal the facades are made of concrete modulated panels. The openings are modulated and filtred by perforated metal panels of different densities depending on their orientation and direction of the sun. These panels preserve the intimacy of the building from the outside world.

    In 2010 Seville Town Hall launched an architectural competition to design 220 council flats in an area known for its urban decay. Part of the project included conducting a study into the urban design, infrastructure and installations, as well as the construction itself.

Guidelines for proposed planning

· Create a continuous and diverse open space: it will guarantee the permeability of the built areas in order that the green areas act as a        stage for activities and everyday life.
· Propose a construction that adapts to the various urban scales: the project should blend in with the nearby buildings while also offering a new point of reference in the city.
· Encourage the active and continued use of the open spaces by the neighbourhood by creating accessible, sunny and fully equipped green areas.
· Guarantee favourable bioclimatic conditions (sunlight, humidity and wind protection) in order to promote a socially welcoming environment.
· Create an accessible and a permeable space: the project should allow easy access in order to connect with surrounding public spaces and streets.
· Create a porous space: the project should be made up of courtyards to allow natural cross ventilation and to avoid closed spaces.
· Combine residential needs with those of the service sector to activate the urban surroundings.
· Propose communal areas on each landing.
· Put in place environmental optimization protocol throughout the project: controlled management of water, energy, waste and active participation by locals.
· Use sustainable production methods: the project should ensure the use of standardised construction methods that employ prefabricated modules resulting in energy savings throughout the entire process.
· Propose planning parameters to facilitate the project management
· Ensure that the open spaces are not fractured
· Optimise the distribution and height of the construction across the three residential buildings with integrated commercial premises, parking spaces and storage.
· Propose a simple development with effective facilities in which the vegetation and materials chosen enrich the urban space.

An object is inserted in the park: a COMPACT BUILDING surrounded by free space, a piece with some DISCRETE and ELEGANT SINGULARITY, whose shape is born from the ECONOMY OF GestS that help a simple building to ARTICULARSE with the urban environment, also inviting tour it.

It is organized around an INTERIOR PATIO: on the outside it is shown TENSA and MOLDEADA, while inside the galleries present a more relaxed relationship between the common spaces and the houses. The accommodations are adjusted to avoid ‘blind’ testers and medianeras, turning the house to achieve a continuous volume at all times.

With massive facades and holes controlled and protected towards the streets, the building opens to the courtyard through a GALLERY of circulation SIFTED by a plant skin composed of climbing plants that colonize a metal mesh of variable density. The gallery behaves like an intimacy filter for the accommodation, bringing a changing background to the courtyard and favoring cross ventilation. The houses are oriented East-West, guaranteeing the optimal sun of their pieces and interior spaces.

According to criteria of compacting the program and maximum media economy, all the Common and Assistance Services on the ground floor of the building are proposed. To the East the administrative areas, and west, towards the wooded free space, the Common Services (Ludoteca, living-dining room and multipurpose room).