Research and transfer projects

MEDIOMUNDO at IFoU25 Lisbon

Two Lectures on Housing and Urban Futures

At MEDIOMUNDO, led by Marta Pelegrín and Fernando Pérez, we see architecture and urbanism as disciplines in constant dialogue with contemporary challenges. We are pleased to announce that we will be delivering two lectures at the International Forum on Urbanism (IFoU25), to be held in Lisbon from 1 to 4 July 2025, at the Portugal Pavilion designed by Álvaro Siza.

We will present two international experiences:

“Upcycle existing housing in Germany”, focusing on strategies for the sustainable transformation and rehabilitation of existing collective housing.
“Cooperative housing in Uruguay”, centred on self-managed and collaborative models for housing access.

IFoU25, under the theme “Future Living”, will bring together universities, research centres, and professionals from around the world to reflect on the future of urban and rural life. This year, we are honoured to share the stage with leading international experts such as Gehl Architects, Richard Sennett, Giovanna Borasi (Director and Chief Curator, Canadian Centre for Architecture), and Tiago Mota Saraiva (Ateliermo), among others.

Our participation highlights the importance of collaboration, critical vision, and creativity in addressing today’s and tomorrow’s urban and territorial challenges.

More information about the conference at https://ifou2025.fa.ulisboa.pt/.

MEDIOMUNDO en IFoU25 Lisboa: futuro urbano y colaboración

MEDIOMUNDO participa como conferenciante en IFoU25 Lisboa, reflexionando sobre el futuro urbano junto a referentes internacionales en arquitectura y urbanismo.

Research and Practice on the Margins of Regulatory Norms in Post-War Siedlungen of the Rhine-Main Region

Introduction to the Study

We are pleased to share the publication of our article in issue 38 of the scientific journal Astrágalo, dedicated to “Emancipatory Housing”. In “Research and Practice on the Margins of Regulatory Norms in Post-War Siedlungen of the Rhine-Main Region”, we address the challenge of updating and transforming social housing built in Germany after the Second World War, especially in the Rhine-Main region.

Rethinking the Post-War Residential Legacy

The article builds on the recent policy of rehabilitating German social housing, focused on constructive and energy improvements, to propose a broader reflection on the inherited space and domestic programme. Although these Siedlungen possess great social, architectural and urban value, many present programmatic obsolescence and limited adaptability to contemporary needs.

Faced with the inertia of normative solutions and standardisation, we defend the importance of small interventions and experimental projects that can initiate emancipatory processes and open up new ways of living. We analyse the case of several neighbourhoods designed by Ernst May’s studio in Mainz, where we tested modular devices and participatory strategies to reprogram domestic and collective spaces.

Fig. 3a. 1:10,000 scale map showing the location of the 1950-70 housing estates analysed as a case study, built between 1950-70 on the periphery of Mainz, Germany: 1. Berliner Siedlung; 2. Lerchenberg; 3. Mombach West; 4. Mombach Ost; 5. Neustadt. Fig. 3b. 1:500 scale map of the central area of Berliner Siedlung. M. Pelegrín, F. Pérez. D. Ercin, 2023. Source: Preliminary report of the research project “H&O?”.

Fig. 4. Aerial photograph of the Berliner Siedlung housing estate, Mainz, Germany. 1969. Author: Wolfgang Lemp Source: Landeshauptarchiv Koblenz/LU15346

Innovation, Participation and Diversity

Our research proposes integrating not only technical improvements into rehabilitation plans, but also participatory design processes that allow residents to reconfigure their homes and communal spaces according to their actual needs: working from home, caregiving, intergenerational living, etc. The development of modular prototypes and real-scale mock-ups has made it possible to visualise and discuss new possibilities for use and adaptation with residents and administration.

The approach relies on transdisciplinary collaboration between technicians, administration and neighbourhood associations, and seeks to replicate these strategies in other residential complexes in the region, contributing to sustainability, diversity and urban quality of life.

Fig.5. Maqueta del bloque tipo. Berliner Strasse 28-32, Mainz. Estudio de espacialidades con inserción de dispositivos (a modo de prototipo) con distintas funciones integradas. Maqueta: D. Ercin. Foto: Ammenhauser., 2023. Fuente: Informe preliminar del proyecto de investigación “H&O?”.

Fig.7. Isometría de distintas ins - talaciones del dis - positivo en las ti - pologías existentes para posibilitar mayor diversidad del programa doméstico. M. Pelegrín, F. Pérez. D. Ercin, 2023. Fuente: Informe preliminar del proyecto de inves - tigación “H&O?”.

006 fig_9_astragalo_planta daniel y bim render

Fig. 9. Planos con variaciones para la transformación de las tipologías en bloque lineal en el caso a estudio: adapta

Fig. 10. Maqueta a escala 1:1 del dispositivo modular expuesto en sede universitaria durante una de las sesiones de

Final Reflections

The work concludes that, alongside physical consolidation and energy improvement measures, it is both possible and necessary to incorporate spatial and typological interventions that respond to the plurality of current ways of living. These small, yet significant transformations allow for population retention, facilitate the coexistence of diverse groups and provide greater flexibility and resilience to the existing residential stock.

Full Reference:

Pelegrín-Rodríguez, M., & Pérez Blanco, F. (2025). Research and Practice on the Margins of Regulatory Norms in Post-War Siedlungen of the Rhine-Main Region. Astrágalo. Cultura De La Arquitectura Y La Ciudad, 1(38), 239-261. https://doi.org/10.12795/astragalo.2025.i38.10

Consult the full article:
You can download the PDF with the full text of the article here

Or, consult the complete issue of the journal at:
View of Research and Practice on the Margins of Regulatory Norms in Post-War Siedlungen of the Rhine-Main Region

MEDIOMUNDO architects at Trayectorias 13. Traceability in Project and Design

On 10 March at 9:30 am, Marta Pelegrín, co-founder together with Fernando Pérez of MEDIOMUNDO architects, will take part in this year’s edition of Trayectorias 13, organised by the Escuela de Arte de Jerez.

In her lecture, entitled “Traceability in Project and Design”, Marta Pelegrín will share the philosophy and approach of MEDIOMUNDO architects, a Seville-based practice committed to research, innovation, and sustainability in contemporary architecture. Through projects such as the Sala Cibeles at the Bank of Spain, exhibition designs for the Reina Sofía Museum, and various interventions in cultural buildings across Andalusia, she will highlight the importance of construction details, the conscious selection of materials, and collaboration with local craftspeople.

MEDIOMUNDO architects’ participation in Trayectorias 13 is an opportunity to discover how traceability and a commitment to the environment are essential to their way of understanding and practising architecture. The studio, led by Fernando Pérez and Marta Pelegrín, is recognised for creating innovative and sustainable cultural spaces, blending tradition and modernity in each of their works.

MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos en Trayectorias 13. Trazabilidad en el proyecto y diseño

Teaching and Research in Frankfurt with the RIBA

We recently took part in a meeting with the delegation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at the University of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt. This visit forms part of the launch of the RIBA’s European chapter, which aims to promote architecture, support architects, and strengthen its presence across the continent.

During the event, Fernando Pérez shared with RIBA members the teaching and research work he undertakes alongside Marta Pelegrín in the academic sphere, demonstrating how Mediomundo’s professional practice is enriched through academic exchange and applied research. The studio, based in Seville, is distinguished by its innovative and multidisciplinary approach, integrating architecture, urbanism, and design projects with a strong commitment to teaching and research.

The RIBA’s visit to Frankfurt included a tour of some of the city’s most significant buildings and a reception at the University of Applied Sciences, where Mediomundo presented its main lines of work and recent projects. This meeting highlights the importance of international collaboration and the role of the university as a space for experimentation and the generation of knowledge in architecture.

In this way, Mediomundo Arquitectos continues to consolidate its presence in the European context, championing teaching, research, and professional practice as drivers of innovation and transformation in contemporary architecture.

Docencia e Investigación en Frankfurt junto al RIBA

MEDIOMUNDO architects at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Housing Cooperatives in Uruguay

On Tuesday 14 January at 7:30 pm, Fernando Pérez Blanco, co-founder together with Marta Pelegrín of MEDIOMUNDO architects, will deliver the lecture “Small Great Transformations: Housing Cooperatives in Uruguay” at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (Cafe1, Nibelungenplatz 1, D – 60318 Frankfurt am Main).

In this talk, Fernando Pérez will share MEDIOMUNDO architects’ perspective on social and participatory architecture, using the Uruguayan model of housing cooperatives as a reference. Drawing on his experience and the research carried out by the practice, he will explore self-management processes, community involvement, and the impact of these small yet significant transformations on the urban and social environment.

Based in Seville and led by Fernando Pérez and Marta Pelegrín, MEDIOMUNDO architects is recognised for its innovative and sustainable approach to cultural, social, and urban projects. Their participation in international forums such as ReNewTalk in Frankfurt reinforces their commitment to research and the dissemination of architectural models that foster collaboration, sustainability, and the improvement of quality of life.

MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos en la Universidad de Frankfurt. Cooperativas de vivienda en Uruguay

2024 Project Exhibition

2nd Semester Architecture HS-Mainz

During the second semester of 2024, we had the opportunity to coordinate the Architecture Project Exhibition at Hochschule Mainz (HS-Mainz), centred on the exercise “House for the Angel and the Trapezist from Wings of Desire (Himmel über Berlin, B. Wenders, 1987)”, under the direction of Marta Pelegrín and Fernando Pérez, founders of MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos.

At MEDIOMUNDO, we understand architecture as a process of research, experimentation, and constant dialogue with space and materials. From the very beginning of academic training, we are committed to a methodology that promotes direct interaction with space and the optimised, rational, empathetic, and haptic use of materials. Throughout the semester, students developed a sequence of exercises linking design actions—such as folding, unfolding, subtracting, stacking, inverting, twinning, rhythmising, among others—with essential material techniques involving stone, wood, metal, concrete, rammed earth, bamboo, cork, and recycled materials.

This exhibition is the result of a collective process that encourages creativity, sensitivity, and innovation in architectural design—values that are central to our identity as a practice. We believe in an approach to architectural education that integrates practice, critical reflection, and material experimentation, and we are pleased to share the results of this process with the academic and professional community.