Technical Data
ARCHITECTS/AUTHORS:
MEDIO MUNDO Arquitectos. Marta Pelegrín + Fernando Pérez.
PROJECT:
Economic sciences faculty extensión
PROGRAMME:
Extension and redesigning Economic Sciences Faculty at Granada University
LOCATION:
Granada
DATE OF COMPETITION:
2009
CATEGORY:
Educational and University Equipment
AREA:
9.350 m2
DEVELOPER:
Granada University
COAUTHORS:
MOG Arquitectos
COLLABORATORS:
F. Orizia, M. Ciavatti
In 2009 the University of Granada launched an architectural competition to design a new lecture room building, the extension and refurbishment of the existing teaching block, and the refurbishment of the existing cafeteria in order to convert it into a dining area.
The fragmented nature of the project forced us to search for solutions that unified the whole. In other words, an architectural solution capable of resolving each of the particular assignments in relation to the existing constructions without losing sight of the unitary nature of the building as it was originally conceived.
Lecture room building
The new building was inspired by the existing teaching block, materials and modulation. The proposed project optimised the fill-void ratio of the facades and controlled sun exposure with standard systems. While in the existing buildings the cantilever/overhanging elements were used as secondary areas located next to the offices (such as corridors and bathrooms) we proposed those areas as covered terraces for relaxation to break up the structure of corridors and classrooms.
In the MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos proposal the entrances are part of a sequence of open and light-filled spaces. On the ground floor the entrance is linked to the pedestrian access to the north. Another entrance below the footbridge connects the teaching block to the existing building, while the footbridge is connected to the first floor above the entrance. These entrances are directly connected to restrooms, offices, staircases and lifts.
Extension of existing teaching block
At MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos we conceived the intervention as the culmination of the existing structure. In our project we maintained the general character in order to allow continuity throughout all areas. We opened up several spaces to create covered terraces in order to break up the structure of corridors and classrooms in a similar way as we proposed for the new teaching block.
