- 3rd Year Project -
This urban planning and design project aims to develop aspects of architecture and urbanism on topical issues related to dynamics, social demands and lifestyles of citizens. It is working on exploring new programmatic demands stemming from the use of the extended territory of the extreme mobility of citizens. New challenges in infrastructure to improve urban liveability combined with new patterns of multipurpose public spaces, create a diverse urban proposal that speaks languages, directs movement and encourages activity. Mostly, it is given a renewed sense of urban recycling through the reuse of obsolete architecture and urban spaces that are degraded or under-utilised.
Avenida Meridiana - Existing Urban Analysis
Fast & Slow Network
When we design for the city, we must remember not to over prioritise vehicles. The city should be a place that inhabits both transport and the life of the residents. These two features of urban planning are crucial for the successful balance of fast and slow movements. The fast life concept should offer hotspots and mobility hubs to quickly navigate around the city. Offering meeting points, wifi, information stations, bike stations, bus stations and metro. The concept of slow life is to create a trail of traffic free zones. Pedestrian streets, cafes, parks, exercise create a traffic free route from the mountains to the sea.
Many streets in Barcelona have established los superilles [superislands]. Heavier traffic routes bound 3x3 superblocks and quieter streets inhabit within.
Mobility Hubs
Designing Streets for Fast and Slow Networks
Transforming La Sagrera
La Sagrera hosts one of the most busiest metro and train stations in Barcelona, particularly for residents and non-tourists. The main section of the station accommodates metro lines 1, 4 and 5, and that national and international trainlines. Other entrances north and south of the main entrance accommodate metro lines 9 and 12. Line 12 is a short line to further suburbs at the north of Avenida Meridiana. Line 9 provides direct access to terminal 1 and 2 of Barcelona's international airport.
La Sagrera is therefore a significant station. The station fails recognition on the surface as all of the station exists below the highway. Fast and slow life clash at this point and the urban congestion deprives La Sagrera from being an attractive destination for such an important piece of city infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Circulation Management and City Planning
Developing Mercat Felip II
The market is a single storey building used by the locals but is constructed on a rather awkward topography. The entrances and building boundary have no strong connection with the street. The building boundary acts as an inaccessible wall that establishes undesirable space. The market needs a design to connect the building to the street to create a useable and desirable area to enhance the La Sagrera area.
The massing of this single storey market is at loss with the surrounding context. building above the market will create enclosure and urban density. Forming density will establish a new and enclosed public square belonging to La Sagrera.
Connecting La Sagrera Square to the Transit Hub
La Grada y La Idioma de Urbanismo
La Sagrera Masterplan
Surface Language
La Sagrera - Mercat Felip II Tunnel
