12 Towers In Vallecas
12 TOWERS IN VALLECAS
Nodo17 Architects
ARCHITECTS
Nodo17 Architects
PHOTOGRAPHS
Amparo Garrido
YEAR
2008
LOCATION
Madrid, Spain
CATEGORY
Social Housing
Text description provided by architect.
We propose an ambiguous project, with an urban vocation. In contrast to the great works of the urban planning programs in the suburbs, we go back to the scale and density of the historical center.
How many doorways do you see in a ten minute walk in the urban planning program in the Vallecas Extension compared to the number you see in the same period of time in the historical center of Madrid? Perhaps 5 compared to 50.
A double block, half way between the closed block in the suburbs and the closed block in the historical city.
We are interested in fragmentation and compactness, two terms which are primarily opposed but compatible. A compact project formed by different parts. An unitary closed block which is divided into small towers.
A project that is seeking its position as it changes in height, from the fragmentation of the ground floor to the compactness of the first and second floors, dissolving into independent pieces on the upper floors.
A dialogue between two systems, the collective and the individual. Between the massive, collective system of the lower floors and the ‘single-family unit’ towers, resting on them.
