Valencia University Language Center

Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio

VALENCIA UNIVERSITY LANGUAGE CENTER

ARKÍTERA SLP

ARCHITECTS
ARKÍTERA SLP

ARCHITECTS IN CHARGE
ARKITERA, Carlos Sánchez Hernández, Salvador Lara Ortega

COLLABORATORS
Consulting De Ingeniería Ica, Dyp Ingeniería, Néstor Marco Montañana, Mireia Perepérez Espí, Enrique Marín González

MANUFACTURERS
Gradhermetic

AREA
3885 m²

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
Valencia, Spain

CATAGORY
University

Text description provided by architect.

This language centre lies on the southern edge of the campus of the University of Valencia at its junction with the consolidated city.

Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio
Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio

Its volume consists of two bodies formed with rectangular prisms, separated by a connecting corridor.

Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio

Structures of similar size and arranged in parallel, they are voluntarily contrasted with each other, to be phased out in plan and elevation and covered with contrasting materials: wood and steel. 

Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio
Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio

The west block houses the classrooms and open meeting spaces called “Aulas-jardín”.

To protect it from the harsh afternoon sunlight, this lens is wrapped in an insulating and non-putrefiable frame of slats made of Canadian Red Cedar, with orthogonal lines organized with practicable wood pieces in classrooms and fixed lattice in open spaces to modulate light dispersion and adjusted to the functionality of every space.

Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio
Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio

By contrast, the eastern block houses service spaces and vertical connections.

This is a tight block whose shell has been implemented through a veil of microperforated galvanized steel forced at maximum curvature to simulate a textile flaming wind.

Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio
Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio

This solution willfully violates the rationality of the sheet metal, getting the input of a light filtered with a surprising texture and shine full of shades of chiaroscuro, throughout the day.

The innovative academic proposal is considered to be a modern language school; as a place to exchange experiences, rather than just learning a language.

Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio
Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio

Thus, the building is lightened by separating the classrooms that are constructed as hubs within the overall block, leaving friendly spaces for the meeting to be gardened on its facade, creating a green curtain where the direction of the slats is rotated so visually it appears from the outside as a "Tetris" game, playing between classrooms and gardens..


Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio


Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio
Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio
Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio
Valencia University Language Center
© Mariela Apollonio


Valencia University Language Center
Floor Plan
Valencia University Language Center
Floor Plan


Valencia University Language Center
Detail
Valencia University Language Center
Elevation