Car Vela / Mestura Arquitectes

Architects: Mestura Arquitectes
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Architects In Charge: Humbert Costas, Manuel Gómez, Jaime Blanco, Carlos Durán, Josep M. Estapè
Project Year: 2007
Photographs: Pedro Pegenaute

Project Area: 2,702.89 sqm
Measurements And Budget Execution Division: AT3, Josep M. Oller y Jordi Valls, aparejadores
Calculation Facility: GRUPO JG
Calculation Of Structures: BOMA, Miquel Angel Sala, arquitecto

The objective of this intervention is to include under the large pergola Photovoltaic in the Forum Park of Barcelona, a program of the International Center for High Performance Sailing.

The uniqueness of the spaces to be treated, starting considerations requires both the environment and the possible actions in outer space, as the configuration of existing architectural elements, which determine many of the decisions of the project. We therefore propose a treatment in the facades that seek not to contrast with the gigantic scale of the element. The south facade is delayed until the first bay of the current structure to avoid contact of the new facilities with existing structural elements, while on the north side openings are covered with a curtain overlapping continuous acts wooden slats as a unitary element and neutral.

In the two bays of the south wall, are arranged various activities which are arranged, let light into the interior space of the complex while generating lift terraces allowing views of the sea over the seawalls of the spring.

The Institutional access to the center, is produced under the great porch west bridge in the entrance of the enclosure. A central staircase serve as a center of relationships and communication among users of all levels. Another entrance in the est part of the groundfloor, communicates with a large porch, with the esplanade of the dock.

The floor structure is based on the existing foundation beams from felling as a hindrance or struts reinforced concrete pile caps are based on the existing piles. These piles have a depth of over 30 meters because it is land reclaimed from the sea. The second floor is “hanging” of the existing structure, so that the middle floor wins transparency due to the absence of pillars.