Abstract:

The project is located in the Albufereta district of Alicante, Spain—an area where rapid urban development has marginalized significant Roman remains. The concept emerged from an Erasmus stay in 2023, observing how the ruins of Villa Romana existed silently within the urban fabric, largely unnoticed by the community. Rather than treating heritage as an isolated object, the proposal explores architecture as a tool of coexistence, mediating between archaeological preservation and collective use. The design introduces a low-rise, permeable structure that integrates the Villa Romana into a network of public, educational, and conservation spaces. Dedicated workshops allow heritage care to become a visible part of everyday activity, reinforcing shared stewardship. Through courtyards, galleries, and elevated walkways, visitors experience the site without disturbing its fragile fabric, allowing past and present to coexist. Environmental strategies, including semi-transparent PV panels and passive shading, ensure thermal comfort and resourcefulness. The project transitions from public space to intimate learning areas, fostering inclusivity and everyday engagement. This "architecture of care" redefines heritage not as a static exhibit, but as a living component of the neighborhood—positioning architecture as a practice of empathy and shared futures.