RESIDENCE AND DAY CENTER FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CEREBRAL PALSY IN SALAMANCA

We face two strong constraints on this project. On the one hand, achieving to give coherence and unity to an intervention that was located in between two buildings separated by a public park and the staircase leading to this garden. On the other hand, respond to the specific needs of users of the building (day center for 70 people suffering from cerebral paralysis and permanent residence for 36 of them), on a plot with a two-floor difference in height. Finally, based on these restrictions, we found the solutions and key ideas of the proposal. Height differences have been used to create access to street level on each floor and two plots have been connected by a passage buried under the stairs.

The item that spatially 'sews' the entire project is the outer ramp that connects the park from the three-level building functions; City-housing-day center. This point of interaction is also the main entrance of the building.

The intention of resolving the height differences and the continuity of the project, is also expressed plastically in the building's rooftop, which folds accompanying the topography of the land. It is thought to be built with the same facade material, limestone, a decision that emphasizes the operation of "building-carpet" and that is consistent with an environment made of buildings of greater height, from which it will be perceived as a fifth facade.

Three different open spaces are suggested. One high on the side street, with the privacy that it provides, and facing south, to the area of residence. Another, divided by the staircase, facing east corresponding to the day area. The third courtyard, larger and facing south for the future expansion will be used as the main courtyard. The gardens facing east and south, overlook the public park, becoming part of it. The park, which a priori divided the builing into two pieces becomes a unifying space, not only of the two parts of the project together, but these with the city.

DATA:

Architects: Jose Maria de Lapuerta, Carlos Asensio

Team: Architects: Paloma Campo, Francisco Gil, Esther Jimenez Rosario Artacho. Jesus Rodriguez. Quantity Surveyors: Juan Francisco Robles and Oscar Gonzalez. Delineation: Fernando Lozano. Model: Esteban Crespo. Structure: Juan Carlos Salva. Facilities: Maximiliano Sanchez and Jose Ignacio Garrido

Promoter: ASPACE Salamanca

Construction: Majofer

Surface: 2,680 m2.

Dates. Project: 2001 Construction: 2002-2004

Photographs: Juan Merinero