As Unit A
descended on Madrid for our field trip the fast paced world of architecture was
quite literally translated to inform the determined stride we embarked upon.
There was less of the drifting ‘dérive’ approach (despite perhaps the
accidental trespassing incident) one might have expected, so whilst legs and
feet may have not thanked us for it, it did mean we managed to see a lot in the
brief time we had. Plus the walking was interspersed with chances for ‘rest’ as
multiple opportunities for play revealed themselves throughout the city.
Despite the
playful approach it was definitely educational and by each being allocated a
building beforehand it meant we were collectively prepared for what was in
store. This meant we had an understanding of the concept and aims of the
architecture and our preconceptions could be tested. We all had the opportunity
to directly hear the design process of one of the projects we would be visiting
as on the second day we were fortunate to be invited into the practice of Ecosistema
Urbano. We were given a presentation of their recent projects and design
philosophy. With a focus on urbanism and sustainability, they have an interest
in public involvement in order to provide platforms for participation and
creativity that are beneficial both socially and environmentally.
The following
day we visited their project entitled ‘Eco Boulevard’. Situated within the
ordered surroundings of recently master planned Pau de Vallecas, Eco Boulevard
is an example where the architect’s control is passed over to the users
allowing them to appropriate the space. As a platform for public expression and
response it encourages active participation of local residents but also exists
as a desirable location attracting interest from the wider context. The project
arose out of necessity to ‘solve’ the existing which means its affects are
limited because change possibly cannot be induced on the fixed housing, whereas
conceptually as an initiator of growth in the area it provides a strong model
of change and development in the city. Initially the Eco Boulevard was designed
to be temporary, aiming to encourage urban growth until no longer required,
however has since gained monument status. This rather detracts from the aim
that the growth and change from the installation would expand and shift to the
whole area in order for it to adapt and evolve of its own accord. However, the structures
of the Eco Boulevard certainly allowed us to temporarily gain control of the
space and produced a sense of freedom and interaction, similar only to that
achieved by the play equipment in the Madrid Rio.
Other
highlights of the trip included the Na Sa de Guadalupe Church of which initial
disappointment of its closure instantly vanished when access became available
through the adjacent building. Descending allowed us to emerge directly inside
the church where we were met by the stunning atmosphere created by the light
through coloured stained glass on every wall. The UNED Escuelas Pías
Biblioteca, a church converted into a library, was also a collective feature,
the high level of detail and consideration allowed the new and existing to feel
equal rather than disparate elements. The field trip allowed us a full on
inspirational fix to start this term with and gratitude goes to Colin and
Carsten for organising this fantastic experience and to Ibstock for subsidising
the trip and Ken and Dale for accompanying and sharing with us our unit
adventure.
