The Backpack Building_Master’s Degree Project

Seville, Spain (2017)

The design proposal focuses on the creation of a hybrid building that houses a diverse and social-oriented program which focuses on creating emergency shelters for people in need in the city of Seville. The rest of the program consists of an ambulatory, a cultural center with a gallery for exhibitions and a daycare center. Given the urban situation and the condition of the surroundings it becomes essential the introduction of a significant amount of open space that will allow outdoor activities and meetings.

The scale of the project will have a relevant impact in the surroundings due to its size and use, since the project integrates such a mixed program it will become a reference in the area. Promoting this way the interest and participation we are looking for. The project itself becomes an expression of how complex human relationships are.

The design includes two main volumes in the northern and southern limits of the plot in which the emergency apartments are located. A third and ethereal central building or backpack is conceived as a bridge that connects the other two and gathers the cultural, educational and public program.