The Forum
Fall 2024
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid
Professors Ángel Alonso, Victor Navarro, Ángel Borrego
The Forum in San Cristóbal, Villaverde, Madrid, is a transformative urban development project that reimagines the current site of the Military Barracks on the Parque y Centro de Abastecimiento de Material de Intendencia (PCAMI) campus. The PCAMI site, established in 2008, represents a shift from a military base to a logistics hub, housing workshops, storage units, laboratories, and other facilities for military use. However, the area has not evolved to meet modern urban needs, particularly in terms of climate resilience and community engagement. The Forum aims to transform this military-controlled site into a more public and accessible facility, emphasizing social and environmental sustainability. Combatting the Urban Heat Island Effect through passive cooling the project’s approach aims to reduce the site’s heat absorption and enhance the space.
The incorporation of construction techniques using materials such as corten steel, natural ventilation, and the strategic placement of newer buildings between existing structures plays a pivotal role in the sustainability, thermal performance, and environmental efficiency of the Forum project in San Cristóbal, Villaverde. These elements work synergistically to improve the quality of life for residents while also advancing ecological responsibility and energy efficiency. Corten steel is chosen for both its striking, weathered appearance and its practical benefits. The material’s corrosion-resistant properties make it ideal for use in outdoor elements such as cladding, gates, and signage, as it requires minimal maintenance. The rusty, oxidized finish of corten steel adds an industrial, contemporary touch to the Forum project while connecting it to the historical context of the existing military barracks. This integration of modern materials into the adaptive reuse of the site symbolizes the area’s transformation, reflecting a shift from its military origins to a more community-oriented and sustainable future. Additionally, the material’s durability ensures that the structures maintain their integrity over time, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the project.
Conceptual Collages and Diagrams
Another key design feature, natural ventilation, minimizes the need for artificial heating and cooling systems, reducing energy consumption and promoting environmental sustainability. The Forum’s design includes strategically placed vents, courtyards, and openings, allowing for natural airflow throughout the space. These features enhance indoor air quality and reduce reliance on mechanical systems, which further lowers the building’s carbon footprint. Natural ventilation not only creates a healthier and more comfortable environment for residents, but it also aligns with the Forum’s broader sustainability goals by reducing its overall energy demand. A significant aspect of the project is the focus on addressing the “statement wall,” a dividing structure that runs from the west to east of the area. This wall separates the south PCAMI campus from the residential communities that have existed for generations. The families living here have long been disconnected from the broader development of the site, and the wall symbolizes a loss of agency for the residents. The Forum project aims to restore this agency, off ering opportunities for residents—particularly military veterans who have faced challenges in reintegrating into civilian life—a chance to gain new skills and support their livelihoods. The project recognizes that many of these veterans have struggled to fi nd new careers later in life, often turning to manual trades like welding. To address this, the Forum proposes a compound that includes skill-building workshops, resource centers, and life upliftment programs, supporting the community’s socio-economic development while preserving the history and identity of the site. The design of the Forum also embraces a narrative of architectural transformation, with an emphasis on preserving the history of both the people and the place. The architectural interventions in the project seek to balance modern functionality with a respect for the site’s past. The project is envisioned as a blueprint for future urban interventions that could further transform the surrounding areas. Although the initial repurposing focuses on a core area of approximately 120 meters by 120 meters, the design allows for future expansion of buildings and open spaces, providing flexibility as the area evolves over time.
Passive cooling strategies and adaptive reuse play a pivotal role in the Forum project in San Cristóbal, Madrid, especially given the area’s susceptibility to Urban Heat Island (UHI) eff ects and the need to preserve the historical identity of the existing buildings. Passive cooling refers to the design techniques that help regulate indoor temperatures without the use of mechanical systems like air conditioning. In the case of the Forum, integrating passive cooling into the adaptive reuse of the military barracks not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by outdated construction but also aligns with broader sustainability goals for the project. One of the most essential passive cooling strategies is maximizing natural ventilation. The current buildings on the PCAMI campus can be retrofi tted to optimize airfl ow by introducing large, operable windows, vents, and strategically placed courtyards.
The inclusion of a library within the Forum project in San Cristóbal, Villaverde, plays a pivotal role in advancing the narrative of community empowerment, education, and historical preservation. Libraries are vital cultural spaces that foster lifelong learning, provide access to knowledge, and promote social inclusion. In the context of this adaptive reuse project, the library not only serves as an educational resource but also as a symbol of the transformation from a military-controlled environment to a public, community-focused facility. One of the key aspects of the Forum project is its commitment to skill-building and life upliftment for local residents, particularly military veterans and their families. The library becomes a crucial space within this framework, offering access to educational resources that can support career development, personal growth, and the acquisition of new skills. The veterans who once served in the military often face challenges in transitioning to civilian life, and the library can serve as a hub for both formal and informal learning, with resources related to job training, entrepreneurship, and technical skills. Furthermore, the library acts as a repository of local history, reflecting the deep connection between the Forum and its historical context. By incorporating archives, books, and exhibits related to the history of the military barracks and the surrounding community, the library allows residents to engage with their own past. his historical narrative is vital for restoring the agency of residents who have been disconnected from the transformation of the site. In a space where people once lived and worked in the service of the military, the library offers a platform for reflection and dialogue about their shared history, strengthening their sense of identity and belonging.
The incorporation of construction techniques using materials such as corten steel, natural ventilation, and the strategic placement of newer buildings between existing structures plays a pivotal role in the sustainability, thermal performance, and environmental efficiency of the Forum project in San Cristóbal, Villaverde. These elements work synergistically to improve the quality of life for residents while also advancing ecological responsibility and energy efficiency. Corten steel is chosen for both its striking, weathered appearance and its practical benefits. The material’s corrosion-resistant properties make it ideal for use in outdoor elements such as cladding, gates, and signage, as it requires minimal maintenance. The rusty, oxidized finish of corten steel adds an industrial, contemporary touch to the Forum project while connecting it to the historical context of the existing military barracks. This integration of modern materials into the adaptive reuse of the site symbolizes the area’s transformation, reflecting a shift from its military origins to a more community-oriented and sustainable future. Additionally, the material’s durability ensures that the structures maintain their integrity over time, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the project.
Montages
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