Project description

Occupying a granite outcrop and tethered at the angle of the western wall, the El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila offers a landscape of educational, performative and governmental spaces to a community overshadowed by its neighbours to the east. Eastern Ávila, elevated, fed by natural springs and peopled by palaces and convents stands in stark contrast to the lower west with its impoverished and workaday heritage of small-scale manufacture, storehouse and transient populations.

The thesis proposes an architecture of unfolding and enfolding - a combination of two folded objects: the procession of Santa Teresa through the streets of the city and therein the enfolding of architectural figures from the densely woven grain of the city and, the greater extramural landscape of cultivated fields, a river and mountains. Unfolded, this landscape of granite, limestone, timber, terracotta and steel; of vessels and canopies, loggias, walkways and bridges inscribe a new palace above its granite footing. With the palatial conceit of enfilade, the design foregrounds a central spine for movement, service and the distribution of water. Gatehouse and vestibule lead through open cloister and atrium into a building at once civic - open to and of the city and its landscape - and governmental.

Shaded from the summer sun and winter snows, tempered by the thermal mass of granite walls and cooled by the passage of channelled waters the El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila transforms a once-neglected area into a vibrant, inclusive civic centre, rooted in history but poised for the future.

Collaborators
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Aerial View
Ávila

Ávila, located in Castile and León, Spain, is the capital of the province of Ávila and has a population of approximately 57,000 people. At an altitude of 1,131 meters, it is the highest provincial capital in Spain. The city is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls, built in the 11th century, which still surround the historic center and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ávila is also known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Ávila, the Basilica of San Vicente, and the Convent of Santa Teresa.

Nolli Map
The Mapping of the Procession

Utilising the architectural elements observed along the two procession routes, we can employ these features as tools to analyse and measure the streets of Ávila. By examining these elements in relation to their spatial context, we can gain insights into the city's urban morphology and architectural character. Consequently, this understanding can inform design strategies for future architectural interventions in Ávila. 

The architectural concept is based on the mapping of the procession routes, which involves overlaying the identified architectural elements onto the paths of the two processions. Important moments in the procession serve as anchors to guide the folding of the procession towards the Plaza de la Santa, its starting point. This process allows for a deliberate and intentional design that takes into account the procession's significance and its relationship with the city's architecture.

Folding of the Procession
Key Moment in the Procession
Mapping of the Procession
The Folding Process
The Garden and Gate

The thesis presents a multifaceted interplay of folded objects, guided by the architectural components within Ávila's urban landscape. An intricate tapestry of limestone, timber, and steel intertwines to establish an architectural intervention that both respects the city's historical context and enriches the urban experience.

The design of the Gates functions as a spatial threshold to a defined Garden. Though individually conceived, the Gates form part of a larger urban assemblage connected to the shared Garden, exhibiting detailed craftsmanship and environmental performance. In Plaza de la Santa, the Gates transform into an extended museum space, displaying the reliquaries of Santa Teresa and harnessing the spring water to develop underground gardens that offer cooling and guidance to visitors.

The Gates, in conjunction with the surrounding garden space, metamorphose a simple civic plaza into a dynamic outdoor museum deeply rooted in its historical context. This seamless fusion of urban legibility, heterotopias, and architectural atmospheres cultivates a unique and meaningful architectural experience.

The New Garden
Extension to the Field of Ávila

The combined drawing synthesises our research, serving as a foundation for folding the broader landscape of Ávila into the potential newly chosen site. This approach, in line with the brief, aims to interweave the existing architectural, cultural, and environmental aspects of the region into our design, fostering an integration with the local context while embracing its unique characteristics. Consequently, this move ensures that our design solution remains rooted in the rich heritage and identity of Ávila, contributing positively to the urban fabric and the overall experience of the city.

The Field
Landscape Integration: The Arts of Folding

Inspired by the idea that the experience of landscape space is not merely aesthetic but a deeply interconnected network of relationships and associations, our design approach thoughtfully integrates the unique features of the Ávila landscape through a process of folding. By carefully considering the meandering path of the river, the terrain's slope, the intricacies of the road networks, and the distinctive divisions of the villages, we aim to create harmony and cohesion between the architectural intervention and its surroundings, while acknowledging the natural and cultural elements that define the region.

Our landscape folding process respects the historical and cultural aspects of the region by incorporating the distinct divisions of the villages, honoring the area's heritage, and creating a sense of place that resonates with the community's identity. Ultimately, the landscape folding weaves together the natural, infrastructural, and cultural elements of the region, resulting in a dynamic and engaging environment that is both responsive to its context and deeply rooted in the area's history and culture.

Folding the Landscape
Layout Plan
Transplanting the Spanish Palacio

The Royal Palace of Madrid serves as an ideal model for the El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila due to its successful integration of architectural, cultural, and historical elements while providing valuable community spaces. By imitating the Royal Palace of Madrid, the El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila can emphasize architectural heritage, enhance community engagement, promote inclusivity, and address environmental factors. In doing so, the El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila has the potential to transform a once-neglected area into an inclusive civic center that is both rooted in history and poised for the future, ultimately rejuvenating the area and creating a unified community space. Key functions in the palace will be adapted to align with modern living requirements, creating a contemporary space that caters to the everyday needs of Ávila's residents.

Transplanting Palacio 01
Transplanting Palacio 02
Nodes
El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila

The El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila design project seeks to establish a transformative, palace-inspired facility that enriches the urban fabric of the western part of Ávila, specifically Calle los Telares. Rooted in the historical and cultural context of the city, the project thoughtfully addresses the diverse needs of the local residents by providing a multifaceted civic center.

The design fuses various functions, including a regional governmental office, a conservation lab for artifact restoration, and a civic center to engage with local issues. The facility also accommodates practical amenities such as a launderette, tool rental office, and shared office space. Simultaneously, the project embraces the city's cultural heritage by creating spaces for events, small galas, and a new entrance garden for Puerta de San Isidro. A bathhouse enriches leisure opportunities, while additional space is allocated to accommodate the procession of Santa Teresa.

Strategically located on a granite outcrop adjacent to the western wall, El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila intertwines educational, performative, and governmental spaces, establishing a dynamic contrast with the affluent eastern side of Ávila. The architectural concept embraces the notions of unfolding and enfolding, drawing inspiration from the procession of Santa Teresa and the intricate landscape of the city and its surroundings.

The design accentuates a central spine that serves as a conduit for movement, service, and water distribution, embodying both civic and governmental functions. Through its seamless integration with the city and landscape, El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila revitalizes a previously neglected area, fostering a vibrant, inclusive civic center that acknowledges its historical roots while confidently embracing a forward-looking vision.

Aerial Image
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Key Structural Diagram
The Festival of Santa Teresa

The El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila pays tribute to Santa Teresa de Jesús, the most revered figure in Ávila, by thoughtfully integrating her legacy and influence within its design. Born in Ávila in 1515, St. Teresa was a prominent Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer, significantly impacting the Catholic Church and Christian spirituality. Her birthplace, the Convent of St. Teresa, remains an important pilgrimage site and a source of pride, inspiration, and spiritual significance for the city.

The project provides an innovative space for the Santa Teresa procession, enabling the local community and visitors to actively engage with her profound impact on the city. Additionally, the design incorporates dedicated areas for the display and preservation of invaluable reliquaries, ensuring that artifacts associated with St. Teresa are safeguarded and showcased for future generations.

By weaving the essence of Santa Teresa into the El Nuevo Palacio de Ávila, the design creates a connection between the architectural space and St. Teresa's enduring legacy, fostering a deep sense of reverence and pride within the local community and beyond. This integration highlights St. Teresa's lasting spiritual, cultural, and historical contributions, further cementing her central role in the city's identity.

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The Grand Model

The production of a model of Avila involves the use of plywood as the site base and 3D printing technology for the surrounding context. Plywood was selected as the site base due to its durability and flexibility, which allow for easier manipulation during the modeling process. On the other hand, 3D printing technology was employed to create the surrounding context of the model. By printing the context piece by piece, the team was able to replace or adjust them as necessary during the final detailed modeling phase. The use of 3D printing technology enabled the creation of intricate and detailed context pieces, which accurately depict the surrounding environment of the Avila model. Furthermore, this approach provided greater flexibility in the modeling process as the pieces could be easily modified. Thus, the combination of the plywood base and 3D printed context allowed for the creation of the final detailed model of Avila, which incorporates all of the necessary elements to produce an accurate and impressive representation of the site.

Model
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The Exhibition

The present exhibition, located at the Matthew Gallery within Minto House, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. This exhibition is the result of the collaborative efforts of Chenjie Qian, Jigao Li, and Jiakai Zuo.It provides a unique opportunity to publicly showcase our works.Through a diverse range of themes, we aim to stimulate the intellectual curiosity of our viewers, while inviting them to engage with our pieces on a deeper level.

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Final Image
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