PROJECT

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN STUDIO IN RUZAFA - VALENCIA

INTERDISCIPLINARY ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN STUDIO IN RUZAFA - VALENCIA

The opening of the new SANAHUJA ASOCIADOS ARCHITECTURE headquarters in the city of Valencia, gives us the opportunity to redefine the traditional architecture studio towards an interdisciplinary model. The chosen venue is a space situated in the central district of Ruzafa, one of the most culturally and artistically active neighborhoods in the city.

The new space allows housing cultural, architectural and research activities, in a spirit of openness and interaction with other disciplines, such as interior design, industrial design, landscaping, etc., which are related to the broader professional structure of the studio.

The intervention on the ground floor of the building and the block’s inner court recovers the original separation between both parts through an intermediate patio. The different treatment given to the two spaces and its connecting section is designed to accommodate their functional necessities.

The multifunctional space occupying the ground floor and the old warehouse space is called Hat Gallery. This space allows organizing exhibition activities relating to architecture, design and art in general, while it also can accommodate meetings, lectures, screenings and workshops. It becomes the means of communication and the neighborhood’s outlet for the programmed cultural activities.

The architectural offices are located in the old warehouse. It is separated from the rest of the facility by a green courtyard, and is connected to it by a wooden passage where the restrooms are unobtrusively located. On the ground floor there is a comprehensive architecture and design workspace, consisting of computer workstations, a project and model assembly area, and a conference room. In the upper level there is a large, very flexible work room, with a library and documentation center for group work sessions, an area for audio-visuals and project presentations, and another area for research, brainstorming and exchanging ideas. Finally, the facility is completed by a small loft-type flat that faces a landscaped courtyard.

The courts are used as lightwells and ventilation shafts, and they work very well as elements of environmental adaptation to our climate area. They also improve the facility’s energy efficiency by taking advantage of the natural resources.