Illa Glòries
Winning the 2017 international competition organized by the Institut Municipal de l'Habitatge i Rehabilitació de Barcelona (IMHAB), Cierto Estudio proposed a groundbreaking design for the Illa Glòries block, situated at the nexus of Barcelona's 22@ technological district and the historic Eixample neighborhood.
This ambitious project involves the construction of 238 apartments. Building A, designed by Cierto Estudio, includes 51 dwellings and reflects a holistic approach to urban living. The design integrates gender perspective strategies, ensuring inclusivity and adapting to diverse family structures.
Designed with a gender perspective, the project promotes equity, safety, and shared responsibility in domestic and caregiving tasks. By incorporating spatial strategies that encourage interaction, mutual support, and visibility of caregiving activities, the design fosters an inclusive environment that adapts to diverse family structures.
Illa Glòries introduces a new paradigm for urban housing, balancing density with permeability to the surrounding cityscape. Key features include:
Extensive Communal Spaces - Two large courtyards and continuous communal balconies encourage interaction among neighbors while providing secure and vibrant environments for socializing and relaxation. The arrangement of homes around these shared spaces follows a "corrala" layout, a strategy that cultivates a network of mutual vigilance and enhances collective security, particularly relevant from a gender perspective, as it helps reduce risks associated with gender-based violence. The spatial configuration ensures crossed sightlines, reinforcing a naturally protected environment. The courtyards are shielded from public activity yet visually connected to the street, blending privacy with openness. The balconies act as outdoor meeting points, linking residences to shared spaces like patios and rooftops, thus transforming them into integral parts of everyday life.
Dynamic Living Spaces - Flexible apartment layouts prioritize adaptability, ensuring that homes can evolve with the changing needs of their occupants. Each residence is designed to de-hierarchize living spaces, eliminating a main central area or a predefined space for a dominant figure. Instead, rooms of similar size and character allow residents to distribute space freely according to their needs, promoting equity in everyday life. The design also integrates a thoughtfully positioned kitchen that enhances connectivity within the home and fosters an inclusive environment. Additionally, hinged spaces and centrally located rooms create opportunities for both physical and visual connections, promoting individual autonomy as well as communal living.
Environmental Responsibility - The project adheres to NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards, employing cross-laminated timber (CLT) for its structure, maximizing thermal insulation, and integrating passive design strategies such as cross-ventilation, solar protection, and green roofs. Over 60% of the site is dedicated to green spaces, mitigating the urban heat island effect.
CREDITS
Architect: Cierto Estudio with Franc Llonch
Team: Marta Benedicto, Ivet Gasol, Carlota de Gispert, Anna Llonch, Lucia Millet and Clara Vidal with Mariana Gomes
Landscaping: Beatriz Borque + Miquel Mariné
