carles enrich wraps 20 meter-high elevator in catalonia with a brick lattice

carles enrich wraps 20 meter-high elevator in catalonia with a brick lattice
all images by adrià goula

in catalonia, spain, architect carles enrich has completed a 20 meter-tall elevator access on the right bank of the gironella’s river llobregat, connecting the river to the medieval castle above. the project was commissioned because of the growing inaccessibility between the old and new districts. the narrow and cobbled streets proved difficult for the region’s elderly and infant population and resulted in the elevated historic center becoming depopulated.

the project is located in the catalonian town of gironella

the proposal focuses on creating a structure which will become part of the town’s history. the resulting scheme uses three materials: masonry, steel, and glass. the upper 16 meters of the lift is wrapped with a brick lattice punctuated with holes in order to create an interesting internal play of light. meanwhile, the lower eight meters features a glazed enclosure; a transparency that enables the surrounding context to be captured in full. the access point enables urban connectivity to be enhanced between the upper and lower areas, serving as a catalytic part of the region’s regeneration.

over the years, the historic center has been depopulated due to difficulties in accessibility

the inner face within the lift is left open allowing a visual relation with the stone wall during the journey

the scenic river façade is formed by a series of medieval remains

the upper 16 meters have been wrapped in a brick lattice

the bottom eight meters have been left enclosed in glass

the project subtly blends into the scenic medieval backdrop

the design enhances urban connectivity

the design connects the old and new parts of the historic town

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