pedro miguel santos proposes reinosa social and cultural center
all images courtesy of pedro miguel santos

 

 

 

subverting an ancient architectural concept, portuguese architect pedro miguel santos has proposed ‘inhabited walls’ for the reinosa social and cultural center in spain. the project references the medieval ages, where rooms were positioned inside walls and separated by large mineral masses for structural and defensive reasons. in the submission, the rooms are replaced by antechambers, which enable the flow through to independent workshop rooms from the exterior, without compromising functions in the rest of the building. the insertion of an elevated podium allows a second level of habitation and also offers a classical elevation from the outside. the middle layer actually hides a large rotunda within that opens to the sky from its interior and conceals all visual references to the surrounding city.

 

pedro miguel santos proposes reinosa social and cultural center
view from the adjacent public square

 

pedro miguel santos proposes reinosa social and cultural center
the rotunda works as an introspective space that is open to the sky above

 

pedro miguel santos proposes reinosa social and cultural center
multipurpose spaces have direct and diffuse light, with the ability to accommodate exhibitions and multiple activities

 

pedro miguel santos proposes reinosa social and cultural center
interior view of one of the rooms within the inhabited wall

 

pedro miguel santos proposes reinosa social and cultural center
site plan

 

pedro miguel santos proposes reinosa social and cultural center
plan

 

pedro miguel santos proposes reinosa social and cultural center
sections

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.