Mapocho housing complex
Professional degree project
2017. Santiago, Chile
A proposal of scalable modular architecture: a concept that tries to mix habitability, incrementality and flexibility.
Its objective is to create habitable spaces capable of adapting its qualities according to different necessities of its inhabitants.
The proposal starts from the unit developed in the Building in Porta Venezia project, in order to be modified under the local conditions.
The main typology is redesigned in order to take better advantage of the duplex spatial conditions. The module typologies are eliminated in order to decomplex the selection and growth process.
In this case, the modules are located only on the sides of the structure, allowing the permanent maintenance of a double-height terrace that introduces light throughout the day. The interior also integrates a double height located at the entrance of the apartment, and a rear balcony.
In this case, the modules are located only on the sides of the structure, allowing the permanent maintenance of a double-height terrace that introduces light throughout the day. The interior also integrates a double height located at the entrance of the apartment, and a rear balcony.
Application on an urban context
The application of this flexible unit takes place in the city of Santiago, specifically in the Balmaceda neighborhood.
The area is characterized by being mainly residential, where low-density single-family housing with a continuous facade, apartment buildings of more than 7 stories, small and medium-sized industrial spaces and an important small-scale commercial activity coexist.
The area is characterized by being mainly residential, where low-density single-family housing with a continuous facade, apartment buildings of more than 7 stories, small and medium-sized industrial spaces and an important small-scale commercial activity coexist.
The specific lot on which the project is developed (82 x 76 m) is defined on two of its edges by avenues with an important commercial character. The third edge corresponds to a low-traffic side street, while the fourth edge is a dividing wall.
The proposal implements a c-shaped plinth, which recognizes the context through a programmatic proposal: the 2 sides facing the avenues contain commerce, while the side facing the low-traffic street contains apartments that rise 1 meter above the ground. In parallel, the c-shape allows the creation of a large central space that is given to the community.
On the plinth, two double bars of apartments with east-west orientation are proposed, ensuring the entry of natural light at different times of the day. Each of the bars is composed by two linear buildings, where one of them contains vertical circulation cores, connecting with the other through bridges, creating an interstitial space with walkways and balconies.
