Santa
Monica

When approaching the center's proposal, our initial reflection was towards an underground space, alluding to the urgency of having a refuge. Urgency is also the condition we experience today under the growing and uncontrolled problem of global warming. Using this concept as a starting point, we have reflected on the term "refuge" and its etymology.

Refuge or rifugio, derived from the Latin REFUGIEM from REFUGERE, with meanings that encompass "to retreat fleeing," "to flee," "to seek refuge," is also synonymous with asylum and shelter; a place to take refuge and/or seek help, shelter.

Just as the word, the thought also changes, transforms. We navigated through this concept, exploring its meanings until we were captivated by the most romantic nuance of the word: the refuge as a space of protection, rest, and safety. Thus begins the architectural investigation into the "refuge" structure.

All over the world, we find places that welcome, protect, and shelter, and each geography has peculiar, vernacular characteristics in architectural terms, defining these structures: made of wood, fabrics, earth, natural materials, bricks, cement, made with plants, bamboo, etc.

Since each geographical area of the world has its wealth, we decided to be consistent with our discourse on sustainability and proximity, focusing on the characteristics of the Mediterranean, particularly in the Barcelona area.

It is crucial for us to emphasize the importance of vernacular architecture (vernacular means domestic, native, indigenous), which responds to the needs of the environment using the elements that the habitat itself provides. There is a coexistence between the context and the structures that results in a harmonious and coherent outcome with the sociocultural framework in which it is established.

These foundations shape our conceptual thinking. From here, through traditional Catalan architecture, we arrive at a highly populated place in summer in the coastal city: the beach.

Our project is inspired by beach umbrellas, familiar objects, accessible, with a strong aesthetic identity, i.e., beautiful and functional, occupying a significant space in our imagination, and very necessary today.

I remember that when we were children, we didn't use sunscreen or umbrellas; they barely put a hat on us. Today it is unthinkable to go without these essential objects for our bodily health. The high temperatures and increasingly intense sun exposure force us to seek refuge and shade on Barcelona's extensive beaches.

Umbrellas, besides being movable objects, pay homage to displacements, migrations, and changes. Foldable, tilted towards where the sun's rays are most intense, umbrellas represent flexible and manageable objects that never clash with the beach landscape; on the contrary, they give it a certain aesthetic identity.

This dialogue between shade and light shapes our project, evoking the function and aesthetics of umbrellas, transforming to adapt to their urban environment.

We propose building lightweight wooden structures, with various inclinations and sizes to recreate the beach landscape. Around the skeleton of each structure, we will place a breathable cotton fabric to generate shade both inside the structures and in different areas of the terrace. Visitors can enter the structures, inspired by the basic principles of Passive Houses, with cross ventilation thanks to openings at the top. At the top of the structure, we would like to place air-nourishing plants, such as Tillandsia usneoides, to generate more shade and improve thermal conditions.

Since these umbrellas will be constantly exposed to the high temperatures experienced in Barcelona in summer, it will be crucial to create cool shade areas and avoid small "heat bubbles" where air gets trapped and does not favor air circulation, contributing to a cooler environment.

Due to their dimensions, the structures will be visible from the center, being contained but undeniably prominent from Las Ramblas. During the day, the vibrant colors of the fabrics will be noticeable, while at night, the lights will draw attention, emphasizing the presence of this architectural installation.

Our proposal, inspired by beach umbrellas, aims to be an interactive setting for visitors. We invite people to enjoy the shade and coolness, take photos from inside, and move between the structures according to the direction of the sun.

Just a few meters from Santa Monica, we encounter the waters of the Mediterranean. What this urban stretch lacks are, undoubtedly, a beach. We propose a simulation of that landscape, reinterpreting its connotations. The idea is for residents, and not only, to find in this installation a climate refuge.

We conceive our project as an urban setting, seeking to generate a dialogue between the city and the center, sparking the curiosity of those who would otherwise not be users of the center. Although the installation alone will increase Santa Monica's visibility from Las Ramblas, the idea of enhancing its front layout with materials like wood, striking fabrics, and LED lights will increase the curiosity of passersby.

As users of Santa Monica, we are aware that our proposal naturally (and spontaneously) adapts to the aesthetics of the furniture on the terrace, especially the beach chairs. We put "spontaneous" in parentheses because, although the proposal does not directly originate from there, it flows harmoniously to fit the pre-existing elements.

Finally, we want to highlight that the symbolic world in which our proposal is inscribed invites people to inhabit the space meditatively and evocatively. This desire arises from the utopia of endowing beaches (and coasts) with the meaning of safe places for those seeking a home in foreign lands.