Xavier Vilalta: Architecture at home in its community

Summary

The speaker explores the integration of architecture with local cultures, climates, and communities through two projects in Ethiopia and Tunisia. The designs focus on creating energy-efficient, sustainable structures that respect tradition while embracing modern needs. In Ethiopia, a shopping mall is transformed into a market-like environment, using local textiles for aesthetic and functional elements. In Tunisia, a 2,000-apartment master plan combines Mediterranean and Arab city layouts, promoting social spaces and climate-responsive design. Both projects aim to create affordable, community-centered spaces that bridge the gap between culture, nature, and modernity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The focus of the speaker's work is on architecture that connects to community life, the environment, and local traditions.
• 😀 The speaker presented two projects from emerging countries: Ethiopia and Tunisia, each demonstrating an integration of local culture and context in architectural design.
• 😀 In Ethiopia, the design of a multistory shopping mall was initially conceived but reimagined to better serve the community, drawing inspiration from local markets and traditions.
• 😀 The original shopping mall model in Addis Ababa faced challenges due to large, unaffordable stores, high energy consumption, and a lack of local cultural relevance.
• 😀 The redesigned mall embraced principles from the traditional open-air markets, incorporating smaller shops and an open-air atrium to improve ventilation and community interaction.
• 😀 A key innovation in the Ethiopian project was the use of a perforated concrete facade inspired by Ethiopian women's dresses, which provided natural cooling and light filtration.
• 😀 The project was also energy-efficient, incorporating photovoltaics on the roof and water-reuse systems for sanitation, making it self-sufficient and resilient to electricity cuts.
• 😀 In Tunisia, the speaker worked on a master plan for 2,000 apartments, incorporating elements from the local Medina, such as its street grid and gates, to ensure cultural continuity in the design.
• 😀 The Tunisian master plan used a combination of European and Arab city design principles, with courtyards and higher-density apartments on upper floors, in line with local regulations.
• 😀 A strong emphasis was placed on sustainable living, with north-south apartment orientations for natural cooling and ventilation, as well as community spaces on the roof for socializing and physical activity.
• 😀 Both projects illustrate the importance of architecture in shaping the future of emerging cities, where design can influence local economies, community dynamics, and environmental sustainability.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's architectural approach?

The central theme is the integration of community life, the environment, and cultural traditions into architecture, creating designs that reflect local conditions and values while enhancing social interaction and sustainability.

How did the speaker approach the design challenge for the shopping mall in Addis Ababa?

The speaker aimed to create a design that addressed the inefficiency of traditional shopping malls in Addis Ababa. The focus was on reducing energy consumption, creating a more affordable and community-oriented space, and drawing inspiration from Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

What were the major flaws of the typical shopping malls in Addis Ababa identified by the speaker?

The flaws included: large, empty shops that people couldn't afford, excessive energy consumption due to glass facades causing heat, and the lack of cultural relevance to Ethiopia's traditions and environment.

How did the speaker adapt the shopping mall design to local conditions and traditions?

The speaker incorporated an open-air atrium inspired by local markets, used a concrete shell with perforations for natural ventilation, and drew design inspiration from traditional Ethiopian women's dresses to create a culturally relevant and environmentally responsive façade.

What role did the roof play in the Ethiopian shopping mall project?

The roof served multiple functions, including housing photovoltaic panels to make the building energy self-sufficient, providing a public space with social areas and bars, and collecting rainwater for reuse in the building's sanitation system.

What was the key challenge when designing the master plan in Tunis?

The key challenge was understanding the local culture and the surrounding urban context, particularly the medina, and creating a design that balanced the city's historic character with modern needs, including housing density and community amenities.

How did the speaker integrate the concept of 'gates' in the Tunisian master plan?

The design incorporated twelve gates, inspired by the medina's historic structure, and used straight lines to connect these gates, creating a spatial and cultural link that influenced the layout of the residential blocks.

What approach did the speaker take to ensure sustainability in the Tunisian project?

The speaker focused on natural ventilation by aligning apartments in a north-south orientation to optimize thermal comfort and airflow. The design also included courtyards and public spaces that promote social interaction and reduce environmental impact.

How did the speaker address the issue of density in the Tunisian residential project?

The design addressed density by concentrating higher-density housing on upper levels and keeping the ground floor less dense, allowing for more pedestrian-friendly public spaces and ensuring the integration of local regulations.

What makes the roofs of the Tunisian buildings special?

The roofs were designed as communal spaces, offering residents opportunities for social interaction and activities like running or jumping between buildings. They provide a unique public space that fosters community engagement and well-being.