I’m an architect with a passion for creativity and innovation in the field of architecture. My focus is on rendering and 3D modelling, where I have gained solid experience that allows me to transform concepts into detailed visual representations. I completed both my degree and master’s at the School of Architecture in A Coruña.
Phone: (+34) 698139087
Email: joel.cotardo@gmail.com
Address: Pontevedra
Instagram: @joelcotardo
EXPERIENCE
FUAC Intern at the studio: rodriguez + pintos arquitectos
External collaborator in rendering, 3D modelling, and model making at:
OAU | Office of Architecture, Urbanism, and Planning Estudio Técnico Gallego
Extracurricular internship at “A Casa do Bosque” (restoration of a work by Albalat Lois) in Sarria
Cooperation Internationale WORKSHOP 27 NEW LIFE FOR FORGOTTEN HERITAGE URBAN PROGRAM FOR REFUGEES AT YEREVAN’S RIVERSIDE DIVISION Exchange through the ERASMUS+ programme with Armenia
Collaborator in University of A Coruña Departments: Construction and Architectural, Civil, and Aeronautical Structures
Host and translator at “Fruit Logistica Berlin 2022”
Host and translator at “Salón Gourmet 2023”
Host and translator at “Meat Attraction 2023”
Host and translator at “Biofach Nuremberg 2023” For the company Nortstand S.L.
Extra: Waitress
Pizzeria Salento, Sarria
EDUCATION
MASTER’S DEGREE
-Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de A Coruña - ETSAC
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
-Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de A Coruña - ETSAC
FETSAC - Part of the Active Students Association of Architecture in A Coruña
2021 2019
July 2017
2018-2019
2022-2023
2021 - 2023
2016-2021
2019-2020
LANGUAGES
Spanish
Italian
Galician
English
German
NATIVE
NATIVE
ADVANCED - CELGA 4
INTERMEDIATE - B1 BASIC
ÁGORA rehabilitation of the Mekhitarist Monastery in Vienna
PERIPLO school of Architecture in A Coruña
SOCALCO construction element of the Ribeira Sacra
CLUB MARINA project on the shores of Lake Zalew Zebrzydowice in Lubin .01 .02 .03 .04
DOM KULTURY student residence in Lublin, Poland .05
BODEGA EN PEÑAFIEL Hispalyt Ceramic Forum Competition 2022/2023 .06
BIBLIOTECA PARA EL SIGLO XXI EN ZAMORA Hispalyt Ceramic Forum Competition 2023/2024 .07
HLYKKJAS ski and snowboarding cabin in Kröfluvegur, Iceland .08
PHOTOGRAPHY architecture and landscape photography .09
ÁGORA
rehabilitation of the Mekhitarist Monastery in Vienna
We will highlight the scope of the intervention, particularly the Ring Road in Vienna. This is a circular avenue that surrounds the city centre, constructed following the demolition of the defensive walls and the space that occupied the glacis. From this significant urban project, I will emphasise a detail that is key to understanding the project proposed in this work: the buildings constructed along the Ring followed a style consistent with their content and use.
In addition to this, the perspectives of three great architects who built along or near the Ring during that era will also be considered: Semper, who believed they lived in a time that lacked style; Otto Wagner, who advocated for the removal of superficial ornamentation and the importance of honesty in design; and Adolf Loos, who argued that modern style should be defined by a lack of style, but in contrast, classical style was used in architecture, as he believed it had been employed throughout history and had become timeless. These ideas are crucial, as the proposed building possesses characteristics of classical language while remaining entirely contemporary.
Focusing on the intervention site, the rehabilitation of one of the wings of the Mekhitarist Monastery, which is currently disused, is proposed. This building and the accompanying park are located at the edge of the Ring, and therefore, certain traces of what used to be the garden of the courthouse and the cloister space of the monastery are being recovered. Although this second space is referred to as a cloister, it is not one in the traditional sense, as it does not have a gallery surrounding the courtyard. However, it functions as one, as it is an area that encloses a courtyard for the worship of a religious congregation.
PERIPLO
School of Architecture in A Coruña
The project involves the creation of a new school of architecture in the Labañou neighbourhood of A Coruña. The topography of this location features a notable slope that descends until it merges with the rocks by the sea. This incline has been utilised, integrating it with spaces designated for housing, plazas, and the proposed school. Adjustments have been made to ensure compliance with accessibility standards, allowing everyone to enjoy the space, regardless of their abilities or status. Strategically, certain points of the terrain have been elevated to create natural terraces, differentiating public from private spaces and delineating the pathways that connect the ground-level housing.
The intervention has blurred the boundary between the urban environment and the natural landscape offered by the park and the sea. This has enabled the design of routes that traverse the new buildings, some of which face towards public spaces, creating recreational areas and amenities for the community, such as cosy bars and shops. From the outset, the public space has been conceived as that urban territory where every individual has the right to move and remain freely, a principle that permeates the entire project. Furthermore, the buildings have been designed to open up and align with the surrounding views, thus framing the landscape and offering the opportunity to enjoy it from any angle.
The notion of continuity in the pathways of the urban environment is also expressed through water, a crucial element for understanding this project. It is used to preserve the entire green area surrounding the intervention, utilising the surplus to traverse both the interior and exterior of the building. This element accompanies the development of the intervention, culminating at the sea, just as the urban paths lead to a small jetty.
construction element of the Ribeira Sacra .03
SOCALCOS
It is known that wine has been cultivated in the geographical area located in the interior of Galicia, called Ribeira Sacra, since Roman times. However, it is estimated that it was not until the 10th century that the cultivation began on terraced fields (socalcos).
The primary objective of this work is to analyse the different construction solutions of wine architecture, particularly focusing on the socalcos found in Ribeira Sacra.
To this end, four vineyards are taken as references due to their representative and distinct characteristics: the Cividade vineyard in Sober, the Adega Vella vineyard in Terra de Caldelas, some abandoned vineyards in Paradela, and a private vineyard in Belesar.
The study examines the elements of structure, construction, social spaces, communication, pathways, landscape, and local culture.
plant layout of the Belesar vineyard, or Saviñao
hillside landscape, San Facundo de Ribas de Miño
layout of O Penedo, Sil Canyon
abandoned vineyard, Paradela
construction detail of a socalco
construction process of a socalco
CLUB MARINA
project on the shores of Lake Zalew Zebrzydowice in Lubin
This project involves a public and private refuge that offers a tranquil escape and is strategically located on land overlooking Lake Zalew Zemborzycki. Despite being within the city, it feels isolated and contrasts with urban density, providing exceptional views of a nature reserve. It is an ideal place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The design is based on the investigation of an ancient river that gave rise to the current lake in 1936. The shallow depth of the lake affects the types of boats that can access it, which influences the design and dimensions of the architectural project.
To maintain the landscape harmony, the building’s location is suggested to integrate seamlessly without harming the natural surroundings. The aim is to create a visual surprise as one approaches, gradually revealing its structure and stunning views.
The architecture intertwines with the landscape; roofs are concealed, and guests explore mural pathways and lush courtyards. Privacy is promoted, and an enriching experience is offered to visitors, providing relief from a sense of confinement.
The project’s approach goes beyond architecture; it seeks a cohesive integration between the new buildings and the lake promenade environment, considering both landscape and architectural elements to create a space where nature and architecture coexist in perfect harmony.
cross-section
exploded axonometric
student residence in Lublin, Poland .05
DOM KULTURY
The proposed building will have a compact morphology and is located in the centre of Lublin. It arises from the need to meet the student housing demand for students from nearby areas while also aiming to create a space that fosters cultural exchange between students and the community. The building is developed vertically, linking the various necessary uses: administrative offices and student accommodation. It is strategically situated close to all services and both public and private study locations.
To alleviate zoning restrictions, the building has been set back from the street, creating an internal courtyard that extends out from the main volume of the building towards the park, attracting visitors towards it. The courtyard is framed by an elegant lattice structure that forms a permeable envelope. The trusses transition from the exterior to the interior, forming an attractive pedestrian entrance that connects the community with the university. The placement of a gleaming glass and aluminium canopy offers a rich and distinctive architectural complexity across the thirteen levels. There is ample space for cultural facilities and various types of rooms for students, thereby fostering innovation, learning, and a strong sense of community on campus.
A robust palette of low-maintenance materials, comprising concrete, glass, and steel on the exterior, combined with honey-coloured wood and colourful accents on the interior, has been selected. There is a large green area in the centre and throughout all horizontal spaces of the building’s exterior, creating a structure that blends modern materials with the most natural native plants of Poland.
BODEGA EN PEÑAFIEL
Hispalyt Ceramic Forum Competition 2022/2023 honourable mention, School of Architecture of A Coruña
The project originates from *CORAZÓN DE RIBERA*, an exceptional site located in the Golden Mile, beneath the majesty of the Peñafiel Castle. This region, renowned for the ancient art of winemaking, has successfully embodied its expertise in every bottle of wine produced. Nestled in a tranquil valley, surrounded by limestone and traversed by winding rivers, this project takes advantage of land well-suited for grape cultivation.
The winery, inspired by the ancient traditions of the region, integrates into its surroundings through a design that respects nature and reflects generational wisdom. The exterior façades, made of exposed brick, conceal an insulation system known as Structura-GHAS, allowing for a unique architectural expression. The internal layout is meticulously planned to guide visitors through the wine production process, culminating in a sensory experience in the tasting and aging area, where the connection between wine and land is emphasised.
The building, constructed with two styles of brick to control light, seeks a natural interaction with the vegetation, while the roof takes the shape of a pool, retaining water for sustainable use. This winery stands as a living testament to the art of viticulture and an invitation to immerse oneself in a unique experience that merges history, nature, and knowledge passed down through the centuries.
overview of the winery and its surroundings, Peñafiel
exploded axonometric
1_Grape harvesting
2_Destemming
3_Crushing
4_Maceration of the must and grape skins
5_Malolactic fermentation
5*_Aging
6_Bottling
7_Transport for sale or remains in the winery for tastings
wine production process
interior render ground floor plan
BIBLIOTECA PARA EL SIGLO XXI
Ceramic Forum Hispalyt 2023/2024 competition
Honourable mention for the Higher Technical School of Architecture of
A library can be defined, from a strictly etymological point of view, as a place where books are kept. However, this project aims to go beyond that, creating a space that inspires and welcomes all those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In the heart of Zamora, there is an ideal location for this purpose: Plaza de La Marina, a space notable for being a link between the historic centre and the university campus. The design of AUDARE follows the diagonal flow of Calle de Santa Clara, becoming a natural extension of the city that invites passers-by to immerse themselves in a space where leisure and culture coexist harmoniously.
The building is organised into two floors, carefully designed to maximise functionality and aesthetics. The ground floor, made of solid brick walls with a permeable bond, stands out as a multi-functional space, adapted to the changing needs of the community. Equipped with movable panels, this level can be transformed for various simultaneous uses, from conferences and exhibitions to interactive workshops. What makes this space unique is its ability to be both interior and exterior, creating a fluid interaction with the urban environment. In contrast, the first floor houses the more private and tranquil spaces of the library, dedicated to work and reading. This floor is wrapped in a lattice that filters direct sunlight, providing a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere for users. The lattice not only acts as solar protection but also integrates the surrounding vegetation, creating synergy between the architecture and the natural landscape.
A standout feature inside this floor is a majestic, large quejigo tree, which not only provides an impressive visual presence but also organically divides the functional spaces. This tree breaks the monotony of the structure, becoming a focal point that invites contemplation and connection with nature, reaffirming the design’s commitment to sustainability and the well-being of its users.
majestuoso quejigo de gran porte, que no aporta una impresionante presencia visual, que también divide los espacios funcionales manera orgánica. Este árbol rompe la monotola estructura, convirtiéndose en un punto que invita a la contemplación y a la conecon la naturaleza, reafirmando el compromidiseño con la sostenibilidad y el bienestar usuarios.
SITUACIÓN
DESPEJADO
La planta baja se abre completamente al público. Los paneles móviles se retraen, creando un área amplia y accesible ideal para eventos como mercados y ferias. Esta disposición elimina las barreras entre el interior y el exterior, permitiendo una utilización pública, plena y dinámica.
El espacio adopta un carácter semipúblico. Los paneles se organizan para permitir acceso controlado, creando un ambiente propicio para exposiciones y eventos abiertos al público bajo ciertas condiciones. Esta disposición mantiene un equilibrio entre accesibilidad
construction detail
DETALLE CONSTRUCTIVO
STRUCTURE AND EXTERNAL ELEMENTS
E.01 REiNfoRCED CoNCRETE foUNDATioN
E.02 SoLiD BRiCk WALL iRiS SYSTEM
E.03 PiNE SLiDiNg PARTiTioN
E.04 REiNfoRCED CoNCRETE STRUCTURE
E.05 CERAMiC LATTiCE WALL
E.06 CURTAiN WALL WiTh TRiPLE gLAziNg
E.07 SoLAR RoLL-UP ShUTTER
INTERIOR ELEMENTS
EI.01 Air Conditioning System
EI.02 Extruded Polystyrene Insulation
EI.03 Perforated Gypsum Board Ceiling
EI.04 Hanging Lights
EI.05 Oak Wood Laminate Flooring
ROOFING
Cu.01 Prefabricated Panel
Cu.02 Plots
Cu.03 Waterproofing Membrane
Cu.04 Geotextile Membrane
HLYKKJAS
BUILDER Architecture Competition
Ski and snow cabin in Kröfluvegur, Iceland
The meander, a curve, a turn in nature, a place where the flow of water almost comes to a standstill before continuing its journey down the riverbed. That is what this intervention aims to create: a place to be, to rest, to feel comfortable, and then be ready to continue your activities in this magnificent place called Krafla.
For this reason, we believe that the shape of the paths leading to the main building and the shape of the building itself follow the image of Icelandic rivers throughout the year. At certain times, they are completely frozen; at others, only on the surface. When spring arrives, they begin to thaw, creating different meanders, varying in width and shape amid nature. The wonderful thing is that every time this process occurs, it is different. The water always takes the easiest path.
Our intention with this intervention is to meet all needs within a compact volume, protected from the harsh weather that could create a poor experience for the user. To achieve this, we have utilised the curves of the river and the different volumes to shield people from the strong and familiar winds of this region, as well as from the summer sun.
We do not want our building to be used only in winter; we know that the surrounding area has much to offer, such as the Krafla crater, this magnificent source of heat that we will take advantage of, as we will show you later. We have also considered the ski resort, adding new routes and locating our building at the end of one of them, so you can arrive skiing.
PHOTOGRAPHY
architecture and landscape photography
During my travels across Europe and Galicia, I have compiled a collection of photographs that reflect my desire to discover unique framing—those that harmonise the overall composition or utilise architecture and the environment as a framework that directs attention to the desired focal point. I seek a balance of colours and materials.
