Final Visualisation of the Site with Pods, and Ribbon
Final Model Making - Photography
For my project, that involves being given a site within Barcelona and exploring various problems in the area. My site for this project is La Mina, a district of Barcelona, Spain, located in the north-eastern section of the city.
After exploring a range of challenging issues within La Mina, I have decided to pursue the quality of education due to the recent impact on the future of Gypsy children and the lack of employment opportunities as they grow up.
Throughout this document, I will show the thought process behind my decisions that led me to explore the improvement of urban space within the La Mina area.
Breif
La Sagrada Família
5.4km away
Plaça de Catalun7km away
La Pedrera-Casa Milà
6km away
Neightbourhood Context
Land Use Map
Existing Strengths and Characters
palm trees on the streets
art mural on the flat’s wall
sports and leisure facility with a football court
school provided a colourful court for football and basketball
some of the playgrounds equipment is quite good
Residents can easily access the ground, courts, and open spaces for recreational activities
Existing Issues in La Mina: A Closer Look at the Challenges
Trashes
A lot of inappropriate graffiti on the walls
Implementing the SDGs for La Mina can help bring life back to the area
Involving the community in all aspects of the planning and implementation of sustainable development initiatives in La Mina will help ensure that the needs of the community are met, leading to long-term success
5 SDGs
The proposed intervention aims to redesign the urban public space to better accommodate people and children by transforming it into a functional area serving as a meeting point, playground, and relaxation spot amidst the bustling city environment.
This redesign is intended to improve pedestrian flow, create designated playgrounds where children can play safely, and enhance the overall usability of the space.
Neighbourhood Interventions
1
Under the Forest Hub : Designed for university students, will offer a peaceful park where they can connect with nature.
School + Playscape Street Hub: Creating a space of the kindergarten, with the playful ground where children start to explore and learn there
Car-Friendly Zone Hub: By removing the car park, we can promote bike lanes, scooters, and outdoor gym equipment. This will create a large playground for the community where people can get the social interaction
Sport Hub: While children and adults love football, adding a futsal pitch. Futsal, with its intensity and ball interaction, is popular among the Spanish.
5
Performance Hub: Adding murals that promote relaxation and a sense of community. This encourages safer interactions among residents. 4
7
8
Greenful Hub: To address the issue of social exclusion, encouraging residents to create gardens, wildlife areas, and farms, fostering a sense of belonging.
Multi-generational Playground Hub - provide a playspace with open playgrounds for kids, game-based areas for teenagers and exercise equipment for the elderly.
Universe Hub of Toddlers: A dedicated space for young children to exercise, learn, explore, and socialize with family and friends.
At the present
Existing Issues
- lack of gathering points
- empty space
- a few of green space
- poor entrances
- lack of place to sit
Recommendations and Suggestions for Future
The program envisions a peaceful and spacious park environment where visitors can meaningfully connect with nature, enhancing well-being and fostering community engagement.
The future vision for urban spaces prioritizes creating and preserving green areas to improve residents’ and students’ quality of life, offering recreational opportunities and supporting biodiversity.
To achieve this vision, the park will focus on environmental awareness and conservation through guided nature walks and workshops.
It will be designed for inclusivity, featuring wheelchair-accessible paths, seating areas, and facilities, ensuring accessibility for all ages and abilities.
Underground the Forest:
At the present
Existing Issues
- one of the L-shaped buildings is derelict
- empty space
- lack of green space
- poor entrances
- lack of gathering points
Recommendations and Suggestions for Future
The program aims to create a multi-functional space that blends preschool, primary school, daycare, and indoor play, centered around a vibrant playground where Gypsy children can joyfully explore and learn.
The future vision of this urban space is one of inclusivity, where education and play coexist harmoniously, fostering a nurturing environment for learning and social interaction.
To achieve this vision, interventions include cultural sensitivity training for educators and the development of a playful outdoor area equipped with age-appropriate, safe, and stimulating equipment tailored to the needs of Gypsy children.
Schools + Playscape Street: 2
At the present
Existing Issues
- overcrowding by a car park
- empty space - a few of green space
- poor entrances
- lack of place to sit
Recommendations and Suggestions for Future
The proposed program envisions an urban transformation where car spaces are replaced with bike lanes, scooter areas, and outdoor gym equipment, creating a vibrant and health-focused community playground.
This future vision promotes sustainable mobility and encourages an active lifestyle by installing diverse outdoor fitness facilities and enhancing safety measures, such as traffic calming and clear signage, to ensure a secure and engaging environment for all residents.
To achieve this vision, we will partner with fitness equipment providers to install outdoor gym facilities tailored to various age groups and fitness levels. Additionally, we will introduce safety measures, including traffic calming features, clear signage, and well-defined pedestrian zones, to create a secure environment that supports sustainable mobility and active living.
Car-Friendly Zone Hub:
At the present
Existing Issues
- poor of the playground equipment
- empty space
- a few of green space
- lack of place to sit
Recommendations and Suggestions for Future
The program’s enhancement through the addition of a futsal pitch reflects the sport’s popularity within the Spanish community, aiming to create a lively sports hub that promotes active lifestyles and community connections.
The future vision for the urban area centers on establishing this futsal pitch as a key feature, catering to the widespread passion for football among all age groups.
To achieve this, interventions include organizing inclusive futsal leagues for both children and adults, ensuring the pitch is accessible and accommodating for players of varying abilities, and fostering regular engagement and skill development within the community.
At the present
Existing Issues
- lack of gathering points
- empty space
- a few of green space
- poor entrances
Recommendations and Suggestions for Future
The Greenful Hub initiative addresses social exclusion by empowering residents to engage in community gardening, wildlife conservation, and urban farming.
This program envisions an urban area where a shared sense of responsibility fosters community connectivity, enhancing overall well-being.
To achieve this vision, the initiative will designate accessible green spaces for all residents to participate in gardening, wildlife areas, and small farms. Collaborating with environmental organizations, the program will also implement wildlife conservation efforts, creating habitats that support birds, insects, and other local wildlife, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and harmonious urban environment.
At the present
Existing Issues
- inaccessible spaces- unused space
- a few of green space
- paths that don’t go where people want to go
- streets that are too wide
Recommendations and Suggestions for Future
The program envisions a vibrant urban space where artistic elements, like colorful murals, and a redesigned Performance Hub, enhance aesthetics and foster a welcoming environment.
By encouraging community involvement, these interventions aim to promote relaxation, safety, and meaningful connections, ultimately strengthening the bonds among residents and contributing to the area’s overall well-being.
To achieve this vision, the program will incorporate vibrant murals and redesign the Performance Hub to create visually appealing, community-centric spaces. These interventions will actively involve residents, fostering a sense of ownership and strengthening community bonds. By prioritising aesthetics and community engagement, the program aims to cultivate a safer, more relaxed environment where meaningful interactions and connections can thrive.
Existing Issues
- lack of gathering points
- empty space
- a few of green space
- poor entrances
At the present
Recommendations and Suggestions for Future
The proposed urban hub envisions a vibrant space that unites all age groups by offering open playgrounds for children, game-based areas for teenagers, and specialized exercise equipment for the elderly.
To achieve this vision, the design will prioritise safety with rubberized surfaces, proper lighting, and secure play equipment, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
The inclusion of greenery will enhance the environment, providing shade and aesthetic appeal, fostering a strong sense of community and well-being.
At the present
Existing Issues
- lack of gathering points
- unused space
- a few of green space
Recommendations and Suggestions for Future
Our program is dedicated to nurturing toddlers’ holistic development through a vibrant and supportive community setting. Envisioning the “Universe Hub of Toddlers,” we aim to create a dynamic urban space where young children can thrive through physical activity, cognitive growth, and positive social interactions.
This area will be a safe and enriching environment featuring age-appropriate play structures, soft surfaces, and interactive elements.
To bring this vision to life, we will host educational programs such as storytime sessions and interactive workshops, designed by child development experts to stimulate and support every child’s growth.
Physical Representation through Processing of the Site Model
scale 1:4000
3 Pegasus Trail -100
Architects
A new typology of open public space, “an urban toy for the city” to show the section
"An urban toy for the city" . Following the studio's idea that "Play is not only for kids," 100architects created an urban playscape for the city and its people of all ages.
It was done in a bright and powerful yellow colour, an active colour that instantly draws the attention of pedestrians and may generate a sense of enjoyment, vigour, and optimism, to make it stand out from its surrounding setting.
A joyful series of tough exercises along the yellow ribbon route that helps build and challenge those who dare to toy’s physical talents and mental abilities.
All of the Play Route's fun components have been thoroughly researched and planned to form a sequential circuit of events comprised of demanding tasks to be completed one after the other in a linear fashion.
This manner, we have a lower level of complexity in the entertaining components for kids aged 3 to 6 at the horse's tail, and it progressively grows as they go closer to the horse's head, providing more
City Thread
Location of Project:
850 Market Street, Suite 200
Chattanooga
Seating
It creates the playful moment that serve as informal seating for any visitors to engages
Performance By placing a wood platform on top of the bench, tiny stages can be provided. The Hub To allow people to feel comfort in the urban area bring the table to create the club events, eat and sit there Movie Night There is a form of the film screenings or digital media art.
The Chattanooga alley, once an unused passageway, has been transformed into a vibrant, visually and socially active area in the downtown
In the downtown area, City Thread has produced a new urban landmark. Several tenants have moved into these establishments on both sides of the alley with the aim of making use of the neighbouring area they provide for their clients.
In the spring of 2019, the area was also arranged to provide public events and programming from community organisations, providing chances for the public to engage and experience a sense of belonging downtown. 2 3 4
The design is built in such a manner that everyone, including those who use the alley, those who host events there, and those who administer it, can comprehend it and discover different ways to use it.
The project may be utilised by a wide range of individuals in Chattanooga over an extended period of time, even when the requirements of the community and those who rent the space change.
This will maintain the alley busy and exciting for the neighbourhood over time.
#1 sketch ideas for
- Triangle shapes
- Colours from ground
#2 sketch ideas for
- Circle shapes
- Colours from ground
Passion, strength, courage, warmth,
Joy, happiness, optimism, hope and
Optimism, confidence, enthusiasm and warmth
Sketch - design development #1
Truth, purity, cleansing, healing and protection
#3 sketch ideas for
- Rectangle shapes
- Colours from ground
Sketch: ideas development activities for ribbon with playgrounds
Cheer, satisfaction, excitement and warmth
Nature, freshness, new beginnings and growth
Positivity, reliability, enthusiasm, and friendliness
Sketch - design development #2
Enthusiasm, determination, bravery and comfort
Intellect, creativity, happiness and joy
Responsibility, wealth, forgiveness and energy
Vibes, protection, excitement, and kindness
Sketch - design development #3
Designing the development activities on the ribbon for playground
Another example of eye-catching and hyperstimulating design
A vibrant playground that draws attention by distinguishing out from its urban surroundings and serving as an urban attraction
Having the trichromatic colours scheme could involve using three colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel to create a balanced and visually appealing combination
Physical Conceptual: Playful Activities from the Ribbon
To the different challenges and levels of difficulty for different age groups in different areas of the activites
3D Model Digitally A Physical Model of the Conceptual
Lounge Seating
Exploring the forms of shapes from the pods
A diverse range of possibilities. From a various materials, a wide variety of shapes can be designed, allowing for the creation of any form of the pod.
- Organic pods are shaped like natural objects, such as plants, rocks, or animals.
- Spherical pods are often used for their properties and ability to maximise interior space.
- Cubical pods are another common shape, as they are simple to design and construct.
- Rectangular pods are a versatile and practical solution for a variety of needs.
- Cylindrical pods are often used for their sleek appearance and ability to provide unobstructed views.
- Triangular pods are a less common shape, but they can be used to create unique and eye-catching structures.
The Escape Pod / Podmakers
Grottos / Yun Hon
The Pod / Fathoms Architects
Gaia, Italy, / WASP
Tecla, Italy, Mario Cucinella Architects and WASP
Gaia, Italy, / WASP
Coco / ARCHWERK
Development Design of the Pods
from the three different types of foundations & the three different forms
facades ideas on pods
#1 - Conceptual Model of The Pod
Key words for the concept - futuristic, contemporary, playful, modular, portable, and enjoyable
#2 - Conceptual Model of The Pod
Key words for the concept - modern, stylish, flexible, transportable, and entertaining
Site & Street Views From
This Specific Area
It shows that there is more wide open space on the streets with the absence of benches, tables, and a small playground. This street is plain and dull, as the public space does not welcome social activities and interactions. Additionally, there are inappropriate graphics on the graffiti walls, making residents and school children feel uncomfortable outdoors. Furthermore, there are fewer green spaces in this area, posing environmental issues. The presence of unused spaces makes it challenging for people to access the street and enjoy the surroundings.
Improving the urban intervention for the whole site
Selection for the specific site
Existing places
Size of this area Bubbles diagram Access to the site
Our design intervention comprises five distinctive Pods intricately positioned alongside a Mirrored Ribbon that gracefully winds through the site.
Each POD is thoughtfully crafted to cater to the educational needs of children aged 3 to 11. The interiors are envisioned as vibrant learning spaces, accommodating a limited number of 10 to 15 Gypsy children in each pod. Our commitment to fostering education is visually represented through colourful and engaging educational materials within the Pods.
The Mirrored Ribbon, inspired by traditional Spanish roofs, not only adds aesthetic appeal but also serves as a multifunctional pathway. Through detailed visualizations, we illustrate how the ribbon creates diverse spaces for play, climbing, seating, and more. Its flexibility allows for dynamic shapes, enhancing the overall visual experience.
& Primary School of the Pods
Indoor Play of the Pod
Preschool
Nursery & Daycare of the Pods
Designing for A Playful Pod
a physical model of a pod at a 1:10 scale
Physical Representation Through Processing of The Pod
using the materials - laser wood cutter, threads, versatile plastic,and transparent polyester paperhanger
