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Media-TIC - Enric Ruiz - Geli, Cloud-9
Elaborating on the term ‘performative architecture’, Media-TIC designed in Barcelona by Spain-based architectural firm Cloud-9 imbibes high technology and entrepreneurial new economy spirit and creates an element of interaction to incubate, generate, exhibit and invite new ideas and developments in ICT.
We are currently witnessing a multitude of architectural proposals that have been conceived entirely in the virtual realm. These proposals celebrate the possibilities of digital architecture in every ruled surface, void and triangulated plane. A trend is emerging that distinguishes the role of digital technology from the conventional building form. Armed with an enhanced materialistic agenda, they have redefined the notions of interactive architecture; far removed from the modernist glass box. Indicative of this trend, the technologically sophisticated environment of Media-TIC is not further away from this imagery of the futuristic world of resource exploration.
Set in the new science and technology district of 22@Barcelona, Media- Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación” ( TIC)- by Spain-based architectural firm Cloud 9 is a generative structure that comprises both office space for ICT business and exhibition space for general public. The core activities transformed as a concept for the built expression of the structure. A composition of EFTE panels amidst a framework of steel, Media-TIC is intended to serve as a nucleus of 3572sqm, connecting the Media and TIC clusters of the 22@ Barcelona district, a communication hub and meeting point for is for businesses and institutions inthe world of information and communication technologies (ICTs), as well as for the media and audio-visual sectors. According to the architects, “It is a project that represents a unique opportunity to recover the productive character of Poblenou and to create an important scientific, technological and cultural centre that will convert Barcelona into a leading platform for innovation and the information economy at international level.”
The volumetric dialogue traces a radically experimental and technology-driven agenda as a part of its creation. The metaphoric reality is seen as a 40-metre transparent cube, clad in a warped mesh of steel cables and ETFE bubbles. The facade’s, a translucent expression, encases a dynamic entrance to the building. An apt example of the credo,” Form follows function”, the poetic intent is also functional in nature; it serves as a basis for two very unique environmental controls. It not only expresses what technology is about, but helps it transform as an experience factor. The creative input extended beyond the conventional parameters of facade design. The cladding interplay of the facade is calibrated to filter high solar loads on south-western and south-eastern facades. The choice of material lies in the ambiguity-an intelligent responsive system that deliberates both on transparency and solar protection. The forms generated on both the facades reflect different patterned configurations. On the south-eastern façade, this intelligence takes the form of what Cloud 9 are calling the “ETFE Diaphragm" configuration, while on the south-western it takes the form of a system described as the “ETFE Lenticular” configuration. Either ways, the performance of the ETFE skin has been enhanced with light meter sensors that can automatically activate pneumatic mechanisms in response to the presence of solar energy. A layering of three materials is integrated to compose the ETFE Diaphragm on the south-eastern elevation. The first layer of ETFE is transparent, but the second and third layers have a reverse-pattern “polka-dot” design which, when inflated or deflated, makes the façade transparent or opaque, thereby blocking further solar penetration. On the south-western side, the EFTE enticular configuration deploys a formation of a series of longitudinal bags. When the when sun strikes the sensors, the automated system instantly injects the pillows with a dense cloud of nitrogen gas, to near instantly diffuse the sun’s rays. In all, the project uses 2,500sqm of ETFE cladding, achieving energy savings of 20 per cent. The remaining façades receive only three hours of sunlight a day and use internal screen-type blinds for sun protection. The fitout has been tailored as an honest expression of “an architecture of ‘performance’”, as described by Enric Ruiz-Geli, Principal, Cloud 9.
Exploiting every possible tool to achieve the radical idea, the architects fabricated the structure as a distributed network of supports, refined parametrically. The core structure is composed of four rigid, braced frames, 14.25m apart, from which the building’s eight floorplates are essentially hung with cables. Exposed as a refined grid on the building’s facade, the envelope allows an openness and flexibility in the interiors.
Ascending eight storeys, the 38m high building is separated into three sections of varying density; a total space of 23,104sqm.The South-eastern elevation, offset from the road with the pedestrian plaza as the buffer, is articulated as the main entrance to the building. The utilitarian plan starts on an interactive note with the ICT Centre-a communication exhibition zone open to public consisting of the lobby, reception area, reception offices and a restaurant. The two sun-facing facades lead access to this zone. Futher, the plan reveals an auditorium for 300 people on the first floor while the low-density central levels are occupied by office spaces. The higher levels comprise of more offices, roof terraces and courtyards.
The provision for energy efficiency is as dynamic as the facade aesthetic it captures. Apart forn the ‘green’ rationale behind the facade, there is the distributed intelligence of the building’s systems; there are more than 300 sensors in the Media-TIC to automatically regulate light levels and temperature. As a real engagement of the architect and exploration of the craft, the program is scripted as a part of new era of architectural conception—of modernism revisited.
The design process that was employed here typifies the new forms being explored and expressed as the burgeoning aesthetic of digital architecture. Segments from the patchwork geometry of EFTE panels have been manipulated to create an element of interactions between technology, design and users. The complex geometry shares an understanding of space, technology to negotiate a graphically instructional exterior. This change to the suburb mainly involves articulating intangible in a building; of the facade extends beyond the aesthetic to focus on the experiential- collectively, the suburb is transformed, ultimately providing a sustainable future for tself but also for the city.
Project: | Media-TIC |
|---|---|
Location: | 22@Barcelona, Spain |
Architect: | Enric Ruiz-Geli, Cloud 9 |
Structure: | Agustí Obiol, Director, BOMA |
Installations: | PGI Grup, Director, David Tusset |
Technical Direction: | Técnics-G3, Director, Josep María Forteza y Victor Forteza |
Project Manager: | PAMIAS, Àngel Rotea |
Completion of Project: | January 2009 |
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