The Gardens of Maudes

Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), School of Architecture (ETSAV), Valencia

Idea projektu

The project stems from a deep understanding of the building's historical relevance within the city of Madrid. It was an old hospital for the working class that featured lush gardens to help them improve faster. These gardens are considered architectural heritage by the Spanish government, however they are not taken care of. The project aims to fully recover the grandiosity and biological and architectural quality of these gardens, opening them to the public, creating a new climate shelter for a city like Madrid with rising temperatures in today's climate crisis, and reducing the heat island effect.

Popis projektu

To make the project come to life, a thorough analysis of the garden layout evolution took place. This helped shape the proposed layout, which harkens back to the 1960s layout, with a more organic style, reminiscent of romantic gardens from the 19th century. The landscaping includes color-rich species like Ginkgo, Photinia, Wisteria, Prunus cerasifera and many more that create a different atmosphere each season.

Technické informace

The gardens, though they have an evident historical aesthetic, feature sustainable and modern materials, that were also used less effectively at the time of their construction. Earthen pavement reinforces the natural and decadent feel of the gardens, while the traditional european granite blocks over a layer of sand is the preferred solution in the main axes of the gardens (this was a technique widely used in Madrid's sidewalks and strets, and the original architect of these gardens himself was very fond of granite). Additional elements like cast iron pergolas harken back to the new styles of the early 20th century in which this complex was built, and also provide support for plant species like wisteria or ivy.

Dokumentace

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