Tropico

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

Project idea

Tropico is a restaurant concept for one of the old slaughterhouses of Madrid, Spain. The old slaughterhouse complex is now a cultural center where many artistic exhibitions and activities take place, however it is lacking a strong grastronomy experience that will hook the attendees. Tropico is that experience.

Project description

The project's design draws inspiration from balinese, hindu and javanese philosophy and architecture, using the concept of Tri-Mandala to its favor, to articulate the space in a symbolic yet functional way. Tri-Mandala tells us that spaces are divided into three realms, the public, the private and the intermediate. The space distribution follows this philosophy, and the architectural elements either close or open up the space depending on the area the client is at. The architectural design also features a strong landscaping intervention, that emulates the balinese tropical forest inside the slaughterhouse with lush green that takes the guests to a different world, alienating them from Madrid's busy atmosphere.

Technical information

To achieve this design, the materials include natural stone, preferably volcanic rock, and natural tropical wood. The materials are simple, because the focus should be on the shapes of the space and the architecture, like the cage like dining areas that resemble the onion domes of buildings like the Taj Mahal and the javanese Stupas. Lighting design is crucial in this project to enhace the experience, dim and indirect lighting favor this, to create a more intimate atmosphere.