1970, Madrid , Spain
A design-and-build construction and development project for a major housing complex conceived as forming a plurifunctional neighbourhood, inspired by a view of social factors that was very much in the spirit of its time. 50% of the surface area was devoted to community uses, circulation and gardens. This meant that although the density was relatively high, it was absorbed by the vertical distribution.
The project applies the modular system developed by the Taller de Arquitectura in earlier schemes, combining cubic volumes in space in such a way that the outcome is never a juxtaposition of identical housing blocks. The distribution of the volumes, both in plan and elevation, is based on strict geometrical laws, pursuing diversity yet avoiding any sensation of the spontaneous growth of the structures. The cubic modules of the housing were laid out in such a way as to give the maximum possible contact with the exterior. Communications between the groups of housing were organized on different levels, by means of elevated squares and porticoed areas. The terms of the setting up of the self-running cooperative development company were deemed unacceptable by Madridès Francoist authorities, and in effect, although not in law, this prevented the elaboration and execution of the idea.
