Architectural Cases

The new Faculty of Tourism at the University of Málaga, conceptualized by Vaillo + Irigaray Architects, showcases an innovative design featuring grid-patterned concrete structures that encircle a series of distinctive courtyards. This expansive campus, situated in the western part of Málaga, provides over 22,900 square meters of academic and student amenities, reflecting a deep appreciation for the historical significance of cloisters and courtyards in both educational institutions and Mediterranean architectural traditions. The firm deliberately structured the faculty into various forms that open onto these internal courtyards, echoing a timeless design principle that fosters community and introspection.

The campus is organized into three primary concrete sections, each thoughtfully positioned to conform to the site's gentle topography, allowing for a subterranean parking facility. These rectangular volumes are allocated according to their specific functions, with each section encompassing a courtyard imbued with its own unique character. For instance, one volume is dedicated to lecture halls, another to administrative offices, and a third houses a lecture theatre, library, and dining area. The courtyards associated with the classrooms and offices are adorned with gravel gardens and concrete planters, while the southern courtyard, serving the cafeteria and auditorium, features a paved area with elegant rows of palm trees, offering diverse outdoor social settings.

A central atrium serves as the unifying core of the faculty, envisioned as an indoor courtyard, and is crowned by a distinctive sawtooth skylight that channels natural light through a ceiling composed of concrete beams. This central space is encircled by corridors that directly link to each volume's cloister, thus creating a cohesive and adaptable open area suitable for various gatherings and displays. Beyond the building's perimeter, a series of landscaped and paved slopes, including a botanical garden, are overlooked by windows integrated into the deep concrete grid, enhancing the connection between the indoor academic environment and the natural surroundings.

This architectural endeavor not only provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing academic environment but also subtly reinforces the importance of communal spaces and the integration of nature within urban educational settings. The thoughtful incorporation of courtyards and the strategic use of concrete demonstrate a harmonious balance between tradition and contemporary design, creating an inspiring atmosphere for learning and interaction.

In the vibrant Parisian suburb of Noisy-le-Sec, MXarchitecture has introduced an innovative residential concept known as '2in1 Houses'. This project features a pair of three-bedroom homes, cleverly designed to share a single suburban plot while maintaining individual privacy and functionality. The development aims to address contemporary urban density challenges through a fresh interpretation of back-to-back housing, blending modern living with sustainable design principles.

Architectural Innovation: The '2in1 Houses' Project in Noisy-le-Sec

In the burgeoning eastern suburbs of Paris, specifically Noisy-le-Sec, the ingenious minds at MXarchitecture, led by Emmanuel Choupis, have unveiled a groundbreaking residential endeavor: the '2in1 Houses'. This development, comprising two distinct yet conjoined three-bedroom family residences, stands as a testament to innovative space utilization and thoughtful design. Each home, spanning three levels with an additional basement, boasts its own private entrance, driveway, and balcony, ensuring a sense of individuality. A notable distinction is the rear-facing dwelling's exclusive access to a lush garden, providing a serene outdoor retreat.

A core design philosophy behind the '2in1 Houses' centers on enhancing residents' comfort and privacy. Stairwells and bathrooms are strategically positioned along the shared party wall, creating an effective acoustic buffer between the two homes. This thoughtful arrangement mitigates sound transmission, fostering a peaceful living environment. Emmanuel Choupis emphasized that this back-to-back configuration was not merely a design choice but a strategic decision to amplify the property's value while seamlessly integrating with the neighborhood's existing architectural vernacular and scale.

Choupis, reflecting on the project, articulated a keen interest in design solutions that tackle significant densification within established urban fabrics, especially when constrained by stringent regulations. He views these challenges as prime opportunities to forge an architecture that not only meets current needs but also harmoniously interacts with existing urban forms. This approach marks a departure from historical perceptions of back-to-back housing, which in early 20th-century England, faced criticism for cramped conditions and inadequate light and ventilation.

The '2in1 Houses' join a growing movement of architects, including British housing expert Peter Barber and Dutch architect Ronald Janssen, who are actively reimagining this housing typology. Both the front and rear facades of the Parisian homes are meticulously crafted as 'adjustable envelopes'. This allows residents unparalleled control over natural light, airflow, and thermal exposure, adapting to various environmental conditions.

The street-facing residence, encompassing 130 square meters and oriented northwest, features first-floor windows discreetly shielded by a dynamic timber louvre system, while its second story is strategically recessed to benefit from the roof's natural shading. Conversely, the 153-square-meter garden-facing home prioritizes openness, with expansive glazed doors and windows facilitating an effortless connection to the outdoors, where privacy concerns are naturally diminished.

The architectural ingenuity extends to the structural elements, with ground floors cleverly staggered to conform to the site's natural gradient, resulting in an engaging split-level interior. This design choice culminates in an upward-sloping roofline, adding to the building's distinctive aesthetic. Furthermore, MXarchitecture opted for concrete with a reduced cement content for the main structure and exterior, showcasing a commitment to sustainable construction. This material choice not only provides a robust framework but also contributes to the building's passive heating and cooling capabilities, complemented by the staircases acting as natural ventilation shafts. The architect highlighted that the building's inherent capacity for self-regulation effectively and sustainably responds to seasonal climate variations, embodying a holistic approach to modern, eco-conscious living.

The '2in1 Houses' project by MXarchitecture offers a compelling vision for future suburban development. By reinterpreting a historically challenged housing model, it demonstrates that density and livability are not mutually exclusive. The emphasis on integrated design for comfort, privacy, and environmental sustainability provides a blueprint for creating homes that are both innovative and responsible. This project serves as a reminder that architectural creativity, when coupled with a deep understanding of urban challenges and occupant needs, can lead to spaces that enrich lives and enhance communities, pushing the boundaries of conventional residential architecture.