The roof of Innovation
“The roof of Innovation” | Europan Europe 14.
Alcoy (España)_Plaza Al-Azraq’s.
Massimiliano Cafagna, Giovanni Fiore, Giulio La Notte & Fabrizio Calia.
Plaza Al-Azraq’s location and connecting transportation paths, inspired the idea of transforming an empty area into a dynamic smart public space, Alcoy’s modern center.
An immense, transparent roof is thought to be the main actor in the transformation of the Plaza.
The roof of Innovation.
It’s surface creates the edges of a missing consolidated block providing North Alcoy’s Center District a contemporary scenographic landmark.
The roof is able to store enough solar and thermal energy to satisfy buildings needs, provides adequate natural sunlight and shadow during all seasons.
Below the light covering, a decision was made to split the intervention in three buildings.
This optimizes the possibility of changing locations, dimensions and functions of the same, during the life of the Plaza.
Furthermore it’s easier to control energy self-sufficiency of smaller buildings and plan a more efficient construction schedule by building first the buildings that perform more urgent functions.
For instance, building the underground parking, which provides an estimated of 1000 parking lots for residents and visitors, is the most crucial construccion to be built.
These three buildings, with productive and cultural functions, are characterized by curtain walls and Klimawall®, a technological facade that combines the use of wood and raw soil to create an antiseismic, bioclimatic, ecological and economic modular structure.
Using local materials, assures sustainable technology in production, construction and even recycling.
The strategic area is thought as a whole equipped plaza linked to the project area by the Railway Monument axis.
This imaginary line is drawn on the pavement of the plaza as if it was a railway. It ends under the roof and enters in one of the buildings.
The green space is set in the South-East side of the area. The orientation offers shadow to the public space and a correct insolation of the vegetation.
Part of these areas are intended to collect and clean rain water through the process of phytoremediation, a natural process that cleans up water and soil using specific plants compatible to Alcoy’s climate.
Connecting Carrer Pare Poveda to Carrer Juan Gil Albert and Avenida de la Hispanidad, transforms empty space into the new centrality of Alcoy.
A modern and equipped open space where productive and cultural functions generate innovative and well thought, jobs opportunities and touristic attractions. All under one light roof, symbol of this transformation.
