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The Revival of Tradition - 'Crafts Direct' in Granada, Spain

Part 2 Project 2003
Matt Clay
Anna Barbieri
 Oxford Brookes University Oxford | UK
The layers of historical sediment are revealed and twisted into continuous forms, metaphorically rooting the building into its culturally rich surroundings. In producing such sinuous forms, new construction techniques are woven closely with traditional ones; fluid circulation seamlessly bleeds spaces into one another, allowing visitor and local alike to meander through or around the site.

I wanted to create a dramatic yet engaging architectural environment by linking the front and back of the site by introducing a unifying element - a spine - off which would hang all the functions, structure and circulation. Maintaining a sense of scale in such a dense urban area was important but revealing the site’s history was critical; the relationship with the earth afforded vivid contrasts with light and dark, sky and ground.


Matt Clay
Anna Barbieri

In 1994 the historical area of Albaicin, located in front of the Alhambra Palaces in Granada, was designated by UNESCO as one of the very few 'Heritage of Mankind' sites for its unique architectural traits.

The design brief was mutated from an existing competition to provide a range of shops and workshops for the original craftsmanship typical of this area. The 'Crafts Direct' Centre would be equipped with public facilities such as a public square, an information office, a small museum of historical artefacts, a flamenco dance school and a restaurant.

The site, which enjoys spectacular views over to the Alhambra Palaces, was chosen also for the potential afforded by its sloping rear elevation, and its connection to the existing urban fabric.

Tutor(s)
2003
Perspective overview showing the skeletal structure of the Crafts Direct Centre in the context of the site.
Site section and concept models showing the relationship across the Albaicin river valley between the site and Alhambra Palaces.
The view towards the Alhambra is framed by twisting wall and roof, focusing the visitors' attention towards the Centre's historic past.
The view from the Alhambra, showing a continuation of the dense, tightly packed urban scale surrounding the site.
The South-North computer generated section, showing the museum running under the open spaces above. These courtyards are fronted by the curving, red-cedar clad unifying wall.
The West-East section showing open courtyard adjacent to inhabited spaces butting up against the timber spine. The larger section shows a cut through the workshop bridge.
A hand-drawn, pencil-on-paper section tries to reflect the crafted nature of both internal and external spaces, and the potential for exploration and intrigue.
The West-East sectional elevation of the Church of St. Nicolas with the public plaza - the Mirador - in front of, and adjacent to, Crafts Direct.
Overall site plan showing the 3 main outdoor, public spaces bleeding into one another. Routes around the site are preserved and augmented with paths through it.
Section showing: upper level - restaurant; ground level - market space; lower ground - workshops & basement - museum.
The Mirador plaza flows into the open plan, unenclosed ground floor market space, and down flights of steps into the main courtyard space.
The workshops form a 'live' exhibition enabling interaction and trade between local and visitor, while also allowing constant reference back to the Alhambra.
A stripped-down view of the workshop 'bridge' over the main courtyard, showing structural steel tubes and glulam timber struts.
The skeletal spine of the building runs from front to back of the site; the inspiration for which is Piano's New Caledionian Visitor's Centre.
Traditional construction techniques have been integrated with modern ones; glazed walkways run along the spine-like wall and enable light and shadow to play on the wall in all levels.
Natural ventilation will play a key role; internal spaces open out onto shaded courtyards; wind scoops will cool lower ground and basement spaces. Natural finishes will give texture and warmth to internal spaces.
The Centre will be used for different purposes through both night and day. Impromptu flamenco performances can take place at various places in the site.
In memory of Layla Shamash - an amazing source of inspiration, support and guidance.
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