T stands for Transformation.
In a series of conceptually related designs, we propose new solutions for residential developments in Central America.
In the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica, it already is a common practice to informally reuse residential buildings for office spaces or to add an area of practice within the residential environment, thus creating work & live conditions in one single place. Most of the informal and sometimes temporary or makeshift constructions result in an overall fragmented image of the city without any concern towards architectural integration.
This project proposes a formalized office extension in San Pedro, east of the central districts of San Jose. Besides the architectural modifications that are proposed by the bioclimatic building design, we put an emphasis on densification within the predominantly socially fragmented and socially segregated urban environment. We intend to mix functions and maximize the built program in order to approach a more inclusive and multifunctional city.
Credit
Oliver Schütte with Ronald Carvajal.
Structural Engineering: Karla Ortiz.
San Jose, Costa Rica, 2009.