REY JUAN CARLOS I UNIVERSITY, IN ALCORCÓN -MADRID.

Location: Alcorcón, Madrid

Author: José Seguí Perez. Architect – ESTUDIO SEGUI

Project date: 2022

Order: University Rey Juan Carlos I

Surface Area: 10.000m2

The commissioning of the project for the construction of a “Multi-purpose Building” on the University Campus of Alcorcón-Madrid, was the result of a National Competition organised by the Rey Juan Carlos I University to develop a series of teaching and research programmes, also trying to resolve the relationship with the rest of the adjoining Departmental Buildings and the new access required for the Campus.

This proposal has tried to solve not only these educational objectives and their relationship with the existing buildings, but also the required sustainability both in its construction processes and in the solution to the problems of sunlight on its different facades by means of expanded metal mesh elements of the “deploye” type with different openings according to the orientation of each one of them. Therefore that interior filtering of natural light is achieved through a system of adjustable pergolas, making it possible for the sun to penetrate the main courtyard space in winter and be reflected on the interior façade of the south-facing laboratory building, illuminating the curtain wall of the large north-facing hall of the classroom wing. This solution also allows zenithal light to filter through to all the floors thanks to the different courtyards and light openings located in the large entrance hall, distribution hall, lounge and exhibition hall that spatially connects the ground and first floors.

Hence this proposal also seeks to regularise and unify the southern elevation of the Campus, prioritising this orientation and partially concealing the northern service road and the disparity of image caused by the rear façades of the adjoining Departmental Buildings.

Its volumetric composition is resolved through the relationship established between the base of its stone body and the semi-transparent prismatic volume of metal mesh that acts as an enveloping skin, creating a play of light and shadow with attractive contrasts and shades. Structurally, there are two parts per floor separated by a longitudinal courtyard, organised in turn into two centrelines that create large open spaces to allow the necessary flexibility required by the complex distribution of the laboratories and the set of classrooms of the extensive teaching programme, inserting a third central element that gives access to the connecting walkway with the rest of the departmental buildings.