beyond your map

The real estate transaction aims to offset the block of flats' current use as a car warehouse. The proposed project consists of a T-shaped block with 12 modules, eliminating the possibility of incorporating interior courtyards and ensuring a clear orientation towards Sarrià Avenue. To regulate the extensive façade, vertical lattices are integrated to provide shading for the lower levels, while alternating terrace arrangements enhance its visual dynamism. The entire block is meticulously designed, adhering to the logical principles of concrete structures, showcasing a rigorous and well-planned architectural approach.

The building faces the challenge of accommodating an office program within a plot of land situated in a 19th-century urban fabric that was established shortly after the walls were demolished. The facade facing Ronda de la Universitat, which is oriented to the north, incorporates a glazed wall supported by metal enclosures. Interestingly, this design creatively interprets the municipal ordinances concerning building projections, gradually stepping back towards the central part of the facade. On the south-facing rear facade, a sunshade is integrated to mitigate the thermal impact of the sun's rays. The structural layout is optimized with a dual central row of pillars, allowing for spacious floor areas. A grid pattern of 0.90 x 0.90 meters enables a flexible distribution of the office program on each floor, achieved through removable partitions. Notably, the ground-floor pillars, intended for exhibition purposes, have a heightened and aesthetically refined section as they are visible elements of the building.

A compact eight-story building situated on a northern corner, including an attic, designed to fit a small space. Around 30% of the total floor area is designated for commercial use, while the remaining space is dedicated to 75m2 rent-controlled apartments. The back courtyard provides natural light and ventilation to the staircases and bedrooms of the apartments on the sides. The central apartment faces the street and two side streets, with east and west-facing openings for light. The northern side of this central apartment is closed off. One of the two attic apartments is a three-level unit with landscaped terraces and a swimming pool. Remarkably, despite a limited budget and a lack of industrial building resources, both the building's facade and apartment interiors feature exceptional design. This building received the FAD Architecture Award in 1966.

Walden 7 is a visionary housing project by Ricardo Bofill, repurposing an old cement factory into modern urban living. The fourteen-story cluster of apartments surrounds five courtyards, with two pools on top. Apartments enjoy views of both exterior and interior courtyards through bridges and balconies. The red-painted facade with large openings and vibrant courtyards enhances residents' experience.

Can you take in the panoramic view of Chapelle church while swimming at Bains du Centre? Yes, you can, thanks to architect Maurice Van Nieuwenhuyse's ingenious design. Despite the limited space and irregular site shape, he stacked two swimming pools on the upper floor. The pools are flooded with natural light, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive glazed sections on the roof. This remarkable architectural marvel still proudly preserves its original Art Deco elements.

Engineer Durieu's house, situated in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Brussels, was completed in 1954 with architect Dupuis' guidance, assisted by Simone Hoa. The 2007 renovation, led by Pascale Durieu, the owners' daughter, revitalized the property. The living room boasts a full-width balcony on the street side, while the second floor's deep cornice projection creates striking shadows. The house features concrete beams on round columns, with intentionally visible ground floor columns. The interior showcases artistic elements like varnished lath ceilings and sculpted walls with niches and shelves.

Built between 1937 and 1939 by architect Joseph Diongre, the town hall showcases impressive Modernist monumental architecture. It was originally planned in a neo-renaissance style in 1908 but faced delays due to the war. Restored in 2014 based on the original plans, the building features typical town hall elements like a high belfry, a bright public hall, and more. Diongre also designed the nearby Institut National de Radiodiffusion (INR), now Flagey. Visitors can explore the public spaces in this communal building.

This Modernist-style building, constructed between 1935 and 1938, was designed by architect Joseph Diongre after a national competition judged by prominent figures, including Victor Horta and Jean-Baptiste Dewin. Originally housing the INR (Institut National de Radiodiffusion) for 35 years, it featured a striking large turret, added by engineer Raymond Braillard, giving it the appearance of an ocean liner. After the radio's move in 1974, the building faced disuse but was saved from demolition, becoming a classified site in 1994 and eventually rescued by private and public investors in 1998.

The "Glass House," designed by architect Paul-Amaury Michel, is an iconic modernist building in Brussels. A perfect representation of avant-garde modernist architecture from the interwar period, it stands as one of Belgium's finest examples of utilizing glass and steel in construction.

The German pavilion showcases a revolutionary approach to spatial design, diverging entirely from traditional methods and embracing the potential of innovative metal pillar structures. Mies van der Rohe pushes this construction innovation to its visual limits, enabling the distribution of enclosing walls freely within the floor plan. Notably, the pavilion stands out for its exceptional choice of high-quality materials and vibrant colors, as well as the incorporation of two water sheets in the outdoor areas. This architectural masterpiece represents a bold departure from convention, embracing modern possibilities with artistic and functional flair.