REMANSO CIVIC CENTER
EL REMANSO PROJECT SELECTED FOR THE SUPERIOR COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTS AWARDS
When the work you do is going to have a positive impact on society, the sense of fulfillment is twice as great. This is the case of the El Remanso civic center, set to become a meeting point for the residents of Cuatro Caminos. The rehabilitation process has transformed the former café, which had fallen into disuse, into a youth center. A project we have carried out at Desarrolla Obras y Servicios and which has just been shortlisted for the Awards organized each year by the Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España (CSCAE).Specifically, the recovery of this public space has been included in the building category. The combination of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability has played a key role in the selection of the project.The space is located in José Toubes Pego square, right in the heart of the city of A Coruña. The location is ideal, as it sits alongside a park of almost 7,000 square meters. This surrounding environment is a major asset, but it also posed a challenge.The project by estudio LCG, promoted by the A Coruña City Council, had to harmonize nature and building, avoiding any sense of opposition between the two. The construction needed to be subtle, with smooth transitions, integrating green elements.Now, the new pavilion blends into its surroundings in a very natural way. This goal was achieved by replacing the original gabled roof with a flat roof covered by a green mantle.
The three sections of the El Remanso civic center
The pavilion rises in the eastern area and is composed of three distinct elements: the main building, two complementary spaces, and a pergola. Altogether, the built complex covers a surface area of 210 square meters.As could not be otherwise, the same commitment to incorporating greenery is maintained in the interior spaces. The removal of some paved areas further enhances the presence of plants.This modification, together with the emphasis on natural light, reinforces the feeling of being in an open space. In addition, a small outdoor room was built, designed to function as an alternative entrance.The refurbishment of the pavilion itself is aimed at creating a multipurpose space. With a focus on the needs of local residents, the greatest possible variety of activities will be offered.All neighbors will find in El Remanso a center where they can feel welcome, enjoy themselves, and connect with others. It will also feature an information point covering all kinds of activities and events taking place in the city.This centralization of social life establishes the pavilion as a key meeting point in the neighborhood.All activities will take place in the multipurpose rooms on each floor, created following a reorganization of the space. To make the layout of the rooms more efficient, the service areas have been grouped together.The pergola, in turn, will gain greater prominence after the renovation carried out by Desarrolla Obras y Servicios. The installation of translucent glass enhances the flow of natural light, and its bench-planter will provide an ideal spot to pause and unwind. This area invites both relaxation and interaction among the people who visit the civic center.
A TAILOR-MADE RENOVATION
During the renovation, the Desarrolla Obras y Servicios team carried out intensive work to repair the damage affecting the facilities. In this way, they resolved the corrosion of metal elements, the presence of damp and leaks, the poor condition of the walls, broken materials, and the deterioration of the concrete.
On the other hand, and with the aim of increasing the performance of the El Remanso civic center, the decisions related to the project had to incorporate efficiency criteria. For this reason, a substantial part of the project has focused on controlling solar gain and preventing heat loss. This work has been complemented by the acoustic insulation of all spaces.The centro cívico El Remanso was conceived with the ambition of becoming a catalyst for integration. Consequently, it meets all legal requirements regarding accessibility and is adapted to facilitate circulation for people with reduced mobility.As part of the project, openings in the floor slabs were both created and closed to accommodate the staircases and a lift. However, the existing foundations were not altered at any time. The space was also adapted to comply with fire safety regulations, and a dual-flow air renewal system with heat recovery units was installed.Launching projects with a social dimension of this magnitude is one of the greatest sources of motivation for Desarrolla Obras y Servicios. There is nothing more rewarding than building bridges between people.
Visit us at the headquarters of the construction company in A Coruña.
