The new municipal library in Madrid’s Villaverde district, designed by 3GATTI and engineered with BIM technology, resembles a green spaceship landing in the urban landscape. This iconic design aims to spark public interest and become a city landmark.
The library’s architecture and concept are split across two floors. The first floor is open and transparent, designed to host lively public activities. In contrast, the second floor is suspended above, serving as a quiet, private space dedicated to learning.
The spaceship-like upper level is constructed from concrete and brick, finished with black mortar on the surface. It features red iron pipes and metal mesh structures. Virginia creeper vines planted on the rooftop climb the metal mesh, causing the building’s appearance to evolve with the seasons.
Form, Structure, and Pipe Network
During the warm seasons, the lush green leaves of the Virginia creeper rapidly cover the building’s surface, providing natural shade. In autumn, the leaves turn vibrant red, enhancing the building’s aesthetic. By winter, the leaves fall, exposing the transparent and robust structure beneath.
The black mortar on the exterior absorbs sunlight during winter, allowing the building to passively conserve energy by retaining heat.
Green Energy-Saving Strategy
The concrete upper level is designed like a spaceship, dividing the building into an inner courtyard and two outer courtyards facing the back street. The courtyard facades feature glass curtain walls, offering natural views from the learning spaces inside.
Protrusions on the building’s exterior support the metal mesh, allowing filtered light and unique perspectives to enter. These projections also create small, private learning rooms.
In contrast to the massive upper level, the ground floor has transparent glass curtain walls with multiple entrances and exits, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
The street-facing first floor is set back to create a spacious public plaza in front of the building. Behind the building, a pedestrian walkway connects adjacent streets, enhancing accessibility.
Spaces between the outer courtyards and the east side of the site are planned as urban farms, adjacent to a children’s area. This encourages community education and interaction.
Sectional View
3GATTI’s design for the Villaverde Library aims to establish not just a library but a truly public building. Its organic form engages openly and freely with the local community, fostering dialogue about the environment, public space, and education.
Design Drawings:
Master Plan
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Vertical Section and Northeast Facade
Southwest Facade and Transverse Section
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