We aim to strengthen the proximity between the government and the neighborhood, promoting citizen participation in public affairs, using transparency as institutional image, and the open courtyard as a space to deepen democracy. 

 

OPEN COURTYARD 

Socially sustainable, the courtyard represents democracy—a common ground that relates very fluidly to the walkway in front of the lot and serves as a space for the development of activities.

It allows accessibility for the entire society, including the elderly, children, and disabled individuals, and is understood as a socially equalizing space by excellence. 

From a functional perspective, the open courtyard provides access to all activities carried out on the ground floor. 

Environmentally, the courtyard allows proper ventilation of all functions and creates green spaces. 

Efficient Energy Consumption - Resource Optimization. 

 

ENVELOPE 

Thermal conditioning is crucial in determining the energy efficiency of the building. Green terraces, thanks to their mass, function as insulators and thermal buffers, behaving positively in both summer and winter. 

In summer, the eaves block the entry of solar radiation, and the pergola keeps the courtyard cool. This strategy, along with cross-ventilations present throughout the building, maintains a thermally sustainable and pleasantly comfortable environment.

In winter, the eaves allow sunlight to enter, generating energy gains and reducing energy consumption for heating the building. All carpentry, with double glazed windows, considerably reduces the thermal flow between the interior and exterior. 

We resolve the edge towards the railway tracks with a filtering system, two of them natural, formed by vegetation and an additional double glazed screen that acoustically isolates the interior of the building to achieve the desired comfort. 

 

CIRCULATORY EFFICIENCY 

Elevators represent a high percentage of energy consumption in buildings. The efficient resolution of building flows avoids unnecessary use of them. We solve circulatory flows in such a way that 73% of visitors handle their procedures on the ground floor, 22.5% on the first floor, 3% on the second floor, and 1.5% access the basement. 

The energy efficiency resources used translate into interior comfort and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

Project details:

National Contest Center for Management and Community Participation No. 12 

Authors: Arch. Ezequiel Muñoz - Arch. Adrián Olivero. 

Collaborators: Mariel Cámara - Arch. Eugenia Roulier. 

Date: 2010 

Surface: 3100m2 

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina.