Habitats Culturales En Altura: Modular Cultural Architecture for Ecological and Social Regeneration | Bachelor’s Design Project

Site Context

The project is situated in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, within a park that serves as a key ecological and cultural asset for the city. Its design is shaped by the local landscape, climate, and urban fabric of Medellín.

Design Process

Design and Construction Strategy: To develop this proposal, three main design operations were considered. The first is the elevation of the main volume, which frees up the ground floor and creates a large green platform that directly connects the neighborhood with the park. The second is fragmentation: the suspended volume is strategically divided to generate voids and interstices through which nature filters, integrating with the building and promoting ventilation, natural light, and cross-views.

The third operation is modularity and interconnection, organizing a system of modules distributed across three levels and connected by bridges and elevated walkways, allowing human activities to be clearly defined while strengthening the relationship with the natural environment.

The building is characterized by large cantilevers, bioclimatic wooden roofs, and expansive windows that enable efficient control of natural light and enhance cross-ventilation. High-quality materials—concrete, wood, and glass—are used to establish a direct dialogue with the surroundings and convey a modern yet warm architectural expression.

Final Outcome

In terms of programmatic organization, the building is structured around three modules. The central module is dedicated to the performing arts and brings together a library, classrooms, and workshops. At its core, a 1,100-square-meter glazed volume contains the theater and cinemas, acting as both the project’s symbolic landmark and its main organizational hub. Flanking this core, two lateral modules accommodate disciplines such as dance, music, painting, photography, and visual arts, forming a diverse and adaptable cultural framework.

Objectives and Scope: The building is conceived as more than a space for artistic production. Its primary goal is to serve as a point of convergence between culture, community, and nature. It integrates the urban and ecological contexts by linking the park with the surrounding neighborhood, positioning itself as a mediator between city and landscape.

Additionally, it encourages social interaction through accessible public spaces—such as galleries, contemplative gardens, and open-air theaters—that invite community participation. Sustainability is also a key focus, achieved through passive bioclimatic strategies that minimize environmental impact while enhancing indoor comfort.

Conclusion: Ultimately, this project envisions the Fine Arts Building as a bridge between culture, nature, and community, where architecture supports ecological regeneration while encouraging artistic creation and social exchange within the park.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]