Centro De Inmersión Turistica (CIT): A Visitor Center in El Peñol, Colombia | Bachelors Design Project

Site Context

Architecture: The project site features a mix of one- to three-level structures serving various purposes, including residential, commercial, and tourism-related functions. To preserve the area’s visual harmony, the CIT aligns with these heights and functional uses.

Morphology: Given the site’s 25-meter elevation, the CIT is designed as an underground structure, ensuring it adapts seamlessly to the terrain.

Infrastructure: The CIT’s strategic location ensures accessibility via a tertiary road that connects to the El Peñol-Guatapé intermunicipal route. Public transportation is primarily provided by buses and jeeps, though the area lacks dedicated bicycle and pedestrian pathways.

Landscape: The CIT is enriched by its proximity to three significant landscapes: dense forests, the reservoir, and the iconic Piedra del Peñol, all of which enhance its natural appeal.

Geography: The region enjoys a temperate climate with an average temperature of 18°C and predominant winds flowing east to west at a speed of 6 km/h.

Society: The CIT addresses the economic potential of the area, catering specifically to the needs of tourism and the local user base, fostering regional growth and connectivity.

Design Process

Criteria: The design responds to the terrain by establishing a force axis aligned parallel to the contours of the topography. Two volumes are oriented in an east-west direction to implement passive bioclimatic strategies, minimizing solar exposure on their longitudinal facades. Additionally, these volumes are positioned at a 60° north angle to frame views of the Piedra del Peñol, ensuring the project harmonizes with its surroundings and enhances appreciation of the broader landscape context.

Form Development: The initial shape takes the form of a parallelepiped aligned with the natural contours of the terrain. This base is intersected by two volumes corresponding to the bioclimatic axis, creating a harmonious balance. Strategic fractures and branching are introduced to optimize views and establish intuitive pathways. The volumes are staggered to adapt seamlessly to the terrain, enhancing visibility from various vantage points. Finally, the terrain extends into the volumes, achieving a sense of immersion and integration. The resulting form is a dynamic composition of adapted, visually integrated volumes that blend naturally with their environment.

Final Outcome

The CIT seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape through a meticulously crafted design that incorporates expansive openings, subterranean elements, and a thoughtful arrangement of public spaces. These features establish a direct connection to the reservoir and the iconic Piedra del Peñol, offering breathtaking views while fostering an immersive experience that deeply engages users with the natural setting.

Sustainability plays a pivotal role in the design. Strategically placed solar panels ensure the CIT is energy self-sufficient, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Green terraces and vertical gardens not only regulate solar exposure to enhance indoor thermal comfort but also serve as recreational spaces for visitors. These eco-friendly solutions minimize reliance on artificial energy, protect the environment, and optimize the use of natural resources, ensuring a harmonious balance between innovation and sustainability.

Conclusion: Overall, the CIT seamlessly combines innovative design, sustainability, and natural integration, enhancing visitor experiences while preserving the environment. It stands as a landmark celebrating El Peñol’s unique landscape and eco-conscious development.

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