In Modulus Matrix, then, form follows material more than function. But this is entirely consistent with an epoch in which functional needs change whenever technology changes. In our online age, office buildings have become increasingly redundant while more than ever tiny secondary bedrooms are having to make do as home offices. At the same time, single- parent families are increasingly common, while the housing affordability crisis is forcing more people than ever to join together as flatmates.
Buildings designed to satisfy exact functional needs become obsolete more quickly and are more complicated to adapt for reuse than generic buildings. Hopefully the beautiful library will not become obsolete any time soon, as it would be difficult to adapt to a new use. If construction – much of which follows demolition – emits nearly a third of all carbon emissions, then buildings need to be designed to be much more resilient to functional obsolescence. This suggests buildings that are more flexible and adaptable, and more durable and long- lasting if we expect them to sequester carbon. Such building longevity represents a complete turn-around from functionalism, when energy was plentiful and CIAM- inspired demolition in the name of urban renewal ensured modern architecture would reflect the zeitgeist . The urgent need to reduce carbon emissions places the re-usability and longevity of materials at the forefront of architecture – indeed just about every human activity – be they new materials or ancient materials assembled in new ways, as is the case with mass-timber. However, it is not enough just to replace one material with another. The architecture needs to be replaced as well. *
opposite: Modulus Matrix occupies an entire city block in the peripheral town of Cornellà. Its mass-timber structure is supported by a concrete basement and ground floor containing commercial retail units. Typical floor plan. Figuring out access to and divisions between apartments is a veritable puzzle Courtyard is a communal space entered from the street via gates. Circulation cores in each corner lead to apartments via outdoor access decks as well as an indoor communal space. this page: The central dining room with kitchen of an apartment. Courtyard outdoor access deck seen from an apartment Continuous balconies are clad with steel mesh and vernacular wood roll-down shutters.
RAFAEL GÓMEZ-MORIANA runs the Barcelona term- abroad program for the University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, and is a Spain correspondent for The Architectural Review . rafagomo.com @rafagomo
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on site review 48 :: building materials
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