Author(s)

B. E. Avila-Haro, J. A. Avila-Haro, J. A. Avila

Abstract

We create environments to be used by people, and any interaction problem between that product and the user is a consequence of an inadequate design. Nowadays architecture is mostly oriented to the search of innovative solutions where the creativity is not necessarily committed to the human necessities. Music allows us to experiment with its different alternatives, harmonies and rhythms. If music has been able to please any demand for decades, architecture could be flexible for the actual needs, letting us see, hear, feel, touch and taste the architecture that surround us. This work pretends to create a design for everyone, for every life period and as a result the creation of an architecture, read under different criteria, and experienced of different ways. The project is located in the seismic zone IIIb with highly compressive soils in Mexico City. It is composed by a group of eight buildings with one to two stories that conform a music school and a therapy music centre. Each building is located in platforms and unevenness in order to take the maximum advantage of the topographic conditions of the emplacement. The architectural design starts from a previously established modulation of 3.66 m and its variations allow us to play with the shapes and locations, guaranteeing a clear internal-external, structural and constructive spatial distribution. The reuse of the materials extracted from the ground is important for the texture and the sensorial goals of each building. Because of the location of the buildings, the use of gravity systems for water distribution is possible, as well as the recovery and reuse of pluvial water for sanitary nucleuses and irrigation. The orientation of each building allows the use of interior natural lighting and solar luminaries for the exterior of the facilities, guaranteeing a sustainable project that does not impact the environment.

Keywords

universal design, sensory function, sensitive architecture, music