Málaga University's Concrete Cloisters: A Modern Take on Traditional Design
A bold architectural statement has been made at the University of Málaga, where a faculty building stands out with its striking grid of concrete. But this is not just an aesthetic choice; it's a nod to the rich history of cloisters and courtyards in educational architecture. Vaillo + Irigaray Architects have masterfully designed the Faculty of Tourism, creating a unique learning environment that sparks curiosity and invites exploration.
The building is a series of gridded concrete volumes, each enclosing a courtyard, a design inspired by the traditional cloisters of universities and the Mediterranean region. And here's where it gets interesting: the architects aimed to honor this ancient tradition while adapting it to modern needs. As Yago Vaillo Usón, partner at the studio, explains, courtyards have been a staple of educational architecture for centuries, dating back to the origins of universities in cathedrals.
The site's gentle slope allowed for a clever arrangement of three main volumes, each with its own purpose. Classrooms, offices, and a combined auditorium-library-cafeteria space occupy these structures, each with its own distinct courtyard. The courtyards are designed to have unique characters, with gravel gardens, concrete planters, and palm trees, creating a variety of outdoor spaces.
But the real magic happens when you step inside. The concrete grid continues, forming a colonnade that shades the corridors, which are lined with full-height windows, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Usón emphasizes the importance of these courtyards, stating that they become the heart of the building, a protected social space where all activities converge.
The structure itself is a key design element, with exposed concrete forming the building's image, both inside and out. The central hall, conceived as an internal courtyard, is a particular highlight, with a sawtooth roof allowing daylight to filter through concrete beams, creating a captivating play of light and shadow.
This innovative design doesn't stop at the building's exterior. The surrounding landscape includes a botanical garden and paved slopes, offering students and staff a variety of outdoor environments to enjoy. The deep concrete grid frames the views, creating a unique connection between the building and its surroundings.
Other notable university buildings featured on Dezeen include Payette's engineering building for Penn State University, with its distinctive reddish brick and metal fins, and Sanjay Puri Architects' teaching building in India, inspired by ancient stepped wells.
This project raises an intriguing question: How can architects balance tradition and innovation in educational spaces? Are there other ancient architectural traditions that could inspire modern designs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
