A Placeodyssey x Pelayos de la Presa Reimagined
Adaptive Reuse x Placemaking Competition - Pelayos de la Presa, Madrid, Spain
Our project has received an Honorable Mention and stands proudly among the top 15 worldwide in an international competition dedicated to revitalizing a historic building in the Pelayos de la Presa region in Madrid, Spain.
Teamwork: Mohamed Sayed, Yousif Othman, Hossam Elyamani
Design Argument
In our concept, we embark on a mission to transform the historic monastery into vibrant spaces that transcend mere functionality, rooted in place-making and social interaction. Carefully crafting each corner into a welcoming, interactive environment fosters a sense of community indoors and outdoors.
Our conservation-focused approach integrates new elements, preserving the building's rich history while ensuring safety and spiritual significance. A central walkable path unites indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing vitality and community interactions.
An iconic canopy adds an innovative touch, serving as a protective shield and attracting visitors year-round. Our comprehensive transformation embraces vibrant place-making, historic revival, walkable connectivity, and iconic shelter, creating an environment that preserves the past while actively shaping the monastery's future as a dynamic and engaging focal point.
Historical Site
Pelayos de la Presa is a picturesque municipality situated in the southwest of the Community of Madrid, Spain. Often described as a “lost paradise in the Sierra De Madrid,” the town is a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. One of its most notable landmarks is the Monastery of Santa María la Real de Valdeiglesias, a 16th-century edifice surrounded by legends and folklore. According to local tales, the singing of a woman can be heard on nights of a full moon near the monastery.
The town is also strategically located near the San Juan Reservoir, which plays a significant role in its economy. Primarily driven by tourism and services, Pelayos de la Presa experiences a surge in population during the summer months, sometimes quintupling its resident count. The reservoir offers various recreational activities, adding to the town’s appeal.
Combining natural beauty, historical richness, and a touch of mystery, Pelayos de la Presa serves as a captivating getaway not far from the hustle and bustle of Madrid.
we embark on a mission to craft vibrant spaces within the historic monastery that transcend mere functionality.
This design ethos is rooted in the spirit of place-making and the cultivation of social interaction, fostering a sense of community that extends from the indoors to the outdoors.
As we breathe new life into the historic building, our approach is centered on conservation and adaptive reuse. New elements are introduced to protect the building’s rich history while ensuring safety and spiritual significance
Design Intervention and its relationships to the historical Building and to the surroundings
Placemaking Strategies
“Adaptive reuse is a sustainable and innovative approach to urban development. It breathes new life into old structures, preserving their unique character while adapting them for modern use. This eco-friendly method not only conserves resources but also boosts community morale and value. It’s a win-win for both history and the future.”
A new canopy, derived from existing historical structural elements, serves as a distinctive and adaptable face for place-making, providing protection against diverse climatic changes and attracting people year-round.
Adding an iconic touch to the project, a new canopy emerges as a protective shield against diverse climatic changes, serving as a distinctive face for place-making. This innovative addition not only shelters the building and its occupants but also becomes an iconic feature that attracts people throughout the year. The canopy's unique shape and functionality make it adaptable to various seasons, providing an additional layer of aesthetic appeal and ensuring that the monastery remains a dynamic and engaging focal point in all weather conditions.
Central to our design is the creation of a walkable path that links the outdoor to the indoor
uniting all spaces within the building. This path fosters walkability, connectivity, and accessibility, serving as a unifying thread that enhances the overall vitality and fun of the monastery. By allowing visitors to traverse different areas effortlessly, this design element contributes to a cohesive experience and encourages exploration and interactions within the community.
Each carefully identified corner within the monastery becomes a vibrant space, creating a welcoming, interactive, and cooperative atmosphere.
The seamless connection of these spaces with the outdoor surroundings ensures a dynamic environment, extending the range of activities and contributing to an overall welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
In summary, our comprehensive approach to the monastery's transformation embraces the ideals of vibrant place-making, historic revival, walkable connectivity, and iconic shelter. Through thoughtful design and strategic interventions, we create an environment that not only preserves the past but also actively shapes the future of this historic space.
