Between steel ribs (085)

Awarded the Pritzker in architecture, the value of this work is undeniable from a formal perspective. However, doubts arise when we consider the functional aspects of thermal and lighting comfort in a Mediterranean climate at 41 degrees latitude.

The façade is made up of a completely glazed skin between the ribs of a dark-finished steel exoskeleton. In summer, this skeleton can reach temperatures of around 60ºC. To the effect of having a "radiator" (long wave, which will not pass through the glass) surrounding the skin, must be added the solar radiation that passes directly through the glass. Fortunately, there are no windows, and a never-ending screen hanging from the top mitigates the sun effect.