LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE. CAMPUS OF THE INSTITUTE OF HEALTH CARLOS III. MADRID.

The purpose of the project was to upgrade a garden area to be used by different units of the research campus and design a properly structured parking area.

The proposal seeks to address the irregular topography of the campus and adapt to the heterogeneous built environment – comprising a variety of different buildings -, to provide a point of union and a space where employees can enjoy the open air.

The garden’s organic geometry offers a choice of paths, making the park seem bigger than it is. In addition, the various points where the paths widen provide areas to stop and rest.

The park is easily reached from several different points. These are not marked in any special way except where there is a building, making use of the orthogonal geometry of the construction to create a more architecturally configured access. A staircase provides the main access between stacked gabions and the metal lattice covering the outside staircase of an existing building. Between these two vertical planes, this built access contrasts with the softness of the natural forms of the park.

The white concrete paths are bright in contrast to the shadows of the gardens and the park as a whole is stimulating for the senses. Located in a hollow, the topography makes users feel wrapped in the green slopes, covered in aromatic plants and fruit trees which create a pleasant natural atmosphere.