“the police moved in and evicted the squatters” - oXfo
This project began as an attempt to stitch together the different communities and typologies found throughout Bilbao, using landscaping and social interactions as a metaphorical ‘thread’ to do so.
It then became apparent that in trying to create this community, a very important one was being displaced. During our site visit the evidence of homelessness was clear. This project became a scheme in which these homeless who are being displaced are given shelter, accommodation, and the skills necessary for rehabilitation back into society. The design for this homeless shelter became a play with solid and void, utilising an existing building while removing parts to create courtyards for natural daylight and ease the users back into private living.
The concept for this project was to stitch together the many different land uses, densitys and typologys existing and proposed while using the risk of flooding and the proposed overhead walkway as a sort of thread which connects it all. Thus creating Patchwork Island. The typlogys used throughout the site were all informed by the surrounding context with canals, marinas and marsh land added to tackle flooding. Healthy lifestyles will be promoted using cycle paths which will connect to the aspects of Bilbao. The Spanish and Basque culture will be injected into the scheme without the need for the pastiche. The typologies that will be used within this scheme will create diverse and naturally flowing landscapes and neighborhoods; community spaces will also be created with the use of reused buildings that have architectural merit. The island that never was will be become an island that is nourished with soulful community spaces, parks, cycle paths, boats schools, a circus, and multiple new and recycled homes for the ever-growing Bilbao.
