SOCIAL / HYBRID

Contrasting Definitions

In This is Hybrid, the social condenser is described as model where ‘a series of functions of private life were segregated and converted into public functions’. According to Fernandez Per, one of the authors, the social condenser aims to the self sufficiency and therefore isolation from the ‘conventional city’. In comparison with Hybrid buildings, this publication presents five cases of social condensers which are mainly residential buildings whose service program are associated with dwellings. Koolhaas’ patent contraddicts this definition, indicating as social condensers also public facilities and La Villette is the main example. Besides these contrasting definitions, many OMA’s projects are called Hybrid by Fernandez Per. Hybrid building appears a more successful model since it may ‘revitalise its surrounding environment and improve living conditions through its multi-properties.’ (Fernandez Per, 2011)

Per, J. Mozas, and J. Arpa. This is Hybrid: an analysis of mixed-use buildings by a+t. Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain: A+t architecture Publishers, 2011. p. 45