1. Etymology: from urlare (to shout) 2. A cry of nonconformity against architecture and urbanism that violates our principles and values 3. It means fighting for the exposure of existing problems in architecture and urbanism, and boosting solutions that are comprehensive with an appropriate focus URLO Studio is a family of nonconformist, pragmatic, visionary, and innovative professionals who seek to mark a turning point in the development of the city, always through coherent and rigorous ideas and designs that range from the architectural detail scale, to the broadest urban scale. We understand architecture and urbanism as a creative processes and that require continuous learning; where, together with different actors from multiple disciplines, we try to find justified and optimal solutions for each space.
José Martín Senior Technical Architect Tecnical Architecture, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, UPC
OUR WORK | Architecture
MocolĂ Master Plan Location: Guayaquil, Ecuador Program: Mixed use Area: 48.000 m2 Status: Ongoing Year: 2020 This project is located in the coastal city of Guayaquil, on a mainly residential island called MocolĂ. The master plan aimed to break the barrier between the gated community and the main street in order to create more public space and promote urban life in a mostly gated area. The mixed-use program includes a hotel, office space, commercial space, housing, a private club house and a sports facility. The organic shapes of the buildings and outdoor areas relate to the form of the island and the organic surroundings. The hotel and office buildings are joined at the ground floor by a base that holds the retail space and lobbies, using this unifying element for easier circulation. The hotel and office building have large courtyards that give way to the atriums that expand from the ground floor to the last floor, bringing in light and a refreshing ambience, something that was also done in historical buildings of the city. The facades of each building consist of two skins: the first layer consists of a glass clad facade, and the second layer is made of strategically placed louvers that protect the inside from the sun. In between the skins, there is a space left for planters where local vegetation also contributes to a fresh interior.
Canal 8 Residential Buildings Location: Quito, Ecuador Program: Residential Area: 11.700 m2 Status: Design phase Year: 2019 These residential buildings are proposed for the Bellavista area in Quito, which has a pronounced topography. The property has a privileged location on the edge of the hill, which provides unique views and green spaces. This project is composed of a master plan which consists of three different buildings on the same property, but is focused on the development of the middle one as a first phase. The master plan was conceived in a way that all three structures work as one component, where space is left between each one and there is a play with courtyards so that all apartments receive plentiful sunlight and cross-ventilation. The layout of each apartment allows every space to have views either to the city, the green community space behind, or the central courtyards. The balconies are spacious and aim to bring dwellers closer to the nature that surrounds the buildings, while providing them with outdoor covered space. The shared spaces for the master plan include an area for tennis and other sports to the back, across from the access road, as well as a preserved forest that is spread out along the slope of the mountain the property is on. This forest is conceived as a park where hiking trails are included, as well as rest spaces that can be used for casual meals or events. The materials used include wood and Andean stones which come in red, gray, and dark gray colors. These materials help to place the structures within the local context and blend them into the natural surroundings.
Calle Quart Apartment Location: Valencia, Spain Program: Residential / Renovation Area: 84 m2 Status: Built Year: 2019 Collaborators: Carlos GarcĂa This apartment is located in the historic center of Valencia, and as such faced several challenges from the start. The original state of the space consisted of a variety of partitions oriented in different directions and an excessive compartmentalization, creating dark rooms and an area that was complicated to use. The proposed design organizes the program giving priority to day area, generating a main space that unifies the living room, dining room, and kitchen, while also making the existing window openings larger to increase natural sunlight. The hidden concrete structure at the partitions was uncovered in order to expose the richness of the original material. The night area, which is subdivided into two rooms and two bathrooms, is clearly separated from the day area. All the rooms have ventilation and natural lighting, either through the main facade or the interior patio. The materials used in the project (wood and concrete combined with a white color) are noble and maintain a neutral color range to avoid influencing excessively in the future use of space.
Ruzafa Apartment Location: Valencia, Spain Program: Residential / Renovation Area: 80 m2 Status: Built Year: 2018 Collaborators: Carlos GarcĂa This apartment is located in Ruzafa, a neighborhood in Valencia which used to be a working-class area which was neglected for a long period of time, and is now going through a renewal process. The apartment was home to numerous families and consisted of several partitions which did not allow for the flow of air or light. The renovation began with the removal of all partitions, leaving a clean and open space to work with. The structure was exposed, leaving the brick columns and concrete beams uncovered, marking a consistent pattern which was used to define each different space. The more public areas including the living room and dining room were left facing the street, where the original openings had to be kept. The kitchen and working area are located in the center of the C-shaped apartment. Along the long wall of the apartment, there is a continuous composition of closets, shelves, and working spaces that tie the apartment together. On the side facing the courtyard, there is the single bedroom with its own bathroom, as well as a floor to ceiling opening that when opened, seamlessly merges with the interior space. This provides the apartment with ample light and ventilation, as well as with a pleasant space for reading or eating.
El Sitio Hotel Location: Guayllabamba, Quito, Ecuador Program: Hotel Area: 4.200 m2 Rooms: 25 Status: Proposal Year: 2018 Collaborator: Iker Gómez Lejarza Images: Squarevoxel The design of the El Sitio hotel in Guayllabamba valley to the north of Quito, reinterprets the traditional hacienda house in the area through the modification of the gable roof and the use of the courtyards as communal spaces and generators of micro climates. The proposal integrates the existing house which becomes the public area of the hotel. It includes the restaurant, the spa, the pool, and the service area. The restaurant and the pool have a privileged location with a 180-degree view of the valley of Guayllabamba. Three volumes of similar scale to the existing structure are added, which hold the reception area and the rooms. The new volumes maintain a fresh and welcoming design to provide comfort to guests in the hot and dry climate of the area. The project also includes landscape interventions in the farm that complement the activities offered by the hotel. Guests can participate in a coffee production tour and taste it from a series of greenhouse structures overlooking the valley of Guayllabamba. They can learn about the hacienda’s agricultural production, which includes harvesting avocados, citrus fruits, and coffee. They can also learn about the irrigation system made of seven reservoirs, and get to each of these activities on horseback, on foot, or on bicycle.
Dining Room in the Grove Location: Cumbaya, Quito, Ecuador Program: Office Area: 80 m2 Status: Built Year: 2018 Collaborators: Juan Ruiz, Amelia Tapia Photography: Diego Puente This office, located in the Cumbayรก valley in Quito, operates from an adapted house where an orchard with various types of trees and plants is maintained, including an iconic arupo, and a magnificent avocado. The client wanted a new dining room for the staff and chose the backyard of the house to do so, requesting that the existing vegetation be respected.
With a simple composition, the design makes use of three noble elements: pine wood, brick and the color white, represented by a quartz countertop and white metal structures. The project is inserted in the backyard respecting the grove so that as much of the existing vegetation was preserved. The steel and wood roof has circular cut outs, some of which were kept open to let the branches through, and others closed with translucent polycarbonate for natural light to pass through. An orderly front module was maintained to store the refrigerator, microwave, sink, dishes, and finally a BBQ grill. The beams, columns, the arrangement of the brick of the wall and the floor and the furniture are aligned harmoniously to organize the space, which gives a cozy and relaxing feeling to the user. The furniture was custom designed to match the elements of the project, also using pine and white steel. In addition, the tables and benches allow the users to configure them according to their needs.
Private Spa Location: Valencia, Spain Program: Residential Area: 42 m2 Status: Proposal Year: 2018 Collaborators: Guillermo GorrĂs Images: Squarevoxel This private spa project is an extension for a single-family home made of brick and concrete in Valencia. The client wanted to add a jacuzzi, a Turkish bath, a gym, and a bathroom. It is a respectful and simple design that aims to connect the newly created spaces with the house and the nature of the existing outdoor patio through an intervention that respects the existing materials and forms.
OUR WORK | Urban Planning
CITY BY THE RIVER: City and shore reconciled through permeable spaces in Bernkastel-Kues, Germany The goal of this proposal is to integrate the Moselle River and the old town of Bernkastel in order to create an intermediate and permeable public space that is people-centred and attracts visitors and residents. The proposal takes into account the prior participative process and the Integriertes städtebauliches Entwicklungskonzept (ISEK). The proposal is based on the following principles: 1) Integration: Public spaces are made permeable in order to create and enable smooth transitions between the environment and the town, thus inviting both residents and tourists to inhabit these spaces and help generate local economic activity. All components of the proposal strengthen the integration of the old town and the river, and take into consideration the flooding area. 2) Accessibility: All spaces are accessible for all users regardless of age or disability, and the design facilitates cleaning and maintenance of the area. All components, such as the kiosks and the canopy, are dismountable. 3) Sustainability: Materials, such as the existing parking lot cobblestones, are reused. Native trees are planted in order to acclimatise the area, filter contaminants, improve the quality of air and water, contribute to physical and mental health, and increase the value of nearby properties.
North plaza
Kiosk modules
Stairs and hammock area
Stairs and underpass
Assembly and installation of modular elements
The proposed design is sustainable, eco-friendly, and takes into consideration the flooding and traffic patterns. The proposal creates a continuous unifying space that is easy to transit through, both for people and vehicles. The design promotes the use of public space and adds another landmark to the city. It strengthens the local sense of identity, fosters community bonds, and draws in tourism. The current parking spaces are pushed to the north and south of the site, freeing up the area around the bridge in order to create a vibrant public space. In a first stage, the parking spaces are reduced to 382, and to 310 in a second phase. In the central area, 20 short-term parking spaces are provided for cars and a central bus stop for three buses. Moreover, 30 parking spaces are designed for motorcycles and three for taxicabs. Disabled parking is granted in 12 spaces, and 11 have charging stations for electric vehicles. The design allows for the implementation of a parking lot management system that could monitor the current number of parked vehicles, identify the empty spaces, and charge a parking fee. The parking area can also be used as an outdoor event space, such as the Weihnachtsmarkt, when necessary.
Intervention detail
Section through stairs and hammock area
618,010m2
618,010m2
QUITO SEGURO Second Place Urban Development and Social Incusion Competition Latin American Development Bank - CAF The 5th Urban Development and Social Inclusion Competition held by the Development Bank of Latin America - CAF sought to promote comprehensive policies to promote greater social inclusion, productivity, and resilience in the cities of the region. They received 234 proposals from 14 countries. In the aftermath of the 2016 earthquake in the Ecuadorean cost, debate was generated on the resilient capacity of the country’s cities. This project focuses on the informal settlements of Quito that houses the low-income population of the city. These areas are unwanted by the market, have little provision of services, limited accessibility, and are vulnerable to risks. This proposal seeks to implement a risk management plan that 1) saves lives, 2) mitigates the dangers of natural / anthropic threats and 3) acts as a catalyst for urban and social improvements in the neighborhood in the medium term. Housing connected to Vivienda conectada al local comercial,for fuente de ingreso business families who para familias con necesidad de need to casa be at home estar en Businesses and facades
Comercio y fachada, activating public spaces dinamizando el espacio público and local economy y economia barrial
Urban gardens Huertos urbanos, guaranteeing garantizando la food soberanía alimentaria access
VIVIENDAS NUEVAS La vivienda y la calle como elementos claves para un espacio público de calidad
New housing model
New housing:
Before: Empty lots endas para gente del Turn into housing for residents mercio of the area, promote businesses
distribuidos Public buildings: Before:de Few and poorly distributed ción uniforme We el propose even distribution so that the a todo barrio de menteentire neighborhood has access to them
Central plaza of ermanzana: new block configuration: enida Before: Poorly maintained court acio público accesible Becomes an accessible public space xto, un espacio para use for social and surrounded by mixed económica economic interaction
manzana: Interior patios: utilizados Before: nas de producción deUnderused spaces Become areas of production rbanos for urban farming
Secondary roads: Before: Underused and empty areas
atonales a escala Become pedestrian comercial axis that
Block reconfiguration
double as evacuation routes
cuación que llevan a
REESTRUCTURACIÓN DE MANZANAS Aprovechar vacíos urbanos para mejor dotación y distribución de vivienda, espacio público y equipamientos
Public Space: Current state
Public Space: Day to day
Public Space: In case of an Emergency
Public spaces day to day
To mitigate natural disasters, the plan includes actions that range from the private to the public spheres, including evacuation routes, structural reinforcement of existing homes and construction of social housing, regeneration of roads and new points of entry, the creation and improvement of public spaces, and meeting and refuge points. Outside of their use during a natural disaster, these elements are used to densify and reorganize blocks, generate mixed land uses, commerce, sports centers, green corridors and recovery of streams, community meeting points, art and urban gardens; all actions that boost socioeconomic development. The project sets a precedent in the management of territorial risk by saving lives in the face of threats and generating socioeconomic dynamics in the neighborhood while improving the quality of life. Although the direct beneficiaries reach 16.6 thousand people, the project is replicable in all neighborhoods of Latin America. In Ecuador, it would benefit 13.2 million people (80% population), constituting a different model for neighborhood development. Puntos de encuentro, Meeting points, first primeros puntos de evacuation in evacuación points en caso de emergencia case of emergency
Evacuation routes, signage, Rutas de evacuación, la y laprovide vegetación, and señalética, vegetation better proveyendo de un mejor ambiance and guidance in case ambiente y guiando en caso de emergencia of emergency
Arte urbano, estimula Street art, stimulates a los jovenes talentos young talentlos and marks e identifica puntos safe meeting points seguros
PUNTOS DE ENCUENTRO Espacios públicos de calidad que sirven de resguardo ante un desastre natural
Public Space: Current state
Press: Public Space: Day to day
Public Space: In case of an Emergency
Proyecto ecuatoriano ganó el segundo lugar en concurso urbanístico organizado por la CAF - El Comercio Ecuador “Quito Seguro”, premiada en concurso internacional de desarrollo urbano CAF Los tres ganadores del Concurso CAF 2018 - Arquine Mexico Perú, Ecuador y Venezuela, ganadores del V concurso de desarrollo urbano e inclusión social del CAF - Plataforma Arquitectura
USO EN EL DIA A DIA USO EN CASO DE EMERGENCIA EVERYDAY USE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Public facilities Equipamiento mixto Provision of de light, bathrooms, Suministro luz/baños/cocina/ kitchens and refuge alojamiento
Lumineria Baños
Street lights Bathrooms
Handicapped ramp discapacitados Rampa para Ramp for stretchers Rampa para camillas
Social meeting spaces Espacios de reunión social Emergency meeting points Puntos de encuentro
Vias principales Main roads Evacuation routes Ruta de evacuación
Cancha deportiva Sports court Espacio para asentamientos Space for temporary emergency temporales de emergencia housing/tents
SITIOS DE REFU
Equipamientos a nivel barria resguardan a la población pasa Refuge point emerge
Public Space: Current state
Public Space: Day to day
Public Space: In case of an Emergency
Public spaces day to day
QUE TE VAYA BIEN Y TE RECOJA EL TREN First Place Ideas Competition for Urban Development around Train Tracks- South of Quito The competition, promoted by the Municipality of Quito, the Urban Planning Institute (IMPU), and the Ecuadorian Association of Architects, sought proposals to develop the urban environment around the train infrastructure south of the city, creating micro-centers that group housing, commerce and employment. This proposal articulates interventions that contribute to the urban development of the south of the city through the improvement of the solid waste management system. The proposals are based on the morphological analysis of the urban fabric, the organization of the land, public spaces, facilities, the study of socioeconomic dynamics, and the transportation systems.
Interconectivity and transportation methods between micro-centralities
Current state
Current state
Proposal
Proposal
Waste generation and separation / The human scale from house to street
Night Train Solid waste transportation
Day Train / Tourist Train For transport and promotion of tourism
Bike Path Sustainable transportation artery parallel to the train tracks
Lineal Park Machรกngara river and ravine recovery
Transfer of solid waste / Neighborhood interconectivity and activating ravines
Land use and location of city scale public buildings
It is important to understand micro-centralities as spaces where the citizens can carry out all their daily activities. This proposal formulates a management plan for urban solid waste that 1) acts as a catalyst for urban and social improvements by developing a system of micro-centralities articulated by the railway axis and the ravines, 2) improves and strengthens the urban solid waste system, and 3) contributes to the resilience of the neighborhoods in the area of influence. Concerning waste management, the plan contemplates actions that range from the human scale to the urban scale with private and public funding. These actions include adaptations in housing, construction of new housing with considerations for the proper management of waste, new containers, regeneration of roads and new accesses, waste separation centers at the neighborhood scale, public spaces and buildings, the use of the train tracks for the transfer of waste and as public transport, and the creation of city-scale public buildings with a dual purpose: both for the treatment of waste and for cultural and sporting uses in everyday life. Stages of waste treatment:
Press: Quito Informa: h t t p : // w w w . q u i t o i n f o r m a . g o b . e c / 2 0 1 8 / 1 1 / 2 1 /g a n a d o r e s - d e l concurso-de-ideas-para-el-sur-de-laciudad-fueron-premiados/ Plataforma Arquitectura: https://www.plataformaarquitectura. cl/cl/909424/urlo-studio-ganador-delconcurso-de-ideas-del-plan-maestropara-el-eje-ferreo-sur-de-quito 1- Train drops-off recyclables
2- Treatment plants processes waste
3-Clean material is commercialized and classified
Cultural space and neighborhood park Green zone that integrates with the public building
Internal treatment process for platics Residue drop-off and treatment
Residue treatment plant Plastic reatment and recycling
Transformation and treatment of waste / Public buildings at city scale and creation of employment
View of public space on top of recycling plant
LA MEXICO LINDA Honorable Mention My Exemplary and Sustainable Neighborhood Competition My Exemplary and Sustainable Neighborhood competition, promoted by the Municipality of Quito, the Urban Planning Institute (IMPU), and the Ecuadorian Association of Architects, aimed to create a neighborhood-scale development plan with the participation of the residents and leaders of the neighborhood. For the contest, URLO partnered with La MĂŠxico neighborhood in the south of Quito to create a management, financing, and action model to develop projects specific to their needs. This plan was drafted after meetings with leaders and residents in order to come up with solutions that rescue the identity of the neighborhood and turn it into an example of sustainability and resilience for the city.
View of restructured street favoring pedestrians New street sections,
Proposal to bury main street, build linear park, and exclusive bus ways
4.90
2.80
2.80
20.00
2.80
2.80
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A direct entrance to the park from the corner creates an opening that welcomes visitors and facilitates entry Make Calle Pisque to the park pedestrian to Invest in park reinforce the area improvements as a safe space in for children that case of emergency Change traffic include games and direction of street to sports facilities promote pedestrian access that lead to Add facilites like the park outdoor cinema do activate space at night
During the community workshops, the inhabitants identified three lines of action that they believed needed urgent attention: Action line 1 (L1) focused on projects related to the regeneration of public space, accessibility, and the aesthetics of the neighborhood; action line 2 (L2) proposed projects that combined physical interventions and activities that improved security in the neighborhood; and finally action line 3 (L3) proposed the rehabilitation of existing sports facilities in order to provide the neighborhood with improved spaces and services. These lines of action are composed of projects that in turn contain specific actions. Each action and project contribute to achieving the goals set by the community. In turn, the lines of action, projects, and specific actions are articulated through the following attributes: 1) a healthy neighborhood, 2) a sustainable neighborhood, 3) a habitable neighborhood, 4) an entrepreneurial neighborhood, and 5) a co-responsible neighborhood, within the framework of the sustainable neighborhood model established by the municipality. Press: http://www.quitoinforma.gob.ec/2018/10/11/concurso-de-ideas-mi-barrioejemplar-y-sostenible-con-ganadores/
Work with the local football league to enlarge the entrance to the park, make it more attractive, and attract people to have eyes on the street
Adapt poorly kept areas of the park with the community to create a sense of ownership
Create places for activities such as dance therapy or food carts to activate empty public space
Plant more trees in order to create a green corridor that connects the park with the rest of the neighborhood
Make surrounding streets pedestrian to prevent cars from parking during football games and give priority to pedestrians in the area
Close the street to vehicular traffic twice a month to hold a neighborhood market and activate this street known for being insecure
Make Calle Sangay a one way street, which frees space for exclusive pedestrian use
Along with fixing the street, a plan will be implemented to attract businesses to the area, to promote economic development and attract young people who tend to leave the neighborhood
Activate public spaces to make neighborhood safer
info@urlostudio.com +593 2 333 1913