Architectural Project for an Environmental Education Centre in El Vendrell
El Vendrell
This municipal facility is strategically located in the Pèlag neighbourhood. Its close proximity to the town centre and key activity areas—such as the market, school, railway station, and bus stops—coupled with convenient public parking, not only facilitates easy access but also establishes it as a vital community meeting point.
Given its status as a public space dedicated to the community, the design is conceptualized as “open” and transparent. The functions carried out within the premises are externally visible, actively encouraging passers-by to enter and engage with the activities.
The diverse uses are united by a focus on dissemination and education. This facility also accommodates a dedicated citizen service desk, enabling the public to submit any inquiries or formal complaints pertaining to environmental matters.
The functional program for the Environmental Outreach Space primarily comprises exhibition areas, a consultation zone, a citizen service desk, and classrooms. Conceived as a hub for dissemination and education, the design anticipates a dynamic setting that will frequently host talks and workshops. The facility will be fully accessible to all age groups—from children to adults—welcoming visits from schools, associations, families, and individuals alike.
Entry to the Environmental Outreach Space is through a central area, designed to be transparent, permeable, and visually linked to the outside. This area houses the Environmental Citizen Service Point, which assists with all inquiries (procedures, complaints) and provides orientation regarding the facility. Located nearby is the consultation zone, which includes computers and a library dedicated to specific documentation on the environment, natural resources, and their management.
The various exhibition spaces unfold on both sides of this central area. These spaces will feature temporary exhibitions showcasing the different initiatives carried out by the local Department of Environment, alongside educational and general outreach displays.
In line with the concept of environmental outreach, a covered vertical garden and urban allotment area runs the entire length of the central zone. This exterior strip is designed to be enjoyed from all parts of the facility’s central area. Consequently, visitors gain a more pleasant, natural view towards a dedicated vegetated space, providing an alternative to the adjacent street, which is predominantly occupied by traffic and parked cars. This covered exterior is also directly accessible for hosting specialized workshops.
The classrooms are located adjacent to the exhibition spaces. Consistent with the overall design, they are conceived as open areas that can serve as part of the exhibition circuit or be closed off by large sliding doors to form one or two separate classrooms, depending on requirements. These rooms are positioned where increased opacity is needed, allowing them to be darkened for audiovisual presentations, workshops, or lectures. This prevents external distractions, focusing attention on the instructor. These classrooms are specifically designed to welcome students from local schools, functioning as an extension of their educational facilities by providing teachers with a tool to develop, broaden, and complement their curriculum.
The environmental outreach facility is equipped to host explanation sessions, workshops, and learning activities. Furthermore, both the interior and exterior sinks are available for use should a particular workshop require them.
The result is a large space designed to be open to and utilized by the entire community. This facility is versatile: at times, it can be dedicated to a single topic—presented in an exhibition, elaborated upon in a lecture, and explored hands-on in a workshop. At other times, it can be subdivided to host different simultaneous themes. Crucially, all activities align with the overarching subject matter: fostering respect for the environment, responsible resource utilization, recycling, waste management, the restoration of local natural spaces, and ultimately, a love for nature.
