Centro Comunitario Intergeneracional en el barrio el Panecillo

Abstract

The design of the Intergenerational Community Center in El Panecillo aims to strengthen the neighborhood’s social fabric through architecture that fosters integration, interaction, and active participation among its users. It is based on Van Eyck’s In-Between spaces theory, where intermediate spaces such as courtyards, galleries, staircases, and corridors act as links that connect and complement the surrounding environment, creating fluid transitions between individual and collective experiences. These strategically placed open areas serve as gathering points that encourage spontaneous and natural social interaction. Additionally, the project incorporates permeable materials and vegetation, not only as aesthetic elements but also as functional components that define spaces without isolating them. This integration enables a visual and sensory connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring that the center’s activities organically relate to the surrounding neighborhood. Considering the topographical context of El Panecillo, with its steep slopes, the design includes accessible pathways that facilitate the connection between the community center and nearby public spaces, such as the adjacent park. This strategy transforms the center into a social hub capable of adapting to the urban, cultural, and economic dynamics of the area, promoting intergenerational interactions in a safe and inclusive environment. Beyond its functional purpose, the project aspires to become a catalyst for community development. Through architecture, it seeks to strengthen the sense of belonging and connections among residents, creating a space that not only meets physical needs but also enhances social cohesion and collective well-being within the neighborhood