ALPHA, Climate Shelter for Humans and Birds

The large accumulation of materials such as asphalt and concrete in our cities causes what is known as the heat island effect, which results in temperatures up to 8ºC higher in these areas than in rural or natural environments, thus contributing to global warming and affecting the different species that coexist in urban areas. This phenomenon is particularly intense on Barcelona's Ramblas during the summer, where 200,000 people pass by every day and up to 15 species of birds make their nests.

The ALPHA project, Climate Shelter for Humans and Birds, adds to the Santa Mònica terrace a device capable of softening the climatic conditions of its surroundings, setting itself up as a climatic refuge for different species where they can establish different relationships from the usual ones on the Ramblas, generally based on consumption.

A large roof generates a shaded space and contains branches and natural elements that can be used by the birds to accommodate the nests that are placed in the highest parts of the installation. A garden in the central part invites insects and pollinators while cooling the temperature of the whole and a perimeter bench invites users to rest.

Author: TAKK

TAKK (Mireia Luzárraga + Alejandro Muiño) is a space for architectural production focused on the development of material practices at the intersection between nature, culture and politics, with a special attention to the challenges posed by the Anthropocene era. Directed by Mireia Luzárraga (Madrid, 1981) and Alejandro Muiño (Barcelona, 1982) from Barcelona and Madrid, Takk combines its professional activities with research and academic activities. Mireia Luzárraga currently teaches projects at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Alicante and at the Instituto de Arquitectura Avanzada de Cataluña. Alejandro Muiño teaches projects at the BAU School of Design. Takk has explained his work in international forums such as GSAPP-Columbia University in New York, Thailand Design Center in Bangkok or Floating University in Berlin among others. His work has also been exhibited at the Rabat Biennale 2019, the Biennale d'Orleans 2019 and 2017, the Oslo Triennale 2016 Academy section, and the Spanish pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2014. His work belongs to the permanent collection of the FRAC Centri-Val de Loire and the Centro de Arte 2 de Mayo, and in addition to group exhibitions at the Centro de Creación Contemporánea Matadero Madrid, Alcova Milán or the Centro de Cultura Contemporánea de Barcelona CCCB, they have had solo exhibitions at the Magazin gallery in Vienna and at the H2O gallery in Barcelona.