José Ángel Rodríguez, Itziar Huarte
Renovating an existing shopping center goes beyond a mere aesthetic upgrade. It involves reimagining these spaces to address contemporary urban and social needs. The key to a successful intervention lies in the ability to create experiences that honor the architectural legacy while elevating the building to the highest standards of efficiency, enhancing user well-being.
1. Embrace the Genius Loci or Sense of Place
Honor and revitalize the shopping center’s historical legacy by integrating original architectural elements and concepts that resonate with its identity and essence.
In the case of La Vaguada, the project was developed in alignment with César Manrique’s original vision. The Canarian sculptor, together with José Ángel Rodrigo, envisioned an organic, open space that contrasted with the hectic urban surroundings, incorporating natural elements to create balance and ecological harmony. L35 Architects’ renovation restores these original features, previously hidden by later modifications, ensuring that new interventions not only respect but enhance the initial concept.
The interior palette draws inspiration from nature, introducing earthy tones and increasing transparency. Original materials, such as the exposed concrete pillars, have been uncovered to reconnect with the design’s roots, reclaiming the center’s unique identity.
2. Enhancing Energy Performance and Sustainability
Optimize energy efficiency through the use of sustainable materials, energy-saving technologies, and solutions that minimize the building’s carbon footprint.
The meticulous selection of materials focuses on enhancing both energy efficiency and acoustic performance, while also offering benefits such as recyclability and fire resistance.
The use of ETFE for the roofing allows for greater natural light and improved safety, standing out for its high sustainability and energy efficiency. With a low carbon footprint and the ability to be fully recycled at the end of its lifecycle, it exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to eco-conscious design.
3. Integration of Green Areas and Outdoor Spaces
Incorporate green zones and open spaces to strengthen the connection between the center and its urban surroundings, while providing recreational areas for visitors.
In his original design, César Manrique envisioned the space as an urban park—an oasis in the heart of the city. L35 has revived this concept by incorporating green areas that foster social interaction and offer restful spaces in a natural setting.
This transformation redefines the shopping center as a vibrant social hub rather than merely a retail destination, creating an urban refuge that harmonizes with its surroundings.
4. Optimization of Circulation and Access for Flexible, Functional Spaces
Upgrade access points and circulation routes to improve movement flow, enhance accessibility, and accommodate evolving pedestrian traffic needs.
The replacement of the original skylights has enabled a more organic design for the interior circulation, achieved through unification, optimized ceiling heights, and enhanced spatial flexibility for future adaptability.
The addition of new escalators directly connecting to the outdoor terrace level has significantly improved accessibility, strengthened the link with these spaces, and streamlined pedestrian flow.
5. Enhancing User Comfort
- Optimization of Natural and Artificial Lighting
According to Itziar Huarte, partner at L35 Architects, “the main appeal of the center lies in its natural light and greenery, which make the shopping center feel like a town square.” This concept of a square has been reimagined at La Vaguada to create a welcoming, naturally lit space.
The old pyramid-shaped skylights have been replaced with a new ETFE roof featuring solar control, allowing natural light to flood the interiors. The result is an experience that evokes the feeling of being outdoors, enhancing visual connections to the exterior while providing thermal and acoustic comfort.
- Acoustic Comfort
One of the greatest achievements has been the installation of suspended ceilings made from recycled felt slats in the galleries, which has significantly improved the center’s acoustic quality. This feature has transformed the user experience, creating a much more pleasant, consistent, and functional atmosphere for everyday use.
- Materiality
The warm, earthy tones chosen for the renovation create an inviting atmosphere that complements the original architecture. Similarly, preserving the white flooring, visually unifying the galleries, and incorporating large openings enhance the sense of calm and comfort.
