ECCO VITA

Project

269516

Status

Submitted

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NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS RISING STARS : concepts or ideas submitted by young talents (aged 30 or less)

Project title

ECCO VITA

Full concept/idea title

Description

We propose modules that have been designed to go beyond achieving the need to be able to work outside home while respecting the covid-19 security measures . In this way, its use is not considered as a seasonal event while the pandemic is ending, but rather it is intended to work in conjunction with other projects on an urban scale such as the Barcelona superilles project, in order to create a more functional and diverse public space. Therefore, this modules can also be implemented everywhere.

Where is your concept/idea being developed or intended to be implemented in the EU?

Please provide a summary of your concept/ idea

"ECCO VITA" is conceived as an innovative solution to the recent changes caused by the current health crisis, which has distorted the stipulated life model in which it was lived until now, and which is currently paralyzed in different areas, such as free mobility or social life, directly and indirectly affecting the way people relate to each other. Due to this new normality, the physical and mental health of the population has been directly affected, creating a feeling of lack of freedom, anxiety, stress or even depression. Consequently, the measures stipulated by the government have unleashed telework and tele-study, the limitation of movement concerning activities in the exterior and interior and the relationship between people from different family circles, which have involuntarily developed a growth in the mental health imbalance. As a result of the previous analysis of the movement and behaviour of the population, more specifically of the residents of the city of Barcelona, some modules are proposed that have been designed to go beyond meeting the need to be able to work outside the home. The purpose of this project is to improve public space and promote a healthy lifestyle, so these modules are not limited to being implemented in Barcelona but can be used in other cities.

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept/idea in terms of sustainability and how these would be met

The materials used have been decided based on hygiene and safety in the face of the pandemic, taking into account aspects such as sustainability, structural stability, the behaviour of the material in the open and its integration with the urban context. In such a way that wood and fabric have been chosen as the flagship materials of the project. Wood is a natural, welcoming, renewable and recyclable product. Sustainable forest management helps to fix carbon and reduce climate change. In addition, there are also commercial finishes based on nanoparticles that allow combining high durability of the finish with biocidal and self-cleaning properties, which eliminates viruses and bacteria and prevents dirt and dust from remaining on the surface of the wood. This material is used in the structure and most of its pieces such as lattices or vertical gardens. The fabric is the material that best takes advantage of daylight, avoiding reflections, glare and other annoyances, both within the structure and in the environment that surrounds it, in such a way that the temperature outside is moderated to keep the interior warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Most viruses become trapped between permeable fibres in the fabric, making them less likely to later spread to hands, face, or other surfaces. In addition, they are not very effective in infecting when they are in dry environments and the fabric tends to absorb the water that is inside the viruses, drying them. Silk is the textile that best protects against moisture, promotes the non-proliferation of any virus, and can also be reused after sterilization, which is a huge advantage in healthcare contexts. For this same reason, it is proposed to use silk in this project. On the other hand, to counteract the energy consumption of the module, it is proposed to provide solar panels which reduces the carbon footprint significantly and is a very economical energy.

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept/idea in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience beyond functionality and how these would be met

These aforementioned workspaces are made up of modular units that have basic needs for their use: a place to sit, a surface to support the computer, papers, etc., as well as a source of electricity, lighting, heating and solar control elements.  In this way, it is proposed that these areas can be functional for a longer time. These modules work both alone and grouped with the amount that is required, playing with their shape and generating a space with use that goes beyond that stipulated. These modules start from a base structure, which can be combined generating different spaces with different designs, giving each environment a unique identity but preserving its easy assembly. Thanks to the basic idea of ​creating a module that is easy to assemble and transport, both its parts and its base structure are joined by a hidden joint anchor, providing the user with the option of combining the different pieces without having an economic impact on its production, transport or assembly.  In this project, functionality is as important as sustainability and aesthetics.

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept/idea in terms of inclusion and how these would be been met

In order to comply with the accessible use regulations in Spain, accessible itineraries have been generated in the modules which consist of an access ramp and furniture at the height stipulated by the CTE. The base of each module is equipped with a radiant sheet to maintain a suitable temperature inside. On the other hand, the vertical components try to solve different aspects that we can find present in outdoor work, such as the presence of the sun and wind, and that thanks to protection elements can avoid glare or drafts inside.  Said vertical components can be classified into wooden lattice walls (both vertical and horizontal), the textile wall and the vertical garden filtering and purifying the environment, renewing the air through the supply of oxygen which provides a safer, more pleasant and hygienic. Among the selected plants, some stand out that have been used in Chinese hospitals with patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, such as peppermint, or astragalus. Connecting with nature can help increase happiness and energy, with a greater sense of purpose in life, as well as make tasks seem more tolerable. In addition, a sense of responsibility of citizens is created towards the space that is given to them, having a positive impact on both the mental health and the citizenship of the users.  The ECCO VITA project aims to create a new lifestyle, taking into account current difficulties. This new model of socializing wants to echo in the new generations so that they do not forget the importance of working in  community while always respecting nature. Beyond construction, we want to generate a rethinking of the current structure and how we can take advantage of it to result in a more conscious, sustainable and healthy society.

Please explain the innovative character of your concept/ idea

Its transport and assembly have been taken into account, which must be easy and intuitive, consequently, different pieces have been designed which, which generate different types of modules with different designs, giving each environment a unique identity but preserving its ease mounting. These modules work both alone and grouped with the amount that is required, playing with their shape and generating a space with use that goes beyond the stipulated, for this reason, these modules can be implemented in specific cultural events, other events carried out by the city council or they can even be placed in educational centres or companies. Despite the fact that this project arises from the pandemic, it is projected as a solution to other social and urban problems that already came from before, giving an innovative and easy-to-implement proposal.

Please detail the plans you have for the further development, promotion and/or implementation of your concept/idea, with a particular attention to the initiatives to be taken before May 2022

In the coming months, it is planned to present a proposal to develop a prototype at the International University of Catalonia. On the other hand, if the prototype meets the expectations, it is proposed to present the project to the city council so that it can be implemented in the new public spaces of the city.

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that the proposed concept/idea has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Rising Stars Awards more than once in the same category.