© Pedro Pegenaute
- Architects: Arquitecturia
- Location: Carrer de Girona, 25600 Balaguer, Lleida, España
- Architects In Charge: Josep Camps, Olga Felip
- Area: 3874.23 m2
- Project Year: 2016
- Photographs: Pedro Pegenaute
- Structure: GMKgrup
- Consultant: JG&Asociados SA
- Quantity Surveyor (Project Phase): Planas Casadevall
- Quantity Surveyor (Construction): Alfons Pastor
- Constructor: Acciona SA
- Client: Departament de Justicia de la Generalitat de Catalunya
- Design Year: 2006
© Pedro Pegenaute
Balaguer Courthouse is located at the old Quarter of the city. Balaguer is characterised by the brown-red chromatic of the geology –stone and earth- and a structure of extremely narrow and steep streets. The irregular morphology of the old quarter is well adapted to the rugged topography.
© Pedro Pegenaute
There is a balance between the strict and thigh requirements of the brief and the irregular and complex reality of the site. Inside, a regular structure organises the internal spaces and program. Outside, the alignments, porches and urban traces shape the volume. In-between inside and outside, in-between program/type and site, there is a thick space of transition that deals with privacy, intimacy and modulates natural light.
Diagrams
Materiality is explored to achieve a permeable architecture. From basic units, an assembly system is established that configures a new element. Industrialized elements are applied hand- craftily. The facade may seem very opaque from the distance outside, but when one gets closer inside, it becomes permeable. On the daylight, the facade is heavy and mute and at night comes it becomes lighter and permeable. Materiality is live and variable as it changes and responds to its context conditions.
© Pedro Pegenaute
El vestíbulo y el espacio aporchado de acceso configuran la fachada de la plaza y enlazan el nuevo equipamiento público con la estructura urbana del casco antiguo de Balaguer.
© Pedro Pegenaute
Sig Nordal 