In the vibrant city of San Sebastián, an innovative 861-square-foot apartment has been redesigned, challenging the conventional approaches to home design. Guided by Spanish architect Ismael Medina Manzano, this project, named the Unplanned Domestic Prototype, reconsiders how living spaces can adapt to the diverse and evolving needs of the 21st century. The redesign acts as both a critique and a response to traditional mid-20th-century housing frameworks, setting a precedent for flexible and sustainable living environments that align with modern societal shifts.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Ismael Medina Manzano
Location: San Sebastián, Spain
Project Name: Unplanned Domestic Prototype
Key Features: Flexible Layout and Sustainable Design
Materials Used: Green Glazed Ceramic Tiles, Locally Sourced Stone, Recycled Materials
Originally constructed in 1966, the apartment was part of a building that adhered to the strict design norms of Spain’s 1959 Stabilization Plan, which primarily focused on optimizing spaces for nuclear family units. These apartments prioritized compartmentalization and standardization, reflecting the economic and social priorities of the time. Medina’s revolutionary approach dismantles these rigid structures, presenting a fluid, multifunctional layout that welcomes the varied lifestyles of contemporary residents. His design philosophy embraces flexibility and inclusivity, creating a living space that functions as a dynamic and interactive ecosystem.
Central to the apartment’s transformation is a captivating curved wall made of green glazed ceramic tiles. This wall serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, acting as a core element for storage and social interaction. Strategically placed around this centerpiece are storage solutions that blend functionality with elegance, including closets, pantries, and kitchen cabinetry. These features cleverly blur the lines between utility and beauty, facilitating an environment that supports both practical living and aesthetic enjoyment. The apartment also incorporates local materials in its design, ensuring a strong connection to its geographical and cultural roots.
Further enhancing the apartment’s adaptive qualities is a suite of mobile elements, such as a movable kitchen island crafted from repurposed granite. This centerpiece exemplifies the project’s dedication to sustainability and versatility, allowing it to be repositioned based on the occupants’ needs and various social occasions. Other mobile features include eco-friendly furniture made from recycled materials like aluminum and steel, as well as stools fashioned from reclaimed tree roots. An environmentally conscious touch is added with mobile greenery, supported by an internal irrigation system that fosters a seamless connection with nature.
The Unplanned Domestic Prototype not only transforms space but also provokes thought about the purpose and potential of residential architecture. By integrating local materials and sustainable practices, the project highlights the importance of cultural context in architectural design. Medina’s vision encourages dwellers to engage with their living space actively, redefining their relationship with domesticity and the natural world. This innovative approach brings architecture into a new era, one that is responsive to both societal changes and environmental responsibilities.
Ultimately, this project is a testament to Ismael Medina Manzano’s vision of architecture as a tool for addressing broader societal and ecological issues. The Unplanned Domestic Prototype invites residents to reconsider what it means to inhabit a space, urging them to actively participate in shaping their environment. It sets a new standard in residential design by fostering a living space that is not only a shelter but also a dynamic platform for creativity, interaction, and sustainability. For more about Medina’s groundbreaking work, curious individuals can explore his projects further through his professional website.
