Lucas Navarro, MCH2023, Argentina

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Lucas Navarro Arévalo
Architecture Portfolio | MCH 2023

The Master of Architecture in Collective Housing is
a postgraduate full-time international professional
program of advanced architecture design in cities,
housing and energy studies presented by Universidad
Politécnica of Madrid and Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology.

Director Dr. Arch. José María de Lapuerta Montoya
General Manager Arch. Nuria Muruais
Manager Assistant Celia Ramón
Contact
e-mail: info@mchmaster.com
phone:+34 910 674 860 // +34 689 74 68 54
Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid
Avda. Juan Herrera 4. 28040, Madrid. Spain
© 2006-2023 MCH and its logo are registered trademarks.
© 2023 Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
© 2023 Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich.
Contents
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Curriculum Vitae
Workshops
Dietmar Eberle | Shape, Structure and Façade
Juan Herreros | A Playground for Digital Nomads
Anne Lacaton | Inside Out
Elli Mosayebi | Domestic Fragments
Specialties
Construction & Technology | From Paris to Oulu
Climate, Metabolism & Architecture | Climatic Typologies
City Science | Humanizing Madrid Nuevo Norte
Research
Housing Practice | The Façade Manifesto
Sociology, Economics & Politics | Contribution of Responsible
Real Estate Investment
MCH Program
Workshops
W_01. Hrvoje Njiriç. Housing the Unpredictable
W_02. Andrea Deplazes. Working + Living
W_03. Juan Herreros. Residential Productive Towers
W_04. Elli Mosayebi. Domestic Fragments
W_05. Batlle i Roig. Merging City & Nature
W_06. Dietmar Eberle. 200 100 50 20 10 - Years
W_07. Anne Lacaton. Housing & Reuse at SSB
Specialties
S_00. 3D Printing
S_01. Climate, Metabolism & Architecture
S_02. Housing Practice
S_03. Construction & Technology.
S_04. Sociology, Economy & Politics
S_05. Leadership, Processes & Entrepreneurship
S_06. Low Resources & Emergency Housing
S_07. Urban Design & Landscape
S_08. City Sciences
S_09. LEED Certification

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Lucas Federico
Navarro Arévalo
Architect
Treinta Grados Arquitectura
A society founded in 2016, dedicated to architectural works in
single-family and collective housing, commercial and institutional
premises. Preliminary project, project and technical management,
refurbishment and architectural survey.
2D and 3D modeling. Photomontage, rendering and architectural
animation. Negotiation with clients.
Dirección de Arquitectura Municipal
San Miguel de Tucumán
Study and Project: Preliminary project, project, incident analysis,
metric computation and construction budget.
Next Level Gaming Store
Participation in financial and management decision-making. Sa-
les strategies based on the latest trends in video games and local
competition, maximizing the performance of different areas and
the company’s product portfolio. Media design and publication in
social networks.
Freelancer
Advertising posters, merchandising, packaging, editorial pieces,
corporate identity, vector illustration, photo editing, 2D and 3D
multimedia, video editing, basic and commercial stationery, bro-
chures, composition and music production.
Freelancer
Draftsman of natural gas infrastructure works. Construction plans,
according to work, surveys.
Founding Partner
Architect
June 2016 - January 2023
Architect
February - July 2022
Partner - CMO
June 2016 - November 2016
March 2018 - December 2020
Graphic designer
Year 2006 - 2019
CAD Drafter
Year 2013 - Year 2017
Work Experience
ETSAM - Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid
ETH Zürich - Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Facultad de Ciencias Económicas
Universidad Nacional de Tucumán
Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo
Universidad Nacional de Tucumán
Grupo Sonnenfeld
Senior Management Consultant
INI Capacitación
Instituto Nacional de Informática
AutoCAD / Sketchup / Revit / Archicad / Cinema 4D / 3DS Max
/ Rhino / V-Ray / Lumion / Unreal Engine / Morpholio Trace /
QGIS / PrusaSlicer
CorelDRAW / Illustrator / Photoshop / Lightroom / InDesign /
After Effects / Premier Pro / Procreate / FL Studio / Studio One /
Pro Tools / Sibelius
Master in
Collective Housing
Year 2023
Master in Business
Administration
Studying
Bachelor of
Architecture
Graduated in 2017
Diploma in
Finance and
Management Control
Year 2018
Graphic Designer
Year 2006
Skills
Architecture
Software
Graphic Design and
Audiovisual
Production Software
Studies
Year 2023
+34 637 81 83 61
lucasn@dr.com
Tucumán, Argentina
Madrid, Spain

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MCH Portfolio | Lucas Navarro Arévalo
Shape, Structure
and Façade
Workshop leader Dietmar Eberle (Baumschlager-Eberle Architekten)
Workshop assistant Alberto Nicolau
Project location Madrid, Spain
Duration Five days
Approach
Architecture, seen as the language of the city, emerges as a means of expression that goes beyond simply
fulfilling a predefined program. Breaking away from the traditional approach focused on meeting a set
of requirements, there is a glimpse of a future-oriented approach that seeks the ability to blend different
periods into a single work.
For a century, housing has been the epicentre of quality of life and remains a central issue. The biggest
fallacy of modern architecture lies in limiting itself to fulfilling a program without considering the
essence that will endure over time. The longevity of buildings lies in their acceptance by society.
Beyond the quantity of structures erected, the key lies in quality. Historical representation is not just
a reflection of architectural styles but a narrative intertwined with people’s lives. Architecture should
not be a mere reflection of the past but an active contribution to the present and future of society. The
essential question should be: why did people choose to build this?
It is crucial to shift the focus from the determination of the city by buildings to public space and the at-
mospheres they generate. Design begins with shared spaces, with the sensations they evoke. The city, at
its core, is forged at the intersection of these experiences, and architecture, as a language, must be an on-
going conversation between the past, present, and future, contributing incessantly to the social fabric.

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Workshop: Dietmar Eberle | Shape, Structure & Façade
Tasks
This workshop had a distinctive format. Each day, we confronted a
diverse set of tasks at various locations throughout Madrid. Once
the daily assignments were accomplished, we were required to select
a colleague’s project and transition to the subsequent challenge.
Task 1 First volumetric approach
Task 2 Structure
Task 3 Façade
Task 4 General development of our preference
Sites
Site 1
Madrid’s historic city center.
Location developed mainly
between the 16th and 18th cen-
turies.
Barrio de La Latina.
Ground surface: 424 sqm.
Site 2
Location that was developed
during the last part of the 19th
century and the beginning of
the 20th century.
Barrio de Almagro.
Ground surface: 1.516 sqm.
Site 3
Location in development by
buildings of this 21st century
and in current densification.
Barrio Imperial.
Ground surface: 5.950 sqm.
Task 1, Site 3
First Volumetric Approach
The context of the 21st century allows us to adopt some contemporary style with some
freedom. However, the approach focused on volumetric design, so it was taken as a refe-
rence to the dimensions of the surrounding buildings to maintain urban cohesion with
the neighbourhood.

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Task 2, Site 1
Structure
When we were in the historic part of the city, a traditional rein-
forced concrete structure was proposed with walls of ceramic brick
masonry. The main reason is the difficulty of using prefab elements
given the difficult access of cargo trucks through the narrow streets.
Task 3, Site 2
Façade
Inserted in a context of the late 19th century but with adjoining buildings of
the 20th century, the facade design of our building involved a mixture of these
two styles to respect the urban landscape. Constructively, the façade is now
completed by prefabricated industrialized panels.

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Task 4, Site 1
General Development
Façade
The facade takes as inspiration the regular arrangement of windows of typical histori-
cal buildings. With better protection and thermal insulation systems available today,
the dimensions of the openings are more generous to allow more natural lighting and
better views of the city. The detail that gives it a striking feature is the curvature of the
front of the building taking advantage of the small niche formed at the junction with
the adjacent building.
Structure
The main intention is to adopt a structural system of reinforced concrete beams which
allow interior spaces completely free of columns, which will be hidden within the
walls. In addition to this, it is also proposed that sectors of bearing walls collaborate
with vertical loads. This is done by using large slabs and beams that are as efficient as
possible by having multiple points of support.

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155 sqm
105 sqm
Organization
The main intention of this collective housing building is to achieve completely free
and flexible spaces to adapt to any type of program. That is why the arrangement of
the openings is not conditioned by interior walls. As for circulation, there is a single
nucleus of vertical circulation in the centre of the building, avoiding the waste of un-
necessary square meters of corridors.
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Façade Section
50 mm layer of gravel; protective mat two-layer
bituminous roof seal, upper layer with 10 mm
stone chippings 180-270 mm polyurethane
rigid-foam thermal insulation to falls;
bituminous vapour barrier 250 mm reinforced
concrete roof, painted.
Precast concrete sandwich element:
80 mm anthracite-coloured reinforced concrete
facing slab; stopping coat to formwork;
stainless- steel anchor through 200 mm exp.
polystyrene thermal insulation; 160 mm reinf.
concrete bearing layer, stopped and painted.
3 mm anodised alum. surround, bent to shape.
35 mm compacted exp. polystyrene fixing layer.
20 mm soft-fibre sheet (only next to window).
Firebreak: 200 mm rock-wool thermal
insulation.
20 mm bed of mortar.
Sleeve with Ø 20 mm steel fixing rod.
Ø 60 mm corrugated sheath in reinf. cone. floor;
mortar filling to fix steel rod/precast element.
Needle-felt carpet; smoothing layer; epoxy-resin
seal; 250 mm reinf. cone. floor, painted.
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A Playground for
Digital Nomads
Productive Residential Towers
Workshop leader Juan Herreros (Estudio Herreros)
Workshop assistant Pedro Pitarch
Team Gabriel Barba (Peru), Andrés Melo (Colombia), Brittany Siegert (United States
Duration Five days
About the Program
“Productive Residential Towers” is a research program that aims to reassess the models for thin-
king and designing contemporary collective housing, particularly within the context of social,
economic, health, and climate crises in our cities. The proposal seeks to address the demand to rege-
nerate and requalify urban areas for new types of citizens with more creative, engaged, and demanding
lifestyles, diverging from conventional norms.
It focuses on areas of opportunity, especially on tall office buildings gradually being abandoned. These
buildings require a diversification of their program and reintegration into the urban fabric that rejects
monofunctional zones. Additionally, it aims to meet the growing demand for productive activities in
the city by eliminating industrial ghettos and promoting the integration of contemporary production
into residential neighbourhoods.
Objectives
The main subject of the course is Project Techniques, their methodologies and resources. For this, the
research takes as starting data “realistic” the apparently utopian and radically propositional conceptions
that can be understood as viable proposals of high novelty. It is about proposing something new but
produced with the naturalness that accompanies the ideas necessary for their opportunism.
The objective is to create a state of collective reflection of a continuous and coincident character in
which any type of contribution -documentary, written, oral, graphic...- has meaning, accumulating a
quantity of material ready to be shared. Given the urgency of the workshop, the material produced must
be of maximum communicative capacity as architectural documents.

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Workshop: Juan Herreros | A Playground for Digital Nomads
Task
The exercise consisted of transforming an iconic building in Ma-
drid, originally used for offices, into a Productive Residential Tower.
The building was the Picasso Tower, designed by Minoru Yamasaki.
Project Description
It was decided to transform it into a playground for digital nomads due to the high
and growing demand from individuals arriving in Madrid. The area, open floor
plan and location of the tower were seen as an opportunity.
The primary challenge from the outset was the rigidity and monotony of the
tower, a characteristic opposed to the concept of a playground. The decision was
made to furnish the building with temporary productive apartments and comple-
mentary vertical urban spaces.
We asked ourselves, why do people come to Madrid? Is it for urban life? Then the
building must also be endowed with a piece of that life.

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Analysis of the Existing Building
The Picasso Tower posed a challenge due to its primary charac-
teristic: the repetition and rigidity inherent in its design. The
structure comprises 47 identical floors, each one of 38x50m. This
repetitiveness is evident in both the floor layout and the facade
design, and, naturally, in the overall structural arrangement.
In light of these constraints, the question arises: How can one
foster diverse spaces to accommodate the preferences sought by
digital nomads arriving in Madrid? How to have a park on the
30th floor, a square on the 15th floor, or a diving pool on the
40th floor?
Large interior core Lack of hierarchy in
repetitive floor slabs
Open floor plan
+ Minimal glazing
Strategies for the New Building
What we were considering in the previous questions was the creation of urban spaces within a vertical
building, requiring the maximum available open area and open floors to the exterior. The existing buil-
ding was highly enclosed, with 37% of each floor occupied by the circulation core. To address this, we
devised the following strategies:
1. Reduce the central core to 12%, sufficient for comfortable circulation but allocating more space
to the building’s public areas.
2. By having larger spaces and supplementing with additional area, we could establish hierarchical
public spaces at intervals, serving as an analogy to the urban diversity found in a city.
3. Perforate the facade to create a building where various activities can take place in connection
with the exterior.
Reduction of
the interior core
Create hierarchy
+ Variety of spaces
Perforation of
tructural facade

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Old and
New Section
Section of the old and new projects. The primary cha-
llenge from the outset was to overcome monotony.
The added volumes enable a variety of new spaces in
the building, both private and public, and highlight
the retained spaces from the office tower, which re-
main equally essential for a digital nomad.

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Typology 1
Ground floor
The intention of this typology was to offer all the amenities to indi-
viduals temporarily residing in the room, regardless of their occupa-
tion. Whatever the needs of the occupant might be, they could be
temporarily stored or obtained from the side storage unit.
Typology 1
Upper floor
Considering comfort and the profile of individuals, typically young,
who commonly travel as digital nomads, the aim was to disrupt the
conventional separation between bedroom and workspace, incor-
porating elements of a “playground” into the room.

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Section Diagram
Diagram of what is intended to be achieved in the Picasso Tower. The former
office structure would be used for accommodation. Besides, the newly generated
spaces are designated for a variety of outdoor activities such as skate parks, green
spaces, climbing areas, etc.
Urban Life
Despite what many people think about
digital no mads, 44% work more hours
than before becoming one, even during
weekends and outside of regular working
hours (El Pais, 2023). This often leaves litt-
le time to walk around the city. How, then,
can one access the city’s amenities while
residing temporarily in a tower?
With the implemented strategies, various
outdoor spaces were created, including
squares, public pools, parks, and even
commercial areas. In this way, the building
aims to align with the concept of a 15-mi-
nute city, which is a consideration for digi-
tal nomads when choosing a city.

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Original Picasso tower by Minoru Yamasaki New Picasso Tower “Playground for Digital Nomads” proposal

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Inside
Out
Housing & Reuse at SBB
Workshop leader Anne Lacaton (Lacaton & Vassal)
Workshop assistant Diego García- Setién
Project location Zürich, Switzerland
Team Camila Cano (Colombia), Krishna Yadav (India)
Duration Five days
Qualities of inhabiting
This workshop focused on defining and exemplifying optimal conditions for living in the city. The
city should provide an exceptional quality of life by offering a large range of facilities, proximities, and
pleasures, as well as a large variety of dwelling typologies to fit different needs, expectations and ways of
life: living in a public space, living in the neighbourhood, living collectively within a close community,
and living individually. Defining a set of principles should be mandatory before designing architecture,
especially dwellings. To do so, it is fundamental to hold a critical position as an essential part of
the design process.
To ignite the workshop, we had to define, in one or two sentences, 1 important and specific quality
that housing should have, so that later on, each group could start with 3 or 4 important qualities to
be respected by their group projects, such as strong design objectives.
These qualities are related to architectural or spatial qualities and act as a starting point and guideline
for the workshop. We could start analyzing and criticizing the current state of universal housing today,
and posing some fundamental questions, to build our own critical position.
The resulting project could become not only an answer for the particular site, but act as a Housing
Manifesto addressing essential Quality Principles, as if some sort of «Articles of a Constitution»
agreed and shared by the whole group.

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Workshop: Anne Lacaton | Inside Out
“Our home is the witness. It is the stage and
life is theatre. It makes us as we make it.”
Architecture as Autobiography
The Narrative
1.Qualities
of Inhabiting
Generosity
Transparency
Capacity of appropriation
Pleasure and imagination
Freespace and extra-space
Inside outside continuity
Private outdoor space
Open structure
2. Interpretation of
Qualities in Fragments

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3. Designing Housing
Typologies From Fragments
5. De-densifying to Gain
Green Public Spaces
4. Densifying Following
Structure Grid
6. Giving Each Unit a
Private Outdoor Space
A
B
C
D
The Site
This workshop explores the potential reuse of obsolete industrial facilities turned into mixed-use
and dwelling structures to foster good conditions of life in the context of the Master in Collective
Housing.
We worked at the complex site in Kreis (Zurich) owned by the Schweizerische Bundesbahnen
(SBB), the swiss national railway company and occupied by workshop sheds, still used as a train repara-
tion center. Here there should be an opportunity to avoid demolition and find alternative strategies to
provide good living conditions on the site.
The strategy is to design the project inside the factory.

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• 1: single floor, 40 sqm, 19 units.
• 2: duplex, 49 sqm, 19 units.
• 3: single floor, 86 sqm, 13 units.
• 4: duplex, 125 sqm, 19 units.
• 5: coliving single room, 32 sqm, 20 units.
• 6: coliving rooms, 55 sqm, 32 units.
• Coliving area, 1.456 sqm.
• Commerce, 452 sqm.
• Private gardens, 4.000 sqm.
Typologies
Interior public gardens
Non-built area
Exterior private gardens
Fountains
Built area
Existing buildings
Entrances
Public circulation
Public Spaces
Circulation

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Domestic
Fragments
Workshop leader Elli Mosayebi (Edelaar Mosayebi Inderbitzin Architekten)
Workshop assistant Álvaro M. Fidalgo
Project location Purmamarca, Jujuy, Argentina
Team Santiago Aguirre (Chile), Stephany Pavon (Honduras)
Duration Five days
Assignment
A critical intellectual engagement with forms of contemporary urban housing serves as the focus of the
studio project, in the design of an apartment. In this, design is to be understood as an instrument for
experiencing the present age and generating knowledge. The modest scale of the projects will allow us
to concentrate on the many themes of the interior, the form of the dwelling, fundamental architectural
elements and the climate.
Project
Each design starts with a specific idea of dwelling, prioritizing spatial and architectural potential over
social relevance. The concept challenges the traditional idea of ‘individual dwellings,’ allowing for buil-
dings designed for collective living where such distinctions become irrelevant. These structures may
not only serve as dwelling spaces but also integrate work, contemplation, or other activities. The key
requirement is that the apartment can accommodate multiple individuals living independently.
In addition to the dwelling concept, a specific architectural element can drive the design. This element,
directly related to the intended purpose, can be a standalone inspiration or complement the primary
concept. These elements encompass more than structural components like windows, doors, and stairs,
extending to secondary and movable elements such as kitchen and bathroom components, as well as
furniture like beds, tables, curtains, etc.
Ultimately it is also conceivable to take such an element as the primary origin of the project, i.e. to
develop the dwelling on the basis of an architectural element or a piece of furniture. Can you imagine
an inhabited staircase? How would you design a floor plan based on a chimney? Can the placement
of columns define a dwelling space? How would a dwelling look that primarily serves sleeping, and in
which the bed is at the centre? Who would inhabit such spaces?

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Workshop: Elli Mosayebi | Domestic Fragments

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Task
The task consisted of designing an architec-
tural proposal based on certain concepts and
places with specific climate conditions that
each group was assigned by lot. In the case
of our group, the assigned verbs of collecti-
ve activities were “Accommodating guests”
and “Collecting”, the spatial element was
“Armchair” and the place was some with the
climatic condition “Cold desert climate”.
Accommodating guests
The concept of the building consists of a co-
llective and transitory accommodation for
tourists seeking to be part of the festivities
and rituals originating in Purmamarca, such
as the Carnival and the Pachamama festival.
Collecting
The main construction system is rammed
earth, and the concept of “collecting” is jus-
tified by building the walls of this material
mixing the different minerals from the “Hill
of the 7 colors”, located a few kilometers
from the place.
Armchair
The roof consists of a long staircase along the
building that serves as bleachers to witness
the processions and rituals that take place in
the festivities. The “armchair” in this case are
the seats formed by each step.
Cold desert climate
The place chosen is Purmamarca, a pictures-
que pre-Columbian village in the arid moun-
tains of Jujuy, in northern Argentina.
the climate is usually hot and warm in a few
instances, not typically as hot as hot desert
climates and tend to feature cold, dry sum-
mers and winters.

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From Paris
to Oulu
Specialty Construction & Technology
Specialty leader Ignacio Fernández Solla
Specialty assistants Archie Campbell, David Castro, Diego García-Setién
Project location Oulu, Finland
Team Fernando González (Mexico), Brittany Siegert (United States), Alejandro Yañez (Mexico)
Duration Three weeks
About the specialty
The aim of the module is to understand buildings as entities based on the interplay of three physical
realms: structure, envelope and services, connected by a process: industrialization.
At the end of the module, students will have understood design and construction as one conti-
nuous process. Design is not possible without construction, and vice-versa, if our buildings are suppo-
sed to be real architecture. Students will develop a culture of construction in parallel to their evolving
culture of design.
Task
Case studies were assigned to each group to be relocated to different parts of the world with different
technological contexts. Our assigned case study was the Rue des Orteaux building by Babled Nou-
vet Reynaud Architectes in Paris, France, which is located in a continental context, humid climate
zone, and moving the project to a city with a highly industrialized economy. The place we have chosen
is Oulu, Finland.
The objective was to reconceptualize the building’s design strategies in terms of envelope,
structure and services. It was necessary to reconsider construction systems and materials and search
for an appropriate solution which allowed to reindustrialize the building process, related to the available
resources in the new location.

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Specialty: Construction & Technology | From Paris to Oulu
20 Social Housing Units
Babled-Nouvet-Reynaud
Delivered in 2013, this building of 20 social
housing very intelligently meets the challenge of
meeting the requirement HQE (High Environ-
mental Quality) without reinforcement of res-
trictive technology. Consisting of three decrea-
sing volumes, the main building has completely
glazed facades exposed to the course of the sun.
The double-skin glass and wood ensure very effi-
cient passive heating while providing good sound
insulation.
• Envelope: South and east facades are
made up of an exterior layer of sliding glass
doors, and interior layer of glass doors and
heat-collecting concrete walls, and an inter-
mediate roller shade imediately behind the
exterior glazing.
• Facilities: Located along north and west
facades to accomodate the south and east
facing double-glazed facade.
• Structure: A post-slab concrete
structural system uses less con-
crete, allows light to permeate
deep within the building,
and allows for future pro-
gramatic flexibility.
Original Project:
Apartment Building in Paris
The proposed number of units is 6 per floor, with
30 units total and 60 sq m per unit. The building
has 6 levels and the total size is 2180 sq m.
• Envelope: The facades towards the street
are formed by industrialized panels with
high insulation. The interior facades to the
south are large windowings designed in
two layers for maximum solar gain, large
views and internal heat retention. The roof
shape is designed for collecting water from
rain and snow.
• Facilities: Located between public circu-
lation and units with maximum accessibi-
lity. It includes a hydraulic heating system,
rainwater and greywater and blackwater
collection system, radiant floor heating
system, besides electrical installation and
ventilation by ducts.
• Structure: Use of concrete in pile founda-
tions (due to the proximity of the sea and
ground conditions) and in prefabricated
vertical circulation elements. Wooden
structures respond to the building cul-
ture of the place, contributing to
the reduction of CO2.
Proposal:
Apartment Building in Oulu

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Apartment Unit
As Oulu is a prominent research and technology
hub, home to several universities and research fa-
cilities, our target demographic are post-graduate
student and young professional renters who will
typically live in Oulu for 2-5 years. The apart-
ments will be reduced from multi-bedroom to
small studio apartments for only 1-2 individuals.
The building will incorporate shared spaces for
cooking, working, socializing and exercising in
addition to the individual apartment units.
The main idea of the project is based on an indus-
trialized system consisting of 3 different stages:
the construction of the structure on site, the mo-
dular elements containing the infrastructure, and
the panelled prefabricated facade. It is expected
to implement quality control and achieve cost
efficiency and a reduced time process.
On site element
Modular element
Panelised façade

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On site element
CLT structural wall
Insulation wall
Interior glazing
Exterior glazing
Microcement screed
Self leveling mortar
Radiant floor
Expansion joint
Thermal insulation XPS
CLT slab
Vibration pad
CLT beams
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Exploded
Construction
Axonometrics
Modular element
& Panelised façade
CLT module roof slab
CLT beams
CLT structural walls
Wooden threshold
Microcement screed
Radiant floor
Expansion joint
Thermal insulation xps
CLT slab
Supports for lifting
CLT beams
Vibration pad
Kitchen unit
Bathroom unit
Wall covering
Doors
Bracing
Thermal insulation
Steel frame
Densglass sheating
Membrane
Rainscreen mineral wool
Cladding support
Cladding
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Details
The modules are self-bearing assemblies
which consist of a load-bearing floor, ceiling
structures and load-bearing vertical structu-
res.
The structures, furnishing, finishing, and
fittings of the modules are assembled at the
prefabrication factory.
Foundations, module lifting and stacking, as-
sembling inter-module connections and mo-
dule-to-module interface finishing remain
on-site duties in fully modular building.
Detail A Detail B Detail C
Detail A
Microcement screed
CLT slab
Vibration pad
2mm expansion joint
40 mm CLT beam
120 x 120 mm windowing base
30 mm wooden fascia
Single glazing in aluminum pane:
- 4 mm laminated safety glass
Detail C
20 mm wooden wall covering
90 Mm thermal insulation
Steel frame
16 mm GP densglass sheating
Air, water & vapour barrier
75 mm rainscreen mineral wool
30 mm wooden cladding
Detail B
Microcement screed
Radiant floor
Thermal insulation xps
CLT slab
Supports for lifting
Vibration pad
2mm expansion joint
CLT module roof slab
CLT beam
CLT beam
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100 mm
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400 mm
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64 65
Specialty Climate, Metabolism & Architecture. Towards Post-Sustainability
Specialty leader Javier García-Germán
Project location Barcelona, Spain
Team Fredy Quispe (Peru), Paloma Romero (Mexico), Ángela Tamayo (Mexico)
Duration Two weeks
Climatic Typologies
Body, Climate And Architecture
About the specialty
The module focuses on climatic questions and on the metabolic dimension of architecture, exploring
the design opportunities which thermodynamics and ecology have opened to the field of collective
housing, with the objective of finding design strategies which bridge the void between quantitative and
qualitative approaches.
Task
The objective was to design a 20-unit collective housing building starting from the particular atmos-
pheres demanded by its users. First, we had to explore the interactions between the local climate, the
spatial and material particularities of architecture, and the lifestyle of its users. Based on this, we had to
give a precise architectural response to climate designing spatial and material systems to interact with
inhabitation patterns.

66 67
Specialty: Climate, Metabolism & Architecture | Climatic Typologies
Climate
The climate of Barcelona is Mediterranean coastal, with
hot summers and mild winters. Its high relative humidity
throughout the year negatively influences comfort, so taking
advantage of the winds for passive croos ventilation is para-
mount.
Climate Zones
Tropical zone Subtropical zone Temperate zone Polar and subpolar zone
Average Temperature
Predominant Winds
Anual Average
Temperature
Comfort zone
J F M A M J J A S O N D
0 ºC
10 ºC
30 ºC
26 ºC
20 ºC
40 ºC
90º
45º
0º
315º
270º
225º 135º
180º
21.2 °C
during the day
15.1 °C
at night
Psychrometric chart
Barcelona has 1,423 hours of comfort, which is only 16% of the
year. Implementing these passive design strategies efficiently can
increase the comfort time during the year up to about 80%.
Average Humidity
Relative air humidity
J F M A M J J A S O N D
0 %
20%
80%
60%
40%
100%
100% 80%
90% 70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
-5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Comfort
zone
Internal
gains
Passive solar
heating
Mass cooling
Natural
ventilation
Sun shading
of windows
Winter
19°C
Hrs
176
1
• Sun protection in summer to reduce high temperatures and
high solar radiation.
• Natural ventilation in summer to counteract high apparent
temperatures caused by high relative humidity.
• Mass cooling of materials to acclimate spaces through thermal
inertia.
• Internal gains as thermal energy produced by occupation den-
sity and type of activity within spaces.
• Passive solar heating in winter by maximizing the amount of
solar radiation that enters the building and is absorbed
by its thermal mass.

68 69
A relevant factor is the humidity in Barcelona, it’s important to
have a good ventilation to make it possible for people to sweat and
evaporate the sweat when the temperature is too hot, this way the
cooling effect works. This images show two clear examples of how
people live in winter and in summer in Barcelona and the places
they use to cope with the different climate conditions.
• Direct sun radiation. Social cul-
tures seeks outdoor spaces, even
in winter
• Spaces blocking the cold winter
breeze
• Body convective air cooling of
fresh mediterraneano ocean ma-
rine breeze
• High temeperatures under direct
sun light
• Cooling vasodilation process
Climate
Summer Day
Sun protection to reduce high temperatures
and high solar radiation. Natural ventilation
to counteract high apparent temperatures
caused by high relative humidity.
Winter Day
Passive solar heating in winter by maximizing
the amount of solar radiation that enters the
building and is absorbed by its thermal mass.
Summer Night
Mass cooling of materials to acclimate spaces
through thermal inertia. Natural cross and
stack ventilation to get rid of hot and stale air
Winter Night
Internal gains as thermal energy produced by
occupation density and type of activity within
spaces. Materials with thermal mass to release
heat gained by direct solar radiation.
Prototype
6 am cold north wind
10 am south wind
Sun protection with vegetation
Cold basement
Open south façade
Deciduous vegetation
allows solar gain
Heat rises
8 pm north wind
Vertical humidity reduction
Cold basement
Heavy courtains contain heat
Low-E glazing in windows
Close prototype to contain heat
Heat rises

70 71
CLT Wood &
Wood Structure
Reusable, recyclable and renewable material to be 100% na-
tural. It is thermal and acoustic insulation. Its low specific
weight makes it a lightweight material and very suitable for
prefabrication.
Its thermal resistance is 0.13 W/mK.taking advantage of the
winds for passive croos ventilation is paramount.
Prefabricated
Concrete
Self-regulator material. Very suitable for this project because
it has the capacity to absorb and store heat from direct solar
radiation. Great dimensional accuracy and finishes. Faster
erection at site.
Its thermal resistance is 0.33 W/mK.
Thermal Insulation
with Cellulose
Thermal and acoustic insulating material. Regulates humidi-
ty. It is made of recycled paper and is 100% natural. It has
very low carbon footprint.
Its thermal resistance is 0.039 W/mK.

72 73
Winter
Summer

74 75
Specialty City Science
Specialty leaders Julia Landaburu, Susana Isabel
Team Gabriel Barba (Peru), Fernando González (Mexico), Isabel Monsalve (Ecuador), Brittany Sie-
gert (United States), Alejandro Yañez (Mexico)
Duration Two weeks
Humanizing
Madrid Nuevo Norte
About the Specialty
City science, a compelling frontier in urban development, serves as the application of science and re-
search to confront the complex challenges embedded in modern cities. This innovative approach
hinges on evidence-based methodologies, driving a dynamic process that can be dissected into three key
phases: research diagnosis, analyzing science/research, and responding.
1. Research Diagnosis: The foundation of city science lies in the meticulous collection of urban
data, constituting a comprehensive research diagnosis. This phase involves gathering evidence
that paints a vivid picture of the city’s dynamics, from demographic trends to environmental in-
dicators.
2. Analyzing Science/Research: The amassed data is then subjected to a meticulous analysis,
transforming raw information into actionable knowledge. This critical step prompts the question,
“So what?” The findings and conclusions derived from this analysis become the bedrock upon
which informed decisions and strategies are built.
3. Responding: Armed with key findings, the city science approach moves into the responding
phase. This involves the implementation of design and policy measures tailored to address specific
urban challenges. The fundamental question guiding this phase is, “Why? What challenge are
you trying to solve?”
City science, as a strategic approach, takes aim at the multifaceted challenges prevalent in modern ur-
ban landscapes. These challenges span resiliency and climate change, decarbonization, evolving mobi-
lity paradigms, social inequalities, an aging population, affordable housing, urban health, clean water
accessibility, and green urban development. This intricate tapestry of issues necessitates innovative and
evidence-driven solutions. By adopting the principles of city science, urban planners and policymakers
can chart a course towards the creation of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities that effectively cater
to the diverse needs of their residents.

76 77
Specialty: City Science Humanizing Madrid Nuevo Norte
17th C 18th C 19th C 20th C 20th-21th C 21th C
Paseo de La Castellana
Project
Our exploration of city science focused on Madrid Nuevo Norte, manifested as an “implementa-
tion lab.” Our final submission featured a visionary masterplan for the site and a detailed district plan,
showcasing the practical application of the city science approach. Guided by a thorough methodology,
we conducted a diagnostic phase analyzing territorial and real estate aspects, followed by envisioning
sustainability scenarios. The subsequent phases involved crafting a detailed masterplan integrating la-
yout specifics, feasibility considerations, and urban design elements. The narrative culminated in the
implementation phase, where our vision translated into reality through territorial, social, and real es-
tate strategies. This hands-on journey transformed Madrid Nuevo Norte into a living testament to the
transformative power of city science.
Madrid Nuevo Norte
The route of Madrid follows a historical axis that
starts in Atocha, to the south and reaches the Pla-
za de Castilla, to the north. It is its route full of
historical buildings, first, and towers and offices,
later. But as we move beyond the Puerta de Euro-
pa -these iconic twin-sloping skyscrapers- the ur-
ban fabric blurs. There is the station of Chamar-
tín, the beginning of a large unused area in which
a beach of tracks and several empty lots extend 5.6
kilometres in a northerly direction, until the link
with the M-40. The neighbourhoods on either
side are seen but not touched. An urban wound
that Madrid Nuevo Norte intends to close, beco-
ming one of the most important urban regenera-
tion projects in Madrid.

78 79
Strategies
In our urban planning strategy, we prioritize comprehensive connectivity across economic, social, and
infrastructural layers. Our approach involves establishing a robust link from the southern to the nor-
thern city through the Castellana and business axis. Simultaneously, we focus on connecting the techno-
logical hub in the north with surrounding neighbourhoods, ensuring a seamless blend of innovation and
community growth. Another key aspect is the total integration of neighbourhoods along the east-west
axis, fostering harmony and equal development. Additionally, we aim to grow and connect the southern
healthcare axis, enhancing accessibility and resilience. Lastly, our commitment extends to green spaces,
weaving a network from the south to the north, ensuring nature is intricately integrated into the urban
fabric. This strategic vision aims to create a cohesive, inclusive, and resilient city where each element
contributes to a vibrant urban tapestry.
Business
Axis
Neighbourhood
Connection
Technology
Center
Castellana
Axis
Green
Connection
Healthcare
Connection
Total Neighbourhood
Integration
“Cities are complex systems whose
infrastructural, economic and social
components are strongly interrelated and
therefore difficult to understand in isolation.”
(Jacobs, 1961)

80 81
Existing Green Spaces
Existing Buildings
Existing Mobility
New Green Spaces
New Buildings
New Mobility
Small Scale
Designing for smallness is tightly associated with
the range of our perceptible space and propor-
tional to our body size. small scale cities also en-
courage interaction among residents and create
social cohesion spaces-streets, buildings, neigh-
borhoods, associations, etc.
Life+Work Mix
The purpose of pulling the two programs closer is
to take care of citizen’s mental health by building
a strong connection between body, mind and the
physical environment.
Permeable Public Space
Designing for smallness is tightly associated with
the range of our perceptible space and proportio-
nal to our body size.
Integrating Nature
Having more greenery augments a city’s ability to
cleans the air and absolve water, which makes the
city more inhabitable and resilience. Also, lands-
cape practice, should adapt to local geographical
conditions, such as climate and topography.
Reusing + Saving Old Buildings
Cultural and natural heritages should be assigned
more weight in locating new towns and reviving
old ones.
Reusing + Saving Old Buildings
This is usually seen as a luxury or something only
affordable if you live in a city center. Populations
of less walkable areas tend to be less diverse and
have lower incomes, higher unemployment rates,
lower access to education, less space for recrea-
tion, etc. The big challenge is also to transform
existing neighborhoods into human- scale cities.

82 83
15-Minute City
In crafting our project strategies, we delved into the intricacies of urban dynamics through a focused
15-minute city analysis and proposal. This comprehensive examination encompassed a spectrum of es-
sential elements, ranging from commerce and healthcare to public spaces, education, entertainment,
and working environments. Our approach was rooted in fostering a rich and diverse array of activities
across various scales, acknowledging the dynamic interplay between these facets.
Commerce
Public Spaces
Entertainment
Education
Healthcare
Working
In envisioning the urban landscape, we sought not only to address immediate needs but to cultivate a
thriving ecosystem where residents could seamlessly access essential services and engage in a multitude
of activities within a 15-minute radius. This commitment to a plurality of activities at different scales
forms the foundation of our strategy, aiming to create a city that is not only functional but also vibrant
and responsive to the diverse needs of its inhabitants.

84 85
Specialty Housing Practice
Research leader Fernando Altozano
Completion time Seven months
The Façade
Manifesto
Specialty approach
In the realm of housing discipline, our exploration embarked from a fundamental concept: the depar-
ture from individual “villas” proved unsustainable, steering us towards collective housing with a holistic
approach founded on a “social commitment” ethos. The essence of the form and shape are derived both
from external influences and internal considerations, respectively.
The crux of our inquiry centred on the development of housing knowledge. How is such knowledge
conceived? What defines quality in this context? Our journey prompted us to ponder the transition
from clues to concrete ideas and the quantification of historical knowledge. We grappled with the cha-
llenge of incorporating new ideas, topics, and concepts into our existing mental map.
Research
Our approach involved the systematic analysis of each housing example as intricate systems. The process
began with the professor assigning 30 collective housing buildings, complemented by an additional 20
examples proposed by each participant. The overarching objective was to construct a novel framework
for analyzing collective housing systems, with a pronounced emphasis on metaphors and narratives.
Keywords like “map,” “matrix,” “catalogue,” “galaxy,” and “structure” resonated as we delved into this in-
tellectual exercise, aiming to craft a fresh perspective on collective housing that transcended traditional
boundaries and opened up new avenues of understanding.

86 87
Specialty: Housing Practice | Research: The Façade Manifesto
Work Introduction
This work is conceived as an exercise in self-knowledge and, at the same time, self-unknowing, elimi-
nating the confirmatory and boring practice of the systematic. It aims to be the catalyst for a thought
that was not in the consciousness of the author but rather in potential, giving substance to phantoms,
desiring the imminence produced by the miracle of perplexity. It is the perfect excuse to deeply immerse
oneself in a subject that, analyzed per se, has the aroma of a taboo:
The facade is a vital matter and must be respected again.
Manifesto for the Revaluation
of the Facade in Architecture
The manifesto advocates for the reevaluation of the facade in architecture, emphasizing its role beyond
mere decoration. Architects and design enthusiasts propose a shift in perception, viewing the facade as
a crucial mediator, contextualizer, and communicator of meaning.
Key proposals include recognizing the facade as a tangible interface between architecture and the
community, promoting changes in architectural education to prioritize facade studies, rejecting the
relegation of the facade to the last stage of the design process in practice, and understanding the facade’s
responsibility in defining urban spaces. The manifesto calls for the evolution of facades through the
exploration of new technologies and materials, emphasizing sustainability. Finally, the manifesto under-
scores the responsibility of facades to communicate community values and aspirations, advocating for
inclusivity and representation in architectural design.
The overall message is a call to action to restore the facade to its preeminent place as a critical com-
ponent of architecture, capable of enriching cities and communities through education, practice, and
innovation.
Analysis
The project involves visually analyzing the facades of collective residential buildings worldwide, em-
phasizing the facade as the most significant vertical aspect with extensive contact with public space and
the urban environment. The analysis includes drawing elevations that consider elements like silhouette,
openings, decorative features, entrance, and ground line. Drawing each building necessitates a compre-
hensive understanding of compositional reasons, involving parallel analysis of photographs, floor plans,
diagrams, construction details, and visual documentation. The research explores various paths, initially
considering pattern, silhouette, fractal complexity, three-dimensionality, and the facade-entrance rela-
tionship. The decision was made to focus the research specifically on the pattern.
The objective of this visual and abstract research is to present this methodology as one of the many
possible approaches to be developed, with a focus on a new way of studying existing facades, and to use
the results to transform them into innovative tools for facade analysis and composition.
Methodology
1. Selection of Works
Criteria for selection included popularity on
architecture websites, easy access to documen-
tation, representation of an interesting style,
personal appeal to the analyst, and exclusion
of works with dynamic or ephemeral elements.
2. Drawing of the Facade
Hand-drawn or digitally illustrated examples
using Procreate and Adobe Illustrator with
specific parameters.
3. Identification of the Pattern
After drawing, a single, repeatable, and signi-
ficant pattern in the facade’s design was iden-
tified, representing the “compositional DNA.”
4. Creation of the Motif
The identified pattern was repeated to form a
motif, using different types of repetition like
grid repetition.
5. Application of the Motif
The motif was applied within the silhouettes
of other buildings to generate multiple variants
for facade analysis and creative composition.
Conclusion
The work aims to redefine the facade’s role beyond decoration, emphasizing its communication with
the public and surroundings. It challenges collective thinking, advocating for changes in architectural
education, considering facades from the design outset, and recognizing their significance in shaping
urban spaces. It emphasizes the evolution of architecture and the exploration of new technologies. The
proposed exercise seeks to be an innovative tool in building composition, with results being personal
and subjective due to the visual nature of the exercise.

90 91
egazpi
Specialty Sociology, Economics & Politics
Research leader Daniel Sorando
Completion time Five months
Contribution of Responsible
Real Estate Investment to
Counteract Socio-Spatial
Segregation in Familistic
Welfare States
Theoretical Essay
Introduction
Socio-spatial segregation is a complex and concerning phenomenon affecting many cities around the
world, generating inequalities and tensions in social fabric. In familistic (also known as Latin Rim)
welfare states, such as Spain, this issue is particularly pronounced due to the combination of housing
systems and dualistic welfare regimes. In this context, responsible intervention in real estate properties
emerges as a key strategy to counteract the negative effects of socio- spatial segregation and promote
greater integration and equity within cities. This essay explores how responsible investment can contri-
bute to addressing this challenge.
Context
Dualistic welfare regimes present in familistic cluster countries, characterized by an intermediate
approach between liberal and social democratic welfare, often involve less state intervention in housing
provision compared to more developed welfare regimes. Instead of direct state provision, self-provision
is encouraged, relying more on family networks and the market to meet housing needs. This context
can influence housing tenure patterns and ethnic and socio-spatial segregation in various ways. Addi-
tionally, the thesis of polarization in global cities like Madrid and Barcelona suggests that increasing so-
cioeconomic inequality in cities more connected to global flows leads to greater residential segregation
among different social categories, resulting in inequalities and spatial fragmentation. In this aspect, the
distinctive characteristics of Southern European countries hold a significantly different meaning from
those of Northern countries: concepts of family, heritage, and self-promotion of housing are deeply
rooted in rural culture and traditions. The “Deficit of Stateness” and the controversial collective debate
over whether housing is considered a right, a good, or an asset have given rise to a complex and diver-
sified market.

92 93
Specialty: Sociology, Economics & Politics | Contribution of Responsible Real Estate Investment
Socially Responsible Real Estate Investment
The durability of properties as a universal necessity refuge makes them susceptible to speculation. Socia-
lly Responsible Property Investment (SRPI) involves considering not only financial returns but also the
social, environmental, and governance impacts of properties. This approach seeks to promote practices
that benefit both investors and the wider community. In the context of socio-spatial segregation in
Spain, responsible investment can play a crucial role in various aspects.
Implementation
The global shift towards sustainable development is tied to the leadership of real estate developers, asset
managers, and investors in terms of mitigating socio-spatial segregation in cities. However, the lack
of effective valuation indices and practices increases uncertainty about investment in sustainable and
responsible properties. The implementation of new indices could reveal whether SRPI contributes po-
sitively, neutrally, or negatively to returns. In any of these cases, the discussion could focus on public
incentives to counteract negative effects and promote spatial distribution equity within cities. Con-
sequently, establishing SRPI indices is imperative for effectively addressing socio-spatial segregation.
To implement this, regulations aimed at public and private real estate developers, at all scales, are pro-
posed to establish minimum standards of environmental, urban, and social quality solutions. Perhaps
the most important aspect to consider is the long-term goal of eradicating real estate speculation. Res-
ponsible real estate investment in the coming decades aims to eliminate the assignment of properties
to merely speculative financial assets and base its business on value contribution through constructive
interventions and services.
Currently, a number of investors are starting to set minimum SRPI standards for all assets within a fund.
They are doing this by using independent third-party rating systems, such as the internationally used
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Building Research Establishment
Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating systems and more country-specific systems such
as the Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) in Japan and
the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) in Australia. None of these sys-
tems prioritize the social aspect.
However, the current trend of responsible investments follows a criterion within its business model
that seeks to encompass - among other issues such as environmental and fund management - social
matters such as commitment to urban revitalization and affordable housing, support for public and
private community development programs, health and safety rating and audit, evaluation of unaffor-
dable commitment, local hiring and training, access to multi-modal transportation plans and facilities,
urban investment focus, and design, engineering, and service awards. A good starting point could be the
implementation of standards based on the Delphi Method, a structured communication technique, to
gather and synthesize expert opinions. The study aims to establish a set of criteria for evaluating the res-
ponsibility of property investments, encompassing both financial and social dimensions. The research’s
methodological basis involved multiple rounds of surveys with a diverse panel of experts, resulting in
the identification of ten underlying dimensions for responsible property investment.
Strategies
Comparing European welfare systems (social democratic, corporatist, familistic, and liberal) can provi-
de data for designing strategies that improve social welfare. In this sense, familistic systems should tend
to adopt corporatist universalist policies to reduce the degree of social segregation and avoid increasing
spatial segregation. This would be a fundamental transitional step towards long-term decommodifica-
tion of housing. Responsible investment business models should align with this trend through appro-
priate policies and practices.
State Intervention in Housing
Policies that promote greater supply of affordable and quality housing through the construction of social
housing projects could be considered. This could help reduce segregation by offering more equitable hou-
singoptionsindifferentareasofthecity.Inthisregard,thestateshouldprovideincentivestoinvestorsthat
allow them to achieve better benefits through construction rather than development gains.
Mixed Housing Policies
Encouraging diversity in community composition through mixed housing policies can help avoid exces-
sive concentration of ethnic or socioeconomic groups in specific areas. This could be achieved through
the planning and development of projects that combine different types of housing, such as social hou-
sing, rental housing, and owner-occupied housing.
Rental Market Regulation
Instead of relying solely on the housing market, countries could implement regulations that control
rental prices and prevent tenant exploitation. This could facilitate more equitable access to housing and
reduce segregation. Furthermore, a universalist strategy requires transitioning from owner occupation
to a single rental market that integrates competition between private and social rentals. Investors should
base their business models on these principles and be monitored through SRPI indices. It is worth no-
ting that balancing tenures by reducing the owner-occupation rate in these countries is complicated, as
there is a marked negative correlation between the owner-occupation percentage and GDP per capita
in Europe, making this ratio closely tied to each country’s economic development.
Improvement of Housing Quality
Investing in improving the quality of housing in marginalized or disadvantaged areas can help break
segregation patterns and improve residents’ living conditions. This could include the rehabilitation of
existing housing, construction of basic infrastructure and services, and promotion of quality standards
in construction. Instead of solely focusing on profit, investors can consider the importance of provi-
ding affordable housing options with good quality standards in their portfolios. This could be achieved
through partnerships with nonprofit organizations or through collaboration agreements with local
authorities.
Urban Rehabilitation and Regeneration
Focus could shift towards the rehabilitation and urban regeneration of degraded or marginalized areas.
By revitalizing these areas, a more attractive and accessible environment is created for a variety of socioe-
conomic groups. Responsible investors can collaborate with local governments and community organi-
zations to develop rehabilitation projects that prioritize inclusion and improve residents’ quality of life.

94 95
Specialty: Sociology, Economics & Politics | Contribution of Responsible Real Estate Investment
A noteworthy point is the risk of potential imbalances between rent increase in rehabilitated areas and
the stagnation of tenants’ purchasing power, making a comprehensive government plan crucial to align
minimum wages (IPREM in Spain) with economic revaluation.
Community Engagement and Sustainability
Implementing education and awareness programs about the importance of diversity and coexistence
in the city can contribute to changing attitudes and prejudices that perpetuate segregation. This could
include awareness campaigns in schools, media, and the community at large. Investors can involve local
residents and stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring that projects respond to the needs
and aspirations of the community. Additionally, the incorporation of sustainable practices, such as effi-
cient resource utilization and ecological construction, can contribute to the creation of healthier and
more equitable environments. The mandatory implementation of quality and comfort guarantees must
be respected from the outset of any project.
Negative Effects to Avoid
To avoid these negative effects, it is essential that the private real estate sector collaborates with local
government, communities, and other stakeholders to develop projects that promote inclusion, diver-
sity, and the overall well-being of the city. Comprehensive urban planning and consideration of social,
economic, and environmental factors are crucial to mitigate potential harm from the private real estate
sector. An irresponsible investment and development stance can trigger gentrification, raising housing
prices and living costs in previously affordable areas, resulting in the displacement of low-income resi-
dents and the loss of identity in historic communities. Excessive speculation in the real estate market
could generate price bubbles and financial crises by artificially inflating property values. Touristification
and Airbnb have transformed the city by focusing on tourists as the primary consumers, but despite the
distortion of rental prices in surrounding housing, the control of Airbnb by professional economic ac-
tors has contradicted promised benefits, generating resistance and conflicts between urban movements
and municipal administration to counteract the negative effects of gentrification. If the private sector’s
focus is on luxury properties, this could concentrate wealth in certain areas, exacerbating socioecono-
mic segregation and limiting low-income groups’ access to quality housing and services. The lack of
affordable housing, destruction of cultural heritage, environmental impacts, and social exclusion are
also potential risks associated with unplanned real estate development and lack of consideration for
population diversity.
Conclusion
The fight against socio-spatial segregation in familistic welfare countries requires a comprehensive and
collaborative response involving both the public and private sectors. In this context, Socially Responsi-
ble Real Estate Investment (SRPI) emerges as a fundamental strategy to counteract the negative effects
of segregation and promote greater equity and diversity within cities.
The complex interaction between dualistic welfare regimes, self-housing provision, and socio-spatial
segregation patterns underscores the need for innovative policies and practices. Responsible investment
in real estate offers an approach that goes beyond financial returns, also considering social, environmen-
tal, and governance impacts. By adopting this perspective, investors can play an active role in promoting
more integrated and cohesive communities.
It is crucial for real estate developers, asset managers, and investors to take on a leadership role in mi-
tigating segregation, collaborating with local governments and communities to create inclusive and
equitable environments. Basing the business model on value creation rather than speculation is critical.
Although challenges such as gentrification, speculation, touristification, and exclusion persist, respon-
sible investment offers a hopeful perspective by seeking a balance between financial returns and social
well-being. The implementation of specific indices to measure the impact of responsible investment,
along with the adoption of standards based on expert opinion, can guide decision-making and foster
more responsible practices.
Responsible investment in real estate stands as a powerful tool to transform the urban landscape, pro-
moting diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion. By adopting a holistic and collaborative approach, the
real estate sector can play a pivotal role in creating fair and sustainable urban environments, thus con-
tributing to progress towards equitable and harmonious development in Latin Rim welfare countries
and beyond.

Lucas Navarro, MCH2023, Argentina

Lucas Navarro, MCH2023, Argentina

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