Arseniy ValterArchitectureContact
IE University / Design Studio 62024 / Segovia, Spain

Palacio Mansilla

An adaptive reuse study of memory, routine and care within an existing palace in Segovia.

A final courtyard perspective showing the existing fabric, inhabited levels and the proposed circular openings.View at full size
A final courtyard perspective showing the existing fabric, inhabited levels and the proposed circular openings.

About the project

An adaptive reuse proposal for Palacio Mansilla, explored as a residential setting for older people living with dementia. The design studies familiar routines, courtyards, daylight and thresholds between private rooms and shared spaces. New openings and circulation are developed through plans, sections, models and a sequence of interior views.

Location
Segovia, Spain
Contribution
Architecture / Adaptive reuse / Representation
Context
Academic design proposal / IE University

People, routine and the existing building

I began with the relationship between a person, their routines and the spaces they know. The proposal brings that research into Palacio Mansilla. Studies of the existing floors and physical models helped me explore how light and new openings could change the experience of the building.

Starting with the resident: relationships, space, time and the body.View at full size
01.01

Starting with the resident: relationships, space, time and the body.

Programme study linking personal needs with gardening, kitchens, exercise and shared sensory spaces.View at full size
01.02

Programme study linking personal needs with gardening, kitchens, exercise and shared sensory spaces.

Analysis of the existing palace: floor plates, vertical connections and the distribution of spaces.View at full size
01.03

Analysis of the existing palace: floor plates, vertical connections and the distribution of spaces.

Physical models testing how light enters the existing rooms and courtyards.View at full size
01.04

Physical models testing how light enters the existing rooms and courtyards.

The same models with proposed cuts and openings marked in red.View at full size
01.05

The same models with proposed cuts and openings marked in red.

Design intentions for the proposal: distinct zones, personal space, shared space and a clear sequence between them.View at full size
01.06

Design intentions for the proposal: distinct zones, personal space, shared space and a clear sequence between them.

Courtyards and inhabited levels

The project works through the palace's existing courtyards and changes in level. Rooms, gardens and shared facilities are arranged around them. The plans and sections show how the residential areas connect with spaces for eating, meeting, working and spending time outside.

Site plan locating Palacio Mansilla within the surrounding streets and public spaces of Segovia.View at full size
02.01

Site plan locating Palacio Mansilla within the surrounding streets and public spaces of Segovia.

Exploded axonometric relating the roof, residential floors, courtyards and lower shared facilities.View at full size
02.02

Exploded axonometric relating the roof, residential floors, courtyards and lower shared facilities.

Level -2: kitchen, restaurant, public garden and exercise spaces.View at full size
02.03

Level -2: kitchen, restaurant, public garden and exercise spaces.

Ground floor: residential rooms around the courtyard, reception, gardens and support spaces.View at full size
02.04

Ground floor: residential rooms around the courtyard, reception, gardens and support spaces.

Level 1: residential units, common rooms and the connection between the two wings.View at full size
02.05

Level 1: residential units, common rooms and the connection between the two wings.

Level 2: the roof of the main courtyard wing and the upper residential arrangement.View at full size
02.06

Level 2: the roof of the main courtyard wing and the upper residential arrangement.

Elevation study showing the existing facade rhythm and the proposed circular openings.View at full size
02.07

Elevation study showing the existing facade rhythm and the proposed circular openings.

Section through the inhabited levels, courtyards and shared rooms.View at full size
02.08

Section through the inhabited levels, courtyards and shared rooms.

Sectional strategy drawing bringing together the proposed paths, openings, colour and relationship with the gardens.View at full size
02.09

Sectional strategy drawing bringing together the proposed paths, openings, colour and relationship with the gardens.

Three ways of living

I developed three residential arrangements with different relationships between private rooms, caregivers and common space. The drawings compare a route around a courtyard with more direct arrangements. Colour, visibility and familiar daily activities became part of the architectural study.

Comparative study of corridor layouts, common-space visibility and the proposed colour palette.View at full size
03.01

Comparative study of corridor layouts, common-space visibility and the proposed colour palette.

Stage 1 residential study: private rooms and caregiver spaces along a courtyard route, with a shared room at its end.View at full size
03.02

Stage 1 residential study: private rooms and caregiver spaces along a courtyard route, with a shared room at its end.

Stage 2 residential study: a second courtyard arrangement with shared space and caregiver positions.View at full size
03.03

Stage 2 residential study: a second courtyard arrangement with shared space and caregiver positions.

Stage 3 residential study: two smaller groups of rooms organised around common space.View at full size
03.04

Stage 3 residential study: two smaller groups of rooms organised around common space.

An imagined day and route through the Stage 3 arrangement, developed as part of the academic design study.View at full size
03.05

An imagined day and route through the Stage 3 arrangement, developed as part of the academic design study.

Moving through the interior

The final views follow the circular openings through the building. They frame another room, a garden or the opposite side of a courtyard. I used this sequence to work on the scale of the thresholds and the way light falls across the interior.

Shared interior opening towards the garden and an adjoining room.View at full size
04.01

Shared interior opening towards the garden and an adjoining room.

View through a circular threshold towards the courtyard and the rooms beyond.View at full size
04.02

View through a circular threshold towards the courtyard and the rooms beyond.

A second threshold study showing the depth of the opening and the light crossing it.View at full size
04.03

A second threshold study showing the depth of the opening and the light crossing it.

Close view of the facade opening, interior stair and muted colour palette.View at full size
04.04

Close view of the facade opening, interior stair and muted colour palette.

Scope & credits

Architecture, research & representation - Arseniy Valter

Academic design proposal / IE University