Interfering with the flow of Vargas Beach

General description

Have you ever dreamed about writing your name on a beach in the middle of the Atlantic?

Have you ever imagined SURF, SUN and ARCHITECTURE combined together in an awesome summer experience?

Situated on the East coast of Gran Canaria lies the beach of Vargas. It's an area of several kilometres in contact with the Atlantic Ocean, amongst which we will be concentrating on a specific part: the access to the beach.

The site has been placed on an international map rather recently, since it has become a HOTSPOT not only for WINDSURFING but also for KITESURFING. Do you have courage enough to make this spot yours?

Annoying local interests and ecological extreme positions are threatening its current use by our good looking sportive community. Armed with your endless creativity, your almighty Stabilo and your crappy Moleskine, you will be the chosen one to provide the BEST architectural solution.

The mission is to find a concept idea that will shape a sketch proposal for a landscape intervention. This intervention has to take a strong attitude and set the rules for usage of the beach, its materiality and its dialogue with nature that so strongly determine the intervention.

What makes Vargas beach particularly interesting for this workshop is its strong environmental factors that would usually make an area inhospitable, but that, in this case, make it the driver for change.

Chase your dreams, choose Las Palmas, change Vargas!

Academic information

Fields of activity:
Architectural Engineering , Architecture
Content and topics:
a. Assess the need for approaching the site by car and/or the preservation of the environment. b. Evaluate the need to build an access platform for kitesurfers and windsurfers (they are different). c. Place a refuge with changing rooms and first aid facilities.
Learning goals and objectives:
This workshop aims to stimulate creative processes through the deep analysis and understanding of nature acting on the land. It is a conceptual exercise to incite a discussion about a very sensitive site along Gran Canaria's protected coast. The workshop is focused on the design process and final presentation with particular emphasis placed on drawings and models. Students will be encouraged to contribute to the discussion of the proposals promoting a dynamic dialogue. The site will be visited along with the explanation of expert wind and kitesurfers, as well as technical biologists who know the areas' characteristics and features.
Examination type:
Practical work presentation.
ECTS credits issued:
Not known yet

Information for applicants

Selection criteria:
Motivation letter, answering the questions and previous experiences in the subject.

Practical arrangements

All of the following are covered by the event fee:

Lodging:
Hostel.
Meals:
Three meals per day (at least one hot meal is included).
Transportation:
Public transport and walking.