The Torrefiel-Orriols Equality Unit of Valencia is the second neighborhood office to be opened in the city, and the first to have its own dedicated space. It is situated on the ground floor of a housing complex surrounding the Salvador Allende Plaza, which is a significant landmark in the area and home to various other amenities.
The City Council aims to establish this unit as a benchmark in community work, a meeting point for men, women, and organizations, where initiatives to promote gender equality and prevent gender-based violence can be launched and cultivated.
This space has been designed with day-to-day life in mind, striving to distance itself from the impersonal nature often seen in the design of public facilities over the past few decades.
Recognizable materials, linked to domestic settings, have been selected for the space. These materials also tie in with the narrative of the renovated dwelling, which dates back to 1943, enabling individuals to quickly familiarize themselves with the new environment.
While the design might differ, the spatial configuration and perception are distinct, ensuring the space aligns with the evolving times. There's a keen intent to offer an enveloping experience while respecting the varying levels of privacy required by the program. From the entrance, one can discern the different rooms, including the backyard, fostering a sense of closeness and accessibility to the space.
Additionally, this is the city's first municipal project to incorporate a gender impact report. The report aims to evaluate various aspects to ascertain whether the initiative is effectively contributing to the creation of proactive tools and spaces that further the cause of gender equality.
Team:
Architect: 7a+i: Alejandra Català Roig, Stefania Salvo Gutiérrez and Mariola Fortuño Bort
Photography: Milena Villalba
Client: Valencia City Council. Equality and Inclusive Policies Service
Material Used:
1. Birch plywood panels: Wisa
2. Cork thermal panels: Isocor
3. Ceramics: Ferrés
4. Ceramics: Cevica
5. Luminaires: Daisalux
6. Luminaires: LAMP
7. Sliding door mechanism: GEZE
8. Toilets: Rock
9. Furniture: Arper
10. Furniture: Magis
11. Accessories: Vitra
