XV Studio Proposes to Turn Barcelona Bullfighting Ring into Animal-Friendly Eco Center

Posted By Molly Cotter On September 12, 2011 @ 3:00 pm In Architecture,Green renovation | 2 Comments

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Xavier Vilalta studio has conceived of a plan to turn Barcelona's most famous bull fighting ring into an ecological center that fosters life instead of destroying it. An Expert at reusing existing structures, XV ^[6] plans to not only transform the building's use ^[7]but also correct its dark past of animal ^[8] cruelty. The Barcelona Ecological Center is aimed and creating a sustainable ^[9] environment inside the city by transforming la Plaza Monumental into a center of eco-friendly ^[10] leisure and research.

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Built in 1914, la Plaza Monumental sits in what is considered one of the three most prestigious squares ^[12] in Spain, next to Plaza de Las Ventas in Madrid ^[13] and the Maestranza in Seville. Once bullfighting was legally banned in July of 2010, it was used as a venue for music ^[14] and special events.

In XV’s proposed design, the Ecological Center is a place for both work and play. Laboratories ^[15] and companies that are animal friendly and respect the environment such as Greenpeace ^[16], WWF, and The Body Shop would be located under the massive circular ^[17] stands. The box seats near the top of the ring would house bars and restaurants ^[18] that serve responsibly farmed and sourced organic food.

The center of the ring would be the sports and leisure area. Because of the sand floor ^[19], people could play beach volleyball, beach soccer ^[20], or try kiting. The design also includes a great deal of trees and plants for people to stroll by or relax under. The ring can also host local and national sporting competitions ^[21].

Using the structure’s existing elements to promote animal safety ^[22] and environmental responsibility, XV Studio essentially creates the opposite atmosphere of la Plaza Monumental’s past. This historic ring ^[23] would have a second chance to connect with its community in a positive way.

+ Xavier Vilalta Studio ^[6]

Via archdaily ^[24]

Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com

URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/xv-studio-proposes-to-turn-barcelona-bullfighting-ring-into-animal-friendly-eco-center/

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[3] Email: mailto:?subject=http://inhabitat.com/xv-studio-proposes-to-turn-barcelona-bullfighting-ring-into-animal-friendly-eco-center/

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[5]  : http://inhabitat.com/xv-studio-proposes-to-turn-barcelona-bullfighting-ring-into-animal-friendly-eco-center/barcelona-ecological-center3/?extend=1

[6] XV: http://xvstudio.com/

[7] building's use : http://inhabitat.com/architect-richard-rogers-transforms-barcelonas-las-arenas-bullfighting-ring-into-epic-shopping-center/

[8] animal: http://inhabitat.com/animal-wall-deluxe-apartments-for-birds-and-bats/

[9] sustainable: http://inhabitat.com/sustainable-solarium-garden-designed-for-delhi-india/

[10] eco-friendly: http://inhabitat.com/solar-2-eco-center-in-nyc/

[11] Image: http://inhabitat.com/xv-studio-proposes-to-turn-barcelona-bullfighting-ring-into-animal-friendly-eco-center/barcelona-ecological-center5/

[12] prestigious squares: http://inhabitat.com/metropol-parasol-the-worlds-largest-wooden-structure-opens-in-seville/metropolparasol1/

[13] Madrid: http://inhabitat.com/madrids-sustainable-ecopolis-plaza-is-a-versatile-public-space/

[14] music: http://inhabitat.com/illuminated-shipping-container-wall-is-a-temporary-music-festival-venue-in-rio-de-janeiro/

[15] Laboratories: http://inhabitat.com/national-renewable-energy-laboratory-offers-free-building-efficiency-software/

[16] Greenpeace: http://inhabitat.com/greenpeace-uses-adorable-animals-to-encourage-painting-roofs-white/

[17] circular: http://inhabitat.com/chinese-hakka-houses-form-self-sustaining-communities/

[18] restaurants: http://inhabitat.com/restaurant-extends-diners-into-the-sea/

[19] sand floor: http://inhabitat.com/new-co2-sand-bricks-are-2-5-times-stronger-than-concrete/

[20] soccer: http://inhabitat.com/mexico-unveils-gigantic-green-roofed-volcano-soccer-stadium/

[21] sporting competitions: http://inhabitat.com/rugby-world-cup-2011-how-new-zealand-is-making-it-the-greenest-tournament-yet/

[22] safety: http://inhabitat.com/breaking-news-chevy-volt-and-nissan-leaf-awarded-highest-iihs-safety-ratings/

[23] historic ring: http://inhabitat.com/sole-arena-thermal-spa-taps-the-natural-healing-powers-of-salted-air/

[24] archdaily: http://www.archdaily.com/167749/barcelona-ecological-center-xv-studio/110802-bec-diagrams-600/

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