Insects are important in their physical environment. They allow to maintain a balance in nature. Madrid has lost in the last year their variety of native insects, triggering great pests in the different green areas of the city. The main aim of the project is to recover the original biodiversity. The introduction of insects is the most effective way to fight pests without resorting to chemical compounds.
The project focuses on creating a suitable habitat for insects, where they are protected. The envelope prevents birds from entering the enclosure, so that the insects can be bred safely. In addition, there are laboratories where these invertebrates are raised and investigated. On this way, the proposal creates a space for the production of insects, in order to be able to transfer them to other parks and gardens in Madrid that need this pest control.
According to the program the envelope section increases and decreases. Furthermore, inside the envelope, there is a walkway, which starts from the lake of Casa de Campo and ends its tour in the Mirador de la Huerta de la Partida. In addition to touring all the buildings, the walkway connects the project with the most important points of Casa de Campo.
This location is chosen because the old Meaques stream runs beneath the buildings, but it only carries water when it rains. The phreatic level near the surface allows suitable humidity conditions for insects.
Around the catwalk, the program emerges, always adapting and respecting the natural topography and pre-existing vegetation. Buildings include conference rooms, classrooms, warehouses, laboratories, residences and green areas. At night, these spaces with glass enclosure light up the dark surroundings favouring insects to approach buildings.
The first step is to carried out a channelling of the stream. The foundation of buildings and walkways have concrete stilts. A metal structure stars from the stilts, the slabs are of collaborating sheet.
The envelope rests on the concrete channelling, acts as a foundation and by its shape, compensates the loads. The structure is also metallic, in this case of circular section. On the structure support, metal profiles act as a framework for the mesh.
To conclude, this space gives visitors the opportunity to approach, get in touch and learn about these small animals. In addition to trying to find the balance in the ecosystem of the city.