Galerna the title of this project, is a violent and windy storm that is given in the coast of the vasc country
THE PLACE
It is in the Bay of the Vasc Country where is located the Port of Bilbao, an industrial area where port activities are developed as well as the production of electric energy.
According to this context and the given topic of infrastructure, this place has been chosen because of its features and opportunities allowing its recovery as a public space.
THE BREAKWATER
We give special attention to the breakwater, an element that highlights the opposition of two situations, the force of the sea against the breakwater, working as an element of protection.
The aim of the whole complex is to generate energy from the force of the water. Recovering a place that has been abandoned and also exploring new architectural ways that establish new relationships between human beings and energy.
THE PROJECT
The objective of Galerna, requires permeability on the breakwater. Full and empty spaces are created, building an artificial orography that comes out from the seabed.
As a result, the breakwater is broken into concrete pieces of different shapes and dimensions, which could remind us to rocks, building a new breakwater.
These concrete pieces may seem to follow an order, however they are hold to the disorder that brings the force of the sea, placed in different positions and levels.
Therefore DEPTH is one of the main features of the project. The building is sunk into the sea presenting a duality between what is above and below the water. A limit that constantly varies due to the effect of the tides.
The study of the tidal cycles in the port of Bilbao shows great variations, reaching almost 5 meters during high tides and waves can reach up 7 meters in height. We could say here that the building acts as a reef. Allowing citizens to experience different situations in the same places depending on the state of the sea.
For this reason the project cannot be understood simply as a power plant, but the public aspect is essential. It is conceived as an experience to the citizens in their relationship to the sea and nature.
Thanks to the spot where the project is located we can find two very different situations. On the one hand, the open sea, where the water breaks violently against the building, a situation used to locate the wave energy production. On the other hand, the sea water still and calm.
This duality is also evident in the relationship between the building and the environment. Despite the closed configuration of the modules, there are routes, squares, outdoor areas, viewpoints, gateways… and also different observation levels: underwater, by the water surface and from the lighthouse.
THE PROGRAM
As for the program, the whole complex is a centre of energy production and research, as well as an exhibition centre.
Series of concrete modules are located on the sea bed enclosing great turbines, which thanks to the venturi effect and the tidal range, generate energy.
There are also another devices, which extract energy from waves, following the principles of the oscillating water column and overtopping.
This main activity of the production of energy, is completed by a research program. We will find directional wave tanks and wave flumes, experimental areas as well as hydraulic laboratories.
Not forgetting the role of the visitors, there are also other functions such as underwater and off water observatories, natural swimming pools, viewpoints or open spaces.
Making the building not just a power plant, but a public space for the city of Bilbao. In short, the relationship between man and the sea and energy.
THE PATHS
The relationship of the different spaces is also a fundamental aspect of the project. The whole works as a combination of experiences for visitors. There is no zoning at all, and all the uses are mixed. There are multiple ways to go across the building.
Paths are spread all along the complex with no settled pattern, connecting spaces vertically and horizontally.
There are different possibilities to discover the different functions: From energy production, laboratories, the behaviour of underwater or open spaces for the relationship with the building and its coastal environment.
It is not a fixed path, the visitor is invited whether to stop at certain places or to choose another way depending on their preferences.
In short, a building that places the visitor in straight contact with nature, from insideand outside, from above and below the water.
CONSTRUCTION
As far as construction is concerned the system chosen is the floating docks technique. Reinforced concrete floating caissons will be manufactured in the Port of Bilbao and transported to their location.
Each caisson will act as a small boat, floating since they are empty inside and the concrete walls lightened. The joints are sealed for transport by hydraulic gates, similar to those used on ships, which will remain closed until the caisson is in its final location.
Once they are all in place, the gates will be opened and the joint that allow to go from one caisson to another will be executed on site.
The process will take place in different phases. First of all the foundation will be executed on site using pile slabs. The ones with the deepest foundations will be transported in the first place. To sink them, the hydraulic gates will be opened.
Secondly the dam will be constructed, and the rest of caissons will be placed on it.
For the foundation of the rest of the caissons the same process will be carried out, but this time without sinking them.
Finally the light house and the metal walkway will be built.
FINAL
A building, in short, that represents a new landmark on the coast of Bilbao.
New relationships between man, nature and clean energy are materialize.