The new Faculty of Tourism at the University of Málaga, conceptualized by Vaillo + Irigaray Architects, showcases an innovative design featuring grid-patterned concrete structures that encircle a series of distinctive courtyards. This expansive campus, situated in the western part of Málaga, provides over 22,900 square meters of academic and student amenities, reflecting a deep appreciation for the historical significance of cloisters and courtyards in both educational institutions and Mediterranean architectural traditions. The firm deliberately structured the faculty into various forms that open onto these internal courtyards, echoing a timeless design principle that fosters community and introspection.
The campus is organized into three primary concrete sections, each thoughtfully positioned to conform to the site's gentle topography, allowing for a subterranean parking facility. These rectangular volumes are allocated according to their specific functions, with each section encompassing a courtyard imbued with its own unique character. For instance, one volume is dedicated to lecture halls, another to administrative offices, and a third houses a lecture theatre, library, and dining area. The courtyards associated with the classrooms and offices are adorned with gravel gardens and concrete planters, while the southern courtyard, serving the cafeteria and auditorium, features a paved area with elegant rows of palm trees, offering diverse outdoor social settings.
A central atrium serves as the unifying core of the faculty, envisioned as an indoor courtyard, and is crowned by a distinctive sawtooth skylight that channels natural light through a ceiling composed of concrete beams. This central space is encircled by corridors that directly link to each volume's cloister, thus creating a cohesive and adaptable open area suitable for various gatherings and displays. Beyond the building's perimeter, a series of landscaped and paved slopes, including a botanical garden, are overlooked by windows integrated into the deep concrete grid, enhancing the connection between the indoor academic environment and the natural surroundings.
This architectural endeavor not only provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing academic environment but also subtly reinforces the importance of communal spaces and the integration of nature within urban educational settings. The thoughtful incorporation of courtyards and the strategic use of concrete demonstrate a harmonious balance between tradition and contemporary design, creating an inspiring atmosphere for learning and interaction.