The Image
Eco-Boulevard, Madrid
by Ecosistema Urbana
Designed with the purpose of climatically transforming the urban architecture of one of Madrid’s most diverse, working-class neighbourhoods, the Eco-Boulevard is built entirely from recycled materials and uses state-of-the-art technology to combat rising inner-city temperatures. The project’s primary function is to lower the temperature by 10ºC when it senses temperatures above 27ºC in its surroundings which is achieved through its system of passive air conditioning in cylindrical pavilions called Air Trees. Entirely self-sufficient and powered by photovoltaic panels, any extra energy the structures produce is sold to the power grid and reinvested back into the maintenance of the boulevard. Environmental sustainability aside, it is also social project at its heart, concerned with redeveloping the area and generating activity for its residents.
Image Credit: Emilio P. Doitzua. Featured in Green Architecture (p.206) by Philip Jodidio (published by Taschen), available now