The University of Málaga's Faculty of Tourism showcases a remarkable architectural design by Vaillo + Irigaray Architects. This building is a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation in educational architecture. The design draws inspiration from the rich history of cloisters and courtyards, prevalent in both university buildings and Mediterranean architecture. The project proposal emphasizes a system of aggregating volumes around courtyards, a tradition deeply ingrained in the studio's work. This approach not only reinforces the personality of each space but also creates a green, cool, and welcoming environment that serves as a protected outdoor social hub. The building's structure, composed of exposed in-situ concrete with slender sections, becomes the essential architectural element, capable of organizing the program and defining its image. The Faculty of Tourism comprises three primary volumes, strategically positioned according to the topography of the gently sloping site. This design enables the creation of a parking level below ground level. Each volume is organized around a courtyard with a distinct personality. One volume houses classrooms, another departmental offices, and the third features an auditorium, library, and cafeteria. The classroom and office volumes overlook gravel-lined gardens with concrete planters, while the cafeteria and auditorium overlook a paved courtyard adorned with palm trees. Surrounding these courtyards, an external concrete grid acts as a colonnade, shading the cloister-like corridors lined with full-height glazing. The corridors that wrap the central space connect directly to each volume's cloister, uniting them around a flexible, open area suitable for events and exhibitions. The central hall, conceived as an internal courtyard, is topped by a sawtooth, skylit roof that filters daylight through a ceiling of concrete beams. A series of landscaped and paved slopes, including a botanical garden, surrounds the faculty building, offering a tranquil and natural environment. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a peaceful retreat for students and faculty alike. The University of Málaga's Faculty of Tourism is a testament to the studio's commitment to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to the needs of the educational community.
