The double façade, with glass on the inside and treated wood slats on the outside, is designed to maximise natural lighting and control the views towards the garden. Intermediate spaces between the façades allow controlled ventilation, contributing to the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

Basic and executive project of the new Pilarín Bayés Library in Vic

Q: Building Foundation

The semi-underground design requires a foundation calculation that was approached taking into account external factors such as coexistence with the foundations of neighboring buildings, the interior garden and the perimeters adjacent to the streets. Increasing the thickness and quality of the insulation to ensure lower thermal transmittance and energy efficiency of the building.

Architectural Innovation with Integral Engineering Services

The Pilarín Bayés Library in Vic stands not only as an architectural icon, but also as a structural engineering project that integrates creative vision and advanced technical solutions.

Overview

Date: 2019 - 2020

Client: Ajuntament de Vic

Architecture: BCQ arquitectura barcelona

Location: Vic, Spai

Photo: © BCQ Arquitectura Barcelona, Egoin & Toni Casamor

SOCOTEC has been a key player in the conception of this building, offering specialized services ranging from conception to construction. Their participation has been fundamental thanks to the realization of the basic and executive engineering project, as well as in the technical assistance during the construction phase of this unique library. This testimony of successful collaboration highlights the importance of integrating architectural vision with quality engineering services in flagship projects such as the Pilarín Bayés Library, a leading structural engineering project.

At the engineering level, the project faces significant challenges, highlighting the need to address the foundation of the building, the implementation of an innovative double façade and the creation of a sloping garden.

Talk to our experts

Gerant Yeray Bordón

Area Manager Structures

Antoni Ortí

Architect. Technical Director

Basic Project and Executive Project

SOCOTEC leads the engineering team in the development of the executive basic project for the Pilarín Bayés Library in Vic. Here, we not only focus on advanced technical solutions, but also work closely with the architectural vision. From the layout of the building to its alignment with the city, we are looking for seamless integration.

Construction Management Assistance:

In the construction stage, SOCOTEC brings its expertise to ensure that structural solutions are implemented successfully. Collaboration between architects and engineers is key to overcoming challenges in real-time. The Pilarín Bayés Library benefits from this combination, where creativity meets technical excellence backed by SOCOTEC.

ENGINEERING CHALLENGES

Addressing Structural Challenges

Proyecto Ejecutivo - Biblioteca Pilarín Bayés

The structural system of the Library, formed in a "U" shaped arrangement, is composed of two basements, ground floor and two upper floors, resolved by a unique concrete structure. This unique structure responds to the project's desire to generate multipurpose spaces that open onto the central courtyard. The floor plan includes an access and service area on the opposite side of the central courtyard and a strip of multipurpose spaces, where the reading rooms, cafeteria, training rooms and common spaces are located.

The structure of the service area is characterized by a strip about 4 meters deep with a regular structure, while the area of multipurpose spaces has large spans with pillars that are located in the alignment of the courtyard façade. To solve these large spans, a 40 cm thick sandwich reinforced concrete slab system has been chosen. Although this solution may be considered unconventional, at SOCOTEC we have numerous examples of successful application in previous building projects.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

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