Locker Rooms Pavilion by Liangliang Chen + Sergio Mota

In the heart of El Garrobo, Spain, the Locker Rooms Pavilion by Liangliang chen + Sergio Mota is designed as a functional yet elegant building situated at the southern corner of a football field. This architectural project redefines the typical sports pavilion by focusing on resource optimization, visual harmony, and spatial efficiency. The structure is designed to serve as a changing room and auxiliary services facility, enhancing the match day experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Design and Concept

The Locker Rooms Pavilion is a modular structure that spans 28 meters in length and 5.55 meters in width. The elongated form was intentionally crafted to avoid interference with surrounding lighting towers and to offer a more direct connection to the main access of the football field. The rectangular shape emphasizes the functional requirements while integrating seamlessly with the natural environment.

A unique aspect of the design is the choice of exposed brick as the main material for both the load-bearing walls and the facades. This material not only serves as a structural element but also creates a robust and timeless aesthetic. It unifies the building’s interior and exterior, ensuring that the space feels cohesive and connected. The pavilion’s minimalist approach reduces excess, focusing on the beauty of simplicity.

Modular Construction and Sustainability

The pavilion is constructed with load-bearing walls placed every 3 meters, providing a solid foundation for the reinforced concrete roof. This roof features a water collection system, which directs rainwater through a downspout at the rear of the building, reinforcing the project’s sustainability. This focus on eco-friendly practices enhances the building’s functionality and its ability to integrate with the surrounding environment.

Natural light and ventilation are integral to the design, achieved through a series of louvers and upper openings at the rear of the pavilion. These design elements allow the spaces inside the building to remain well-ventilated and illuminated, improving the overall comfort of the users.

Functional Spaces and Spectator Engagement

The pavilion’s facade facing the football field features a curved shape, strategically designed to provide seating areas for spectators while protecting them from the harsh southern sunlight. The vertical openings on this facade not only enhance the building’s ventilation but also create a dynamic visual connection between the pavilion and the field.

At the eastern end, a small lounge area is incorporated into the design, offering visitors a comfortable space to relax while watching the football matches. This area provides a panoramic view of El Garrobo, allowing spectators to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding town while immersing themselves in the sports experience.

All photographs are works of Fernando Alda