The Gabriel García Márquez library is one of the most important representations of mass timber design in Spain, as well as the building with the largest exposed wooden surface in Europe. Located in the Sant Martí area in Barcelona and designed by Elena Orte and Guillermo Sevillano, principals of Suma Arquitectura and faculties of the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities, the building is currently in an advanced construction process that allows us to understand its final form, but at the same time reveals the structural logic necessary to build a building of this size in wood.

Last Thursday, January 28, the 2020-21 MAEBB students had the opportunity to visit the construction site under the guidance of Elena Orte. To carry out the visit safely, the strictest security measures were followed – these measures corresponded not only to the visit of a construction site, but also to the demands that the current pandemic imposes. Accordingly, the students were divided into small groups to enter the building, always guided by the architect who explained the process and answered some questions.

To contribute to the understanding of the building, the day prior Elena and Guillermo presented to the students part of the design process through images and plans. This preparation allowed them to leave the visit with a deep understanding of the project.

As you approach the building, you can see how it turns around the corner, opening an important square that extends the public space to the inside, reaching the patio. This space is achieved by hanging the first floor of the upper structure, thus avoiding having columns in this access area of ??the ground floor. Another opening effort is achieved on the southwest façade, where important glazed surfaces can be seen.

During the tour inside the building, the students were able to see up close how the different wooden sections of the building had been assembled. This experience allowed them to understand the way in which these types of structures are organized and materialized, which in turn will be useful for the development of the students’ future projects. Among the questions and conversations on this topic, Elena Orte explained the process through which the wood must pass to remain exposed, how some construction details were defined and the fire systems, among other aspects.

Additionally, during the visit the students were able to observe many of the heating and air conditioning systems, as well as electricity and water pipes, which are currently being assembled and are still on display. Summarily, it was the perfect time to better understand the different layers and logics that make up the building and an excellent learning opportunity for the MAEBB students.

Although the pandemic presents important obstacles, at MAEBB we strive to continue organizing enriching visits for our students.