Technoglass Competition

Design by: Alsar Atelier 
Construction Year: 2020
Location: Colombia
Area: 450m²

Since its inception, Repelón has held an admirable community. The first settlement in the territory (San Bendito de las Palomas) was founded by escaped slaves from palenques, and eventually, this same community founded Repelón. To this day, the identity and culture of the municipality communicates a desire for freedom, equity, and a love for its territory.

For this reason, the cultural identity of the region is summed up very well in three colours; white, blue and green. These are present in the coat of arms and the flag of the municipality and even continue to be a cultural reference for younger generations, being in the visual communication of the drawings of the participatory workshop. Thus, the concept that governs the design of the Oasis of Repelón has two purposes:

- Reference the longing for freedom and equality presents in the community of Repelón through architecture.
- Materialize into architecture the three colors that define Repelón with their respective meanings.

And so, the architectural design of the Oasis of Repelón is organized in three guidelines:

1.The White:

This color defines the peace, equanimity, and sense of fairness of the Repeloneros and materializes in the design through two white monumental walls (made with screen-printed glass that are illuminated at night). These walls indicate the entrance to the monument and also have the purpose of becoming an icon, indicating to passers-by that they are entering the town of Repelón, where peace and equity prevail.

2.The Blue:

The second color was selected to reference the majesty of the Guajaro Reservoir, the immensity of the blue sky, and the artisanal fishing that defines the culture of the area. This color materializes through a closed cloister that, through reflective glass and a mirror of water, manages to evoke the monumentality of the Guajaro Reservoir, the immensity of the sky, and artisanal fishing. An Infinite Oasis where the user feels the longing for freedom with which the escaped slaves founded the municipality.

3.The Green:

The third color is intended to represent the Serranía del Caballo and the fertile land of the territory, this color is applied in the design as the main element that defines the landscape design of the lot. Instead of giving priority to hard zones, the Oasis of Repelón gives priority to soft zones through the creation of communal gardens. This ensures ownership and appropriation by the community and reduces maintenance costs.