La Casa de la Lectura de Segovia | IE University School of Architecture & Design

La Casa de la Lectura (2017 – 2018): Adaptive reuse of a 16th century building in the center of Segovia for the Segovia City Council.

The project was designed by d-Lab, the Design Laboratory of the IE University School of Architecture & Design. Head of d-Lab: Professor Romina Canna. Permanent collaborator: Professor Maxon Higbee. Collaborators: Professor Marcela Aragüez, Professor Wesam Al Asali, Professor Alejandra Albuerne. FabLab coordinator: Elena Cardiel.

The d-Lab (design laboratory), which is framed in the IE University laboratories system, generates training dynamics that complete and enrich the structure of the regulated educational programs, by providing graduate students in architecture and design with an active and voluntary learning space where they can participate in the design of real projects. d-Lab works exclusively with public clients, allowing its students to interact with all of the actors involved in the making of different scales projects ranging from buildings and urban impact projects to products and communication campaigns. Students gain a critical understanding of the impact their work can have on the communities in which they live, as well as the social impact of architecture and urban development in general, through these projects.

The d-Lab, which has been operating since 2013 at the IE University in Segovia, adds the dimension of "learning by relating," defined as training through interaction and commitment to the local community, as well as to the diversity of actors who participate in the processes and decisions that affect it. The d-Lab's collaborative nature is bolstered by the challenges of relating to urban and rural contexts marked by demanding sociocultural and economic circumstances that are not often addressed by administrative and professional structures.

Some of d-Lab'’s projects are:

- La Casa de la Lectura (2017 – 2018): Adaptive reuse of a 14th century building in the center of Segovia for the Segovia City Council;

- Casetas de las Biblio de Verano (2020-2022): Design of small summer libraries in six public spaces built with local sustainable materials. The project includes the design, manufacturing and construction of the library furniture. Project carried out for the Segovia City Council;

- School El Peñascal (in progress): Refunctionalization of the patio landscape for the School El Peñascal in collaboration with the Parents Associations AMPA Las Arenas;

- Church San Pedro de los Picos (in progress): Evaluation and documentation project of an abandoned Romanesque church in order to facilitate its future rehabilitation, using advanced digital tools such as 3D scanning and photogrammetry for a precise analysis of its structural and construction condition, in addition to exploring its potential community use in Segovia.The project is being carried out for the San Pedro de los Picos Association.