A Look Inside Ortega Diago’s Transformative Changing Rooms in San Sebastian
Architecture studio Ortega Diago has breathed new life into a section of a warehouse in San Sebastian, Spain, creating dynamic changing facilities for over 100 factory workers. This design project emphasizes functionality while integrating aesthetic appeal, making the space both practical and visually engaging.
Design Brief and Spatial Considerations
Ortega Diago, founded by Gonzalo Sánchez Ortega and Armando Diago, was tasked with reimagining a long, narrow area within a factory dedicated to mobility technology. The challenge was to create an efficient locker room and changing facility that accommodates the daily needs of more than 100 employees, divided into distinct areas for male and female staff.
Restructuring the Space
One of the primary issues with the existing layout was its inefficiency. To remedy this, the architects introduced a series of freestanding walls of varying heights. This innovative solution not only restructured the interior but also allowed an abundance of natural light to penetrate the space.
The architects remarked, “The main objective was to maximise the amount of natural light within the interior.” They ensured that these vertical partitions let sunlight filter through while simultaneously providing privacy for the changing areas. This design decision enhanced both the functionality and the ambiance of the locker room.
Circulation and Accessibility
The elongated nature of the space presented unique challenges in terms of accessing various sections. As the architects noted, “The corridor – both inevitable and exceptionally long – ultimately became the element that made this new spatial organisation possible.” This corridor has become a distinctive feature of the intervention, enhancing movement while ensuring the amenities are easily navigable.
Material Palette and Aesthetic
The studio employed a pared-back material palette of granite, wood, and steel, which contributes to the inviting yet utilitarian Brutalist aesthetic. The use of granite throughout the flooring, partitions, and doorways creates a cohesive unifying element, while the satin-finished stainless steel lockers add a modern touch.
The application of distinct textures, such as honed and bush-hammered finishes, introduces depth to the otherwise minimalistic design. The studios’ focus on materiality establishes hierarchy and order among the partitions, favoring tone and texture over vibrant colors or excessive decorations.
Functional and Elegant Fixtures
Granite flooring and partitions are complemented by satin-finished stainless steel locker fronts, designed to reflect light and enhance the feeling of space. These lockers, equipped with simply etched numbers, echo the project’s commitment to minimalism and formality.
In the washroom area, the fixtures include a row of wall-hung ceramic basins supported by slender chrome legs. Flush-mounted mirrors and sconces with exposed bulbs further enrich the industrial feel of the environment, retaining a focus on functional beauty.
Bringing the Outdoors In
One unique feature of this changing room design is a strategically placed window at the far end, which frames a view of the greenery outside. This connection with nature allows the serene indoor spaces to feel more extensive and inviting, merging the industrial interior with the lush exterior landscape.
Conclusion: A Modern Take on Industrial Spaces
Ortega Diago’s transformation of the changing facilities exemplifies how thoughtful design can cater to functional requirements while enhancing the overall atmosphere. The use of natural materials, clever spatial organization, and attention to light ensures that these changing rooms are not just serviceable but also a pleasant environment for the workers they serve.
Recent initiatives in repurposing industrial buildings, like Schemata Architects’ former ironworks cafe and brewery or the conversion of a 19th-century factory in New York into a hotel, echo the innovative spirit found in Ortega Diago’s work, showcasing a broader trend toward integrating modern design within industrial contexts.