In 1966, as part of the Spanish Stabilisation Plan of 1959, housing began to be built on a massive scale to respond to the needs of post-war society. These projects involved simple, functional interiors that aimed to make the best use of space, favouring family life. Today, almost six decades later, some of these flats still exist, and their traditional layout – separate rooms, assigned functions and rigid organisation – is being challenged in the face of the modern needs of householders.
A space that has potential
“Unplanned Domestic Prototype [PROT/USRBL/SE0]” stands in opposition to this standardisation, proposing a revolutionary way of thinking about living space. A 60 m² flat, part of a historic building, is given a new identity through subtle yet drastic changes. The project not only changes the architectural structure, but raises the question of the future of living spaces, which in the 21st century must respond to the changing needs and forms of the modern family, the multiplicity of social relationships and the increasing flexibility of everyday life.
Disrupting the Rigour of Space
One of the key elements of change in this project is the curved glazed ceramic wall, which is built in a 175-degree arc. It is not only a visual dominant, but also a smart tool for organising the space. The wall provides a functional boundary, but also introduces a subtle flexibility without changing the original intent of the flat. Furniture has been built in: cabinets, shelving, kitchen and bathroom elements that turn this space into a home with flexible possibilities. At one end, a wall connects to a mirror that cleverly conceals white goods, creating a feeling of spaciousness and fluidity.
In search of a local identity
The example with glazed ceramics is only the beginning, however. In the project we also find the use of sandstone from San Sebastián, a material deeply rooted in the local geological and cultural landscape. It is a material that, in its rawness, reminds us of local values. Unlike imported stones that are popular in architecture, such as marble, sandstone is not polished to perfection, but has a distinctive, uneven surface that forces us to reflect on the extraction process and the environmental consequences associated with the global trade in raw materials.
Reflection on materials and the ethics of their use
The project points to the political and economic dimensions of the materials used. The sandstone, in its irregular form, is a starting point for a conversation about the responsible use of natural resources and calls for reflection on global supply chains. By using local materials, the project not only becomes a manifesto for sustainability, but also a form of resistance to destructive extraction practices that degrade the environment.
Functionality that evolves
It is not only the materials that make up the identity of this space. The mobility of the furnishings – such as an adjustable table made from reclaimed granite, furniture from local carpentry workshops or chairs made from recycled aluminium tubes – adds flexibility to the use of the interior. As a result, residents can rearrange the space to suit different forms of meetings and activities. The space thus becomes fluid, adapting to current needs, a response to the dynamic lives of today’s users.
Conclusion – architecture as a platform for reflection
“Unplanned Domestic Prototype [PROT/USRBL/SE0]” is not only a response to the challenges of contemporary residential renovations, but also a platform for asking fundamental questions about what our living spaces should look like. The project focuses on diversity and variability, not offering clear-cut answers but proposing a model of flexible, open architecture. Engaging local materials and stories, this prototype is an invitation to reflect on how the built environment can respond to the political, economic and environmental changes that are shaping our world.
About the architect:
Ismael Medina Manzano is a Spanish architect and researcher who works in both New York and Madrid. He graduated with honours from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid (ETSAM) in 2019 and was recognised by the Spanish Society for Academic Excellence (SEDEA) as the second best architecture graduate in Spain in 2020.
As a freelance architect and designer, Ismael works with interdisciplinary teams at different scales, a key element of his methodological approach. He works both on his own projects and in partnership with international architectural firms, combining diverse experiences to tackle complex urban and architectural challenges.
Ismael is currently a PhD student in Advanced Architecture at ETSAM, where he is researching the intersection of urban technology and global governance in domestic spaces, using a trans-scalar approach to explore how global systems affect local, domestic environments.
Ismael has gained valuable experience working at the Office for Political Innovation/Andrés Jaque Studio, in addition to carrying out his own projects. He holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Architectural Design Theory and Criticism (MPAA) from ETSAM and was a Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism (LCAU) Fellow at the MIT Media Lab, where he researched interdisciplinary urban and architectural issues.
See also: Flat | Architecture | Bathroom | Interior | Housing
