The aim to create an
INNOVATION CITY
where company, university and research will be working on synergistic activities
Orona IDeO–innovation city arises from the desire to create a space that fuses together different synergistic activities: company, technology centre and university, which constitute the Orona Innovation Network. After several years of development as a project for the future at ORONA, its location in Galarreta (Hernani) was finally revealed in 2009, with the joint initiative between the San Sebastián Technology Park and ORONA as its main drivers. It is located in the municipality where the company emerged almost five decades ago, and where it has a clear social commitment.
Design evolution
The initial vision for the project included a tower at the end nearest the technology park entrance, and two branches enclosing a square. It was pretty evident that a company dedicated to elevation should underline its corporate identity with a large tower. But as the design developed, a series of issues were defined, that were considered vital to Orona IDeO-innovation city.
The first of these was the decision to provide a distinct and more relevant pedestrian access from the roundabout, which is where the Technology Park interfaces with urban transport, and where the main entrance is located. This public pedestrian axis crosses the Orona IDeO plot and reaches the EcoBoulevard located at the top, which is a linear park with vegetation characterising the Technology Park.
The same plot topography, on a gradual incline from the roundabout to the top boulevard, invites the creation of a series of urban spaces in the form of terraces, which avoid big changes of elevation that can create a visual enclosure separating the plot.
As regards energy, production is centralised for the entire Orona IDeO-innovation city using renewable sources of energy generated on-site via a District Heating-Cooling system with zero carbon emissions. An ESCO manages energy production and distribution, and this data is displayed in real time.
Environmental architecture has been chosen that combines the use of renewable energies as a symbol of energy efficiency and ORONA green technologies.
Lastly, a unique and contemporary architectural image was sought to commemorate ORONA’s 50 years in business, that would last without falling into the trap of becoming a mere architectural trend.
Proposals were put forward in 2010
These proposals were publicly presented by ORONA through different communications channels and events. Likewise consultations were held with future users of the installations, both University and Technology Centre, as well as with developers of initiatives in the area, with whom collaboration synergies arose. As a result of this process, a detailed building use program was defined, as was their position on the plot in relation to the urban space around them.
As regards the design of the main ORONA building, the tower’s presence on the urban landscape was reconsidered and the need to make it an identifiable feature of the project, and it was decided to focus the design on a lower building, which made a gesture towards the roundabout and transmitted the idea of elevation. The focus on a single shape, which does not differentiate between tower and horizontal body, is also understood to be more in keeping with the cooperative spirit of the company.
FIRST DESIGN PROPOSALS
Proposed "Rising building". Ground
Proposed "Rising building". Elevation
Proposed "Tower". View
Proposed "Tower". Elevation
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THE DEFINITIVE PROJECT
Orona IDeO–innovation city project was publicly presented in February 2012.
The final master plan is comprised of four buildings, each with their own character, which complement each other.
Orona Zero
The design for Orona Zero arises from different conditions imposed by the actual plot and the environment. Its design is based on a circular shape, which has always accompanied the Orona brand image. The idea of ascent (positive and dynamic), is transferred to the final design via an even more sophisticated idea than elevation per se, via a suspended 90 m diameter and 16 m high cylindrical shape which creates a large entrance projection. This structure is inclined 15º horizontally to create a door effect and provide access to the inside of the building. This inclination provides the façade with a good orientation for solar energy collection, and presents a friendly façade towards the square.
Orona foundation
A "collage" building, the orientation of which is imposed by planning conditions. The two lower floors contain common areas such as the cafeteria, auditorium, library and nursery, with the goal that they act as informal meeting areas for Orona IDeO.
The two upper floors are focused on energy-related teaching and Master activities, where Mondragon University will be located. Its façade facing the square serves as a backdrop for the public space, which seeks to be a very permeable and multi-purpose.
Orona IDeO Gallery
Orona IDeO innovation city will be an Energy Laboratory, bringing together architecture integrated clean energy generation systems with efficient building energy storage and consumption systems. Orona IDeO Gallery will be a museum and a visitor pavilion, which in order to teach and communicate the experience, will contain a Showroom to display real time energy management monitoring, and provide visits to renewable energy production installations: biomass, solar thermal, geothermal and photovoltaic. This clear investment in an innovative energy model is to be accompanied by Leed and Breeam building certification. Thereby, Orona IDeO-innovation city will be a Net Zero Energy Campus.
A3 building
The two smaller structures constitute a single building, containing office and laboratory sections, aimed at researching advanced electrical storage systems.
Such research aims to develop elevation system and building energy management technology applications.
Orona IDeO square
This public space connects the flow of pedestrians between buildings, thereby underlining once again the idea of the "city" as a key feature of the project.
Orona IDeO–innovation city provides society with an open public space, to be enjoyed by all citizens, that takes the diversity of its uses and inhabitants into account, whilst promoting a close relationship between people, and creating an environment that favours innovation.
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To know more about project’s main figures download the project sheet.
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Project sheet
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