Barcelona Cathedral Metabolic Roof by Solene Biche

The metabolic roof intervention is situated on the Barcelona Cathedral, surrounded by narrow streets and myriad historic buildings which contribute to its compressed characteristic, dense from its founding. The limits of geography have hemmed the cathedral in and ensured that its residents are crammed tightly together with no access to green spaces in the immediate vicinity. This metabolic roof interventions is aimed at protecting and propagating biodiversity against the backdrop of the looming climatic collapse. The roof engulfs the cathedral creating a self-contained greenhouse, according to a system of elasticity that can accommodate site parameters such as maximum growth area, pollinator nesting areas, and water harvesting. The intervention emphasizes the precision of adaptability in response to climate, the hacking of existing systems, and the flux and dynamism of the city. The metabolic roof is embedded with intelligence, being able to scan the environment, adjust accordingly while preserving a historical landmark.

Software used: V-Ray, Rhino