La Unidad 2 de Caranza en Ferrol: Futuro imperfecto.

Abstract

The Unit 2 of the neighbourhood of Caranza in Ferrol is a good example of the realization of some idealistic architectural proposals of the 60s. The intention was to provide decent homes to certain disadvantaged sectors, with results not always fortunate: buildings architecturally remarkable, but generators of ways of life away from the social behavior of users. The clash between idealism and reality caused dysfunctions and conflicts.

The Unit is a set of six buildings, three of them in the form of a tower and another three in the form of linear blocks in L. The set is articulated on three squares that are closed with a remarkable perimeter corridor of 119 dissymmetrical hyperbolic paraboloids, which is a unique set in Galicia.

From the beginning, the building presented serious problems of both functionality and durability. Functionally, the problems of circulation are especially relevant, with a clear conflict between projected and reality. In terms of durability, there were serious corrosion problems. Several interventions have been necessary, which are analyzed in this article.