GOE Culinary Center in San Sebastián Blends with the Mountain Terrain through a Layered Walkable Roof
Architectural Integration with Nature
In San Sebastián, Spain, the GOE Culinary and Food Research Center exemplifies architecture in harmony with nature. Built at the foot of Mount Ulia on sloping ground, the building appears to grow from the landscape instead of resting on it.
Roof Design and Outdoor Spaces
The roof features green terraces that rise toward the sea, giving visitors panoramic views and contact with nature. Large glass façades expose the interior, linking inside and outside to create a lively architectural experience.
Flexible and Functional Interior Layout
A central stepped staircase serves as the main circulation spine, connecting the different levels of the building. Around it, educational spaces, kitchens, and laboratories are arranged with high flexibility, allowing for various configurations depending on use. Abundant natural light floods the interior, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing visual comfort.
Connection to the Surrounding Context
The center is directly linked to its environment through planted pathways and open public spaces that connect it to the famous Camino de Santiago route. This integration makes the building part of the region’s cultural and natural landscape, offering a balanced architectural experience that unites nature, gastronomy, and people.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The article examines the GOE Culinary Center as an architectural study merging with the terrain of Mount Ulia in San Sebastián. The design stands out through its layered, walkable terraces and broad glass façades that sustain a visual dialogue with the surrounding landscape. Yet, the strong visual narrative raises questions about its contextual depth, as the focus seems more on sculptural fluidity than on everyday spatial experience. Still, the project establishes a valuable model of integration between architecture and nature, offering inspiration for future design approaches that unite topography, functionality, and sustainability.
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