Nocturnal Refuge
Basic information
Project Title
Nocturnal Refuge
Full project title
Light in the Night: Reimagining Spaces for Nighttime Life
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
A space where citizens can heal their sleep disorders, overcome addictions to alcohol and drugs derived from nightlife, receive information and assistance regarding any sexist or homophobic aggression, study or work, relax through tai chi or yoga, purchase essential goods, and where nightlife workers can socialize, rest, and have a meal.
Current stage development
Prototype level
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Barcelona, Spain
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The Municipal Night Center is an innovative project that expands the functions of nightlife by creating a safe, multifunctional space for those active at night. Unlike traditional nighttime spaces focused on entertainment, this center addresses social, professional, and well-being needs.
It serves night workers (hotel, hospital, transport, and security staff), artists, students, and residents with sleep disorders. It also provides a secure space for those who have suffered assaults and offers essential goods during nighttime hours. Services include rest areas, psychological support, sleep therapy, and wellness activities like yoga or tai chi.
The goal is to improve the quality of life for nighttime workers, enhance safety, and promote a sustainable, efficient use of urban spaces by incorporating recycled materials and innovative technology.
The project’s design will be completed by June, and the proposal will be presented to institutions like the Barcelona City Council, particularly the city's night mayor, to secure its implementation.
It serves night workers (hotel, hospital, transport, and security staff), artists, students, and residents with sleep disorders. It also provides a secure space for those who have suffered assaults and offers essential goods during nighttime hours. Services include rest areas, psychological support, sleep therapy, and wellness activities like yoga or tai chi.
The goal is to improve the quality of life for nighttime workers, enhance safety, and promote a sustainable, efficient use of urban spaces by incorporating recycled materials and innovative technology.
The project’s design will be completed by June, and the proposal will be presented to institutions like the Barcelona City Council, particularly the city's night mayor, to secure its implementation.
Key objectives for sustainability
First of all, it was about finding an unused space in the city of Barcelona to host the center, as available land in Barcelona is very limited due to the lack of vacant plots. Therefore, what needs to be done is to reuse spaces, giving them new purposes and filling them with life. Secondly, all the original and structural aspects of the building would be preserved, thus protecting the city's historical heritage. Lastly, the materials and furniture required for the project would be locally sourced, whether regional or national, and also natural or at least made from recycled/reused materials. In fact, the reuse of materials from the current "old items collection" waste management system of the Barcelona City Council would be considered for custom furniture construction, encouraging reuse between municipal entities and services, and showcasing this to the citizens.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The center aims to make the current night safer, more effective, and functional, with the goal of equalizing the conditions of this time frame to those that exist during the daytime. The key objectives of my project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people focus on creating a space that meets the functional needs of users while providing an environment of comfort and well-being. The design seeks to promote relaxation, socialization, and health care through different spaces designed for specific uses.
The space has been organized into areas tailored to the needs of users, such as work and study spaces, socializing and dining zones, and areas for practicing yoga and tai chi workshops that promote relaxation. It also includes a "Lila Point" for addressing issues of misogynistic and homophobic violence, a sleep clinic for treating sleep disorders, and psychological consultations for addressing addictions related to nightlife, such as alcoholism or drug addiction.
Additionally, the project includes a space dedicated to the sale of essential products, such as medications and supermarket items, to facilitate access to basic resources for all citizens.
This design proposal aims to be exemplary in creating a functional, welcoming, and diversified environment that meets the physical, emotional, and social needs of users, improving quality of life while providing essential services for the community.
The space has been organized into areas tailored to the needs of users, such as work and study spaces, socializing and dining zones, and areas for practicing yoga and tai chi workshops that promote relaxation. It also includes a "Lila Point" for addressing issues of misogynistic and homophobic violence, a sleep clinic for treating sleep disorders, and psychological consultations for addressing addictions related to nightlife, such as alcoholism or drug addiction.
Additionally, the project includes a space dedicated to the sale of essential products, such as medications and supermarket items, to facilitate access to basic resources for all citizens.
This design proposal aims to be exemplary in creating a functional, welcoming, and diversified environment that meets the physical, emotional, and social needs of users, improving quality of life while providing essential services for the community.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objectives of my project in terms of inclusion focus on creating an accessible, affordable space for the community, regardless of social, economic, or physical situation. The center, as a municipal project, is open to all, ensuring that everyone in Barcelona, regardless of age, gender, origin, or social status, can benefit from its services.
The center addresses different needs: people with addictions will have access to psychological consultations and support, those with sleep disorders can attend a sleep clinic, and students and night workers will find spaces to work and relax. Additionally, the general public can access essential services like a pharmacy and supermarket.
Design solutions include adapting spaces for reduced mobility, creating quiet zones for rest or study, and ensuring accessibility to services. Economic accessibility is also ensured with a pricing model for all income levels, excluding no one.
This project aims to be exemplary by creating a functional, welcoming environment that addresses the needs of users, from people with sleep disorders to night workers and citizens in general. It promotes a more equitable, inclusive society where everyone has access to resources for their well-being.
The center addresses different needs: people with addictions will have access to psychological consultations and support, those with sleep disorders can attend a sleep clinic, and students and night workers will find spaces to work and relax. Additionally, the general public can access essential services like a pharmacy and supermarket.
Design solutions include adapting spaces for reduced mobility, creating quiet zones for rest or study, and ensuring accessibility to services. Economic accessibility is also ensured with a pricing model for all income levels, excluding no one.
This project aims to be exemplary by creating a functional, welcoming environment that addresses the needs of users, from people with sleep disorders to night workers and citizens in general. It promotes a more equitable, inclusive society where everyone has access to resources for their well-being.
How Citizens benefit
In my project, citizen and civil society involvement is crucial to ensure the center meets the real needs of the community. From the early stages, I engaged with various user groups such as night workers, students, people with sleep disorders, and those with addictions. Their feedback helped design services and spaces that would be truly useful for these groups.
Additionally, I collaborated with local organizations and municipal services to better understand the specific needs, such as those of people with sleep disorders or addiction. This allowed for the design of more tailored spaces and services, like the sleep clinic and consultations for addiction treatment.
The general public was also involved through surveys and meetings, where input was gathered on accessibility and the overall utility of the project. This ensured that the center is inclusive and accessible to all Barcelona citizens, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status.
Collaboration with civil society had a direct impact on the center’s design, such as the inclusion of rest areas, spaces for socialization, and practical services like a pharmacy and supermarket. This ensures the center is not only functional but also reflects the values of the community, fostering a strong sense of engagement among citizens.
Additionally, I collaborated with local organizations and municipal services to better understand the specific needs, such as those of people with sleep disorders or addiction. This allowed for the design of more tailored spaces and services, like the sleep clinic and consultations for addiction treatment.
The general public was also involved through surveys and meetings, where input was gathered on accessibility and the overall utility of the project. This ensured that the center is inclusive and accessible to all Barcelona citizens, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status.
Collaboration with civil society had a direct impact on the center’s design, such as the inclusion of rest areas, spaces for socialization, and practical services like a pharmacy and supermarket. This ensures the center is not only functional but also reflects the values of the community, fostering a strong sense of engagement among citizens.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
It will not be a nighttime space like the current ones, where people go to have a drink, dance, or socialize. This space will serve to expand the functions of the nighttime, making it safer, more effective, and functional.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The project of the municipal nighttime center combines various disciplines to create a functional and inclusive space for users who need a place to rest, work, or socialize during the night. Interior designers will be responsible for the layout of the space, ensuring that each area, such as rest zones, work areas, or therapy spaces, is accessible and adapted to the users' needs. Collaboration with psychologists and sleep therapists is essential to create environments that promote relaxation and emotional well-being, especially in areas designated for rest and consultations. The needs of nightlife workers will also be considered, designing spaces where they can effectively rest during irregular hours. Additionally, the design of spaces for leisure and creativity, such as music rooms or study areas, will focus on fostering concentration and creativity. Safety is another crucial aspect, with detailed planning to ensure a safe and accessible environment at any time, especially for individuals who have experienced assault or other trauma. The interdisciplinary design process, which includes interior designers, psychologists, therapists, nightlife experts, and security, will create a holistic space that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of users.
Methodology used
1. HYPOTHESIS (CHOICE OF THE IDEA)
2. RESEARCHING INFORMATION
3. PROJECT BRIEFING
4. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT
2. RESEARCHING INFORMATION
3. PROJECT BRIEFING
4. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT
How stakeholders are engaged
The Municipal Night Center will involve various stakeholders to ensure its development and implementation, providing resources, expertise, and institutional support. The Barcelona City Council will play a key role, with departments such as Urban Planning, Infrastructure, Security, and Environment managing the center’s viability. The Department of Health will oversee medical and psychological services for people with addictions or sleep disorders.
Municipal collaboration will include Punts Liles to support victims of gender-based violence and the network of civic centers as a reference for operations adapted to nighttime needs. At the regional level, the Government of Catalonia will contribute through the Department of Health, particularly in managing the sleep clinic and psychological consultations. Partnerships with suppliers like Mercabarna will ensure the availability of essential goods.
Private companies will also be involved, especially in technology and infrastructure. Potential collaborations with virtual reality companies will enhance psychological treatments, while supermarkets and pharmacies will ensure access to basic necessities throughout the night.
These stakeholders will help ensure the project’s feasibility, provide specialized health and social services, and create a collaborative network between institutions and businesses. The Municipal Night Center will become a functional, inclusive, and accessible space tailored to Barcelona’s nighttime needs.
Municipal collaboration will include Punts Liles to support victims of gender-based violence and the network of civic centers as a reference for operations adapted to nighttime needs. At the regional level, the Government of Catalonia will contribute through the Department of Health, particularly in managing the sleep clinic and psychological consultations. Partnerships with suppliers like Mercabarna will ensure the availability of essential goods.
Private companies will also be involved, especially in technology and infrastructure. Potential collaborations with virtual reality companies will enhance psychological treatments, while supermarkets and pharmacies will ensure access to basic necessities throughout the night.
These stakeholders will help ensure the project’s feasibility, provide specialized health and social services, and create a collaborative network between institutions and businesses. The Municipal Night Center will become a functional, inclusive, and accessible space tailored to Barcelona’s nighttime needs.
Global challenges
Improving and expanding the uses of current nightlife for all those individuals who experience it or want to experience it but cannot for any reason. Also, sustainability challenges are an obvious global issue to address.
Learning transferred to other parties
All the spaces could be applied to different urban municipalities across Europe. As for the methodology, it could also be applied in various locations since it is a fairly general work methodology. The materials and furniture will be 3D printed and/or made from recycled, reused, or naturally sourced materials. Additionally, virtual reality will be used in cases of drug and/or alcohol addiction, as several studies conducted in the United Kingdom show that it helps improve and treat these disorders. The lighting will be chronobiological lighting, which follows the pattern of natural sunlight to improve indoor quality of life. However, for functional spaces like work areas, there will also be inverse chronobiological lighting, as it will follow the same pattern as sunlight, but since this is a center that will operate at night and natural sunlight will not be present, it is referred to as "inverse."
Next steps
The steps foreseen for the development, promotion, and implementation of the Municipal Night Center concept in the coming year focus on several key areas. Firstly, it will be crucial to complete the detailed design phase of the center, adjusting the architecture and interior design to meet the specific needs of users, such as creating spaces for rest, work, therapy, and socialization adapted to nighttime hours. This design phase is expected to be completed by this upcoming June. Once the design is finalized, funding and institutional support will be sought for the project's execution, aiming to present it to municipal authorities and potential sponsors, including submitting the proposal to institutions such as the Barcelona City Council, with particular focus on the night mayor of the city. At the same time, an awareness and promotion campaign will be launched to highlight the benefits of this type of center, especially for individuals with sleep disorders, night workers, and other vulnerable groups. This will include creating informational materials and initiating digital communication through social media and specialized websites.<br />
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Finally, during the second year after the application, the project’s implementation will begin, including the construction of the physical space and the integration of support technologies such as chronobiological lighting, security systems, and virtual reality spaces for treating disorders. At the same time, staff training will be conducted to ensure that all personnel are prepared to meet the specific needs of users. As the project progresses, continuous monitoring will be carried out to assess its effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
Infrastructure or public space
No
Political support
No
Monetary value awarded
No
