Limits, Fluid Edges, And Specialized Architectural Spaces Functioning As Infrastructure From Within:

Generating Advanced Pedagogical Design Systems In 21st-Century Megacities.

Abstract

This paper presents an educational and research experience developed within the Advanced Architectural Design Studio at Universidad Europea de Madrid, aimed at exploring innovative design strategies for twenty-first-century megacities. Based on the concept of fluid boundaries, it proposes a pedagogical model that integrates research, critical thinking and architectural innovation to address contemporary urban transformation. The work is situated in the Carabanchel district of Madrid, where students developed design proposals at human, architectural and urban scales, focusing on specialized infrastructures related to performing arts and gastronomy. The methodology combines theoretical research, studio-based learning and individual project development. The results highlight the potential of this approach to foster advanced, interdisciplinary design processes capable of responding to the challenges of contemporary cities.