### Project Overview

**Title:** La Comarca
**Location:** Old Town Bayamón, Puerto Rico
**Type:** Urban Housing and Community Space for the Elderly

La Comarca addresses the socioeconomic challenges faced by the aging population in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, with a design that reinterprets traditional elderly housing typologies. The project aims to enhance community interaction, allowing elderly residents to connect with various generations while maintaining their dignity and social engagement. By revitalizing an existing urban block, the development aligns with the intent to create a vibrant living environment supportive of intergenerational relationships.

### Spatial Strategy and Context

The site, located on Calle Martí, is strategically positioned near historical architecture, the town plaza, and a prominent pedestrian route. This context facilitates enhanced community connectivity and emphasizes the importance of an integrated lifestyle for elderly residents, enabling active participation in local markets and communal activities. The design incorporates an infill approach that merges housing and community programs, creating a coherent urban fabric and fostering interactions that counter the isolation often found in elderly facilities.

### Materiality and Sustainability

La Comarca features a carefully selected material palette designed to create a welcoming environment while reflecting the cultural context of Bayamón. Key materials include painted steel for structural elements, brick masonry to enhance thermal comfort and honor traditional architecture, and concrete for durability and versatility in apartment layouts. Terracotta blocks provide privacy and encourage airflow, connecting residents with local craftsmanship.

Sustainability is a core focus, achieved through community-oriented design that encourages intergenerational interactions and preserves existing structures to minimize waste. The integration of green spaces, including community gardens and gathering areas, promotes environmental stewardship and strengthens the community's ecological footprint. The thoughtful arrangement of programmatic components, from administrative offices to communal areas and independent living apartments, fosters a vibrant community atmosphere that supports active participation in daily life.