The Infinity Valley | Barcelona, Spain | Unit 21 | 2024
weitse.wang.23@ucl.ac.uk

With Spain’s ongoing challenges of rising energy costs and the demand for a more independent energy grid, the Infinity Valley represents a beacon of innovation, aiming to mitigate these issues. This project proposes the transformation of Barcelona’s highest mountain, Mount Tibidabo, into a “Battery” by 1 million cubic metres of water.

The Infinity Valley incorporates the integration of pumped storage hydropower with a library and a cultural centre. The mountain’s elevation is a distinctive asset, and is situated near the renowned Tibidabo Amusement Park and Fabra Observatory. These elements inspire the Valley to blur the boundaries between entertainment and energy infrastructure.

Climatic data plays a pivotal role in the design process. Design methodology “Game of Sun” and “Solar Gain for Canopy Design” are informed a comprehensive examination of geographical, solar, hydrological, and wind pattern data. This approach represents a symbiotic relationship between nature and technology. The Valley does not only create a style aesthetic, but also embrace neighbouring biodiversity and wildlife. In particular, the treasure hunting game “Wilson’s Book” is evolved from Iberian red fox.

Wilson’s Book
Inspired by Barcelona’s wildlife Iberian red fox, a treasure hunting game named “Wilson’s Book” was developed. Players’ mission is to guide Wilson, a curious fox, to find hidden books scattered throughout the Infinity Valley.

Data-Driven Design
“Game of Sun” generates a wall with less self-shading, a minimal 3 hours of sunlight is required to generate a block. “Solar Gain Canopy Design” optimizes the curvature for solar gain and shading efficiency by adjusting variable on each canopy.

The Flow of Time
This art installation showcases the sequence of time. Based on the Prime Meridian line, this project uses the data of the sun to reassemble and rebuild a fictional wall. This drives forward to the “Game of Sun” design methodology.

Embracing a Wealth of Culture and Activities
Embracing Mount Tibidabo’s rich surroundings, which include the Tibidabo Amusement Park and the Fabra Observatory, This project inspired from this dynamic location, blurring the boundaries between entertainment, culture and energy infrastructure.