1. 1
Teacher : A.J.NIAZI,Ph.D.
Assistant : proof. Hasib
“Khan”
Abdul Khaliq “Khanzadi”
May
Kabul Polytechnic
University
Construction Faculty
Department of
Architecture
Advanced Architecture
Design 2
Cold Storage Design For Fresh Fruits and vegetables
(Case Studies)
2. 2
Case study -1
Fruits and Vegetables
Center
Awards and Recognition
•Selected for the National Architecture Prize by
the CSCAE in 2022
3. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CENTER- INTRODUCTION
Location :Málaga,
Spain
Area: 1125 m²
Year: 2022
Architects:
FORarquitectura
4. CONTEXT AND PURPOSE
The center is located in
Málaga in southern
Spain, a region with a
strong agricultural
tradition, especially for
fruits and vegetables.
The building serves as a
logistics and
distribution hub for
local farmers, facilitating
the storage, handling,
and commercialization of
fresh produce
5. DESIGN AND CONCEPT
Vernacular Inspiration
The design deliberately references traditional agricultural constructions common to the area
Architects studied the local historical buildings like barns, warehouses, and farm structures to understand their forms,
spatial organization, and materials.
This knowledge informed the project’s shape, structure, and material palette.
Geometry & Form
The building is composed of
simple volumes that echo the
local vernacular’s functional
clarity and robustness.
It is arranged in four main halls
or naves, each serving different
purposes such as storage,
packing, and machinery housing.
6. SPATIAL ORGANIZATION
The open interior spaces
provide flexibility for different
stages of handling produce
The design also pays attention
to ease of movement for
vehicles and machinery
necessary for loading and
unloading.
Building divided into four large spaces
Storage of products
Raw material
Tools of the agricultural
Handle and take care until its sale.
7. MATERIALS AND ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Additionally, a colorful and bright pictorial gesture frames a certain interior
area of the nave, creating a dynamic and joyful focal point that enlivens
interior activities.
The project uses traditional materials like concrete and metal in a way
that respects the industrial nature of the facility but also integrates modern
sustainable materials.
A modern element is introduced in the facade: polycarbonate, a material
commonly used in agricultural buildings such as greenhouses. This allows
natural light to enter while protecting the interior from external elements.
8. VISUAL AND AESTHETIC ELEMENTS
The exterior façade balances a modern aesthetic, standing out in
the rural land industrial practicality with scape while respecting it
The pictorial gesture inside one of the halls creates a colorful
focal point, breaking the otherwise industrial monotony.
This artistic touch adds a dynamic and lively atmosphere for
workers
10. TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Structural system: Combination of steel frames and concrete foundations to ensure durability and adaptability.
Roof design: Sloped and shaped to facilitate rainwater runoff, which is critical in this climate to avoid water accumulation.
Lighting: Maximized through translucent polycarbonate cladding on the upper portions of the façades.
11. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
Sustainability
The integration of natural light through polycarbonate
helps reduce electricity consumption during the day.
The design respects environmental factors such as
natural ventilation and efficient water drainage through
roof design.
Supports local farmers and producers by providing a
centralized facility for aggregation, storage, and
preparation of fruits and vegetables before market
distribution.
Enhances the local agricultural economy by
improving logistics and reducing post-harvest losses.
12. KEY STRENGTHS OF THE PROJECT
Aspect Details
Project Name
Fruits and Vegetables Center "Raspa y
Amagado"
Architect FORarquitectura
Location Spain- malaga
Function
Collection, sorting, packaging, and storage of
fruits and vegetables
Design Type
Industrial-agricultural facility with cathedral-style
light-filled interior
Main Materials
Likely steel structure, polycarbonate, metal
panels
Notable Feature
Central nave with colorful skylights or glazing
bringing natural light
No. Advantage Description
1 Daylit Working Environment
Skylights and translucent materials reduce the
need for artificial lighting.
2 Functional Zoning
Clear separation of collection, cleaning, sorting,
and storage areas.
3 Efficient Circulation
Separate truck and pedestrian paths improve
safety and workflow.
4 Architectural Identity
Vertical spaces and colored light create a
distinctive architectural feel.
5 Ventilation & Light
High ceilings and openings support natural
airflow and daylight.
6 Material Efficiency
Use of modular, lightweight materials helps
reduce construction costs.
7
Support for Local
Agriculture
Centralized operations improve post-harvest
handling and reduce food loss.
14. PROJECT CONTEXT AND IMPORTANCE
Location: Irig, Serbia
an area with a significant agricultural economy,
especially fruit and vegetable production.
Year: 2011
Size: Approx. 7,500 m²
Architect: EUMies Award (European Union Prize for
Contemporary Architecture)
Purpose : Designed to support local farmers by
providing advanced cold storage, helping reduce
post-harvest losses, maintain quality, and expand
market reach.
The facility plays a key role in regional food supply
chains and cold logistics.
15. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Simple, Clear Forms:
The building uses rectangular, industrial volumes arranged to optimize internal workflow
and external logistics access.
Visual Expression:
Though primarily industrial, the building has clean lines, clear structural rhythm, and a
balanced façade composition avoiding purely utilitarian appearance.
16. ARCHITECTURAL & FUNCTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
The building combines industrial functionality with architectural clarity.
house the refrigeration chambers,
loading docks
administrative offices
Functional Zoning
Cold Storage Zones:
Chilled storage for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Freezing zones for long-term preservation.
Loading and Unloading:
Separate docks for incoming raw produce and
outgoing packaged goods, designed for smooth
truck circulation.
Administrative Area:
Offices and staff rooms positioned to supervise
operations efficiently without disrupting cold
storage spaces.
17. MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION
The structure employs durable, low-maintenance materials such as
insulated metal panels,
reinforced concrete,
steel framing to ensure thermal performance and structural stability.
Balance of Architecture & Industry
Shows how cold storage can be architecturally expressive yet fully functional.
Scalability
The design supports expansion, which is vital for agricultural businesses
growing over time.
18. SUSTAINABILITY
Contextual Sensitivity
The building responds well to its site conditions, considering local climate and access routes for trucks and farmers.
Energy Efficiency
The design integrates energy-saving technologies like optimized insulation, efficient refrigeration systems, and controlled
ventilation to reduce operating costs and environmental impact
Thermal Performance: insulation with sandwich panels minimizes thermal losses.
Refrigeration: refrigeration equipment with energy-efficient compressors and evaporators
Ventilation: Controlled ventilation systems ensure air quality and prevent condensation.
Energy-efficient lighting and possible use of heat recovery systems.
Potential for Expansion: Modular design allows the building to grow in phases as demand increases.
19. KEY STRENGTHS OF THE PROJECT
Aspect Details
Location Irig, Serbia
Area 7,500 m²
Function
Cold storage & processing for
fruits/vegetables
Materials Insulated metal panels, concrete, steel
Energy Efficiency
High-performance insulation, efficient
refrigeration
Design Approach
Simple industrial volumes with clean
lines
User Facilities Admin offices, loading docks
Sustainability
Ventilation, lighting, heat recovery
potential
Expansion Modular design for future growth
No. Advantage Description
1
Advanced Cold Storage
Technology
Provides controlled environments for chilled and
frozen produce.
2 Efficient Functional Layout
Separate zones for storage, admin, and loading
improve workflow.
3
IndustrialYet Elegant
Architecture
Combines utilitarian form with clean, modern
design.
4
Durable, Low-Maintenance
Materials
Uses insulated metal panels, steel, and concrete
for longevity and insulation.
5 Energy Efficiency
High-quality insulation and systems lower energy
use and costs.
6 Strong Logistics Integration
Multiple loading docks and efficient circulation
for truck access.
7
Expandability and
Modularity
Modular design allows for future facility
expansion.
8 Contextual Responsiveness
Adapted to local topography and climate in Irig,
Serbia.
9
Support for Local
Agriculture
Strengthens the supply chain and helps local
farmers preserve crops.
10 Recognized Design Quality
Featured in the EU Mies van der Rohe
architectural award listing.
