Architectural Cases

Baswil has unveiled an innovative bicycle stabilizer system that revolutionizes how children learn to ride. This new design allows young cyclists to develop a sense of balance and lean into turns naturally, departing from the restrictive experience offered by conventional, rigid training wheels. Targeting 12- to 16-inch bikes, the system incorporates a degree of lateral movement, fostering a more intuitive transition to independent cycling.

The core of this breakthrough lies in a patented dual-blade mechanism constructed from flexible, high-performance plastic. As a child's bicycle begins to tilt, these blades gently flex, gradually transferring support to the stabilizer wheels. This progressive engagement contrasts sharply with the abrupt contact of traditional stabilizers, which can hinder a child's understanding of balance. By allowing up to 15 degrees of lean, Baswil's design integrates the leaning action as a fundamental part of the riding experience. This means children can simultaneously practice pedaling and acclimate to the subtle weight shifts necessary for steering and turning, accelerating their learning curve for full two-wheeled riding.

The system's flexible support mechanism replaces the inflexible structure of typical training wheels. It features a vertical blade that attaches securely to the bicycle's rear axle and a horizontal blade that rests against the rear fork. This ingenious configuration combines adjustability with controlled flexibility, allowing the system to adapt to the bike's motion.

When the bicycle leans, the specially engineered plastic progressively flexes. Only after reaching approximately 15 degrees of tilt do the support wheels make contact with the ground, preventing a fall while still providing the rider with the crucial sensation of balancing through corners. Weighing approximately one kilogram per pair, these stabilizers are designed to add minimal bulk to the bicycle and are compatible with most children's bikes featuring standard 9.5 mm rear axles. Installation is straightforward, requiring a standard wrench and about five minutes. The kit includes two stabilizers, all necessary mounting hardware, and a clear, illustrated guide. The adjustment process involves four simple steps: removing existing training wheels, attaching the vertical blade to the rear axle, securing the horizontal blade to the mounting rail, and finally, fine-tuning the wheel height to ensure both stabilizers gently touch the ground when the bike is upright.

While balance bikes have gained popularity as an effective method for children to develop coordination before transitioning to pedal bikes, Baswil's system caters to children who are already pedaling but still require assistance with balance. The design seamlessly merges pedaling with balance development into a single, cohesive learning process. According to the company, most children typically adapt to this new system within two to four weeks of regular use, though individual progress may naturally vary.

In Premià de Dalt, a picturesque town nestled along the Maresme coast, north of Barcelona, the architectural firm Exitprojectes has meticulously undertaken the renovation and expansion of Casa Blajot. This dwelling holds a special place in architectural history as one of the final residential projects envisioned by the acclaimed architect Josep Lluís Sert before his passing in 1983. Conceived between 1978 and 1979 for lawyer Josep Blajot, with the collaborative efforts of architect Joseph Zalewski, the house embodies Sert's distinctive and deeply personal approach. It presents itself as a compact, sculptural form, seamlessly integrated into a sloping hillside, offering panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. The firm's approach was not to redefine the house's character but rather to acknowledge and perpetuate its inherent architectural philosophy, respecting its unique blend of austerity, spatial generosity, and harmony with its environment.

Exitprojectes views Casa Blajot as more than just a residence; it represents a profound architectural concept, characterized by a delicate interplay of abstraction, climatic considerations, structural integrity, and daily functionality. The renovation, therefore, is not an imposition of new design layers but a thoughtful extension of Sert's foundational ideas. This philosophy guided the entire project, ensuring that every modification and addition resonated with the original spirit of the house. The studio's commitment to this respectful continuation allowed them to update the living spaces to meet contemporary demands while preserving the historical and artistic value embedded in Sert's creation, thus extending its legacy for future generations.

Preserving Sert's Vision: Casa Blajot's Thoughtful Evolution

Before any design decisions were implemented, the Barcelona-based studio Exitprojectes engaged in extensive historical research to fully grasp the foundational principles behind Casa Blajot's initial design. This comprehensive study revealed several key elements: the house's compact massing, strategically positioned on the slope to maximize sea views; the distinct separation between an inviting, expansive southern facade and a more private, enclosed rear elevation; and the consistent use of courtyards, sheltered areas, wooden shutters, and transitional spaces. These features served as critical environmental and spatial regulators, adeptly managing light, air circulation, and the interface between indoor and outdoor realms. A precise geometric framework lent the main facade an abstract, almost monumental quality, while the interior layout deftly accommodated the client's specific domestic requirements, emphasizing ease of movement and fostering a vibrant family and social life.

For Exitprojectes, these intricate details were not mere embellishments but rather the very essence upon which any architectural intervention had to be founded. The architects asserted that engaging with Casa Blajot necessitated a profound understanding of its core: appreciating the clarity of its original structural design, the elegance of its proportions, the dynamic interplay of light and shadow across its deeply recessed facade, and the seamless connection it forged between domestic existence and the expansive horizon. Tasked with modernizing the house for a new family and aligning it with contemporary standards of comfort and efficiency, Exitprojectes conceived an extension characterized by deliberate restraint. Rather than competing with the existing edifice, the addition subtly expanded upon it, mirroring its scale, proportions, and material palette, thereby fostering a quiet yet profound dialogue between what was preserved and what was newly introduced. This outcome intentionally diverges from a direct stylistic imitation of Sert’s original design, instead representing an ethical and architectural stance: to enhance without distortion, to enlarge without effacement, and to allow the residence’s continued vitality to flourish without compromising the inherent intelligence, understated elegance, and generous spirit that defined it from its inception.

Harmonizing Heritage and Modernity: Casa Blajot's Sensitive Expansion

The architects meticulously avoided reinterpreting Sert's unique design language, choosing instead to honor his legacy by extending his original architectural philosophy. Their intervention focused on seamless integration, ensuring that new elements enhanced the existing structure without imposing an alien aesthetic. This approach transformed the renovation into an act of profound recognition, acknowledging the house's intrinsic value as an architectural idea rather than just a physical object.

The expansion is a testament to sensitive design, maintaining the delicate balance between abstraction, climate response, and structural integrity that defined Sert's work. By matching the scale, proportion, and material atmosphere of the original building, Exitprojectes created an addition that feels both contemporary and timeless. This subtle integration facilitates a quiet dialogue between past and present, allowing the house to gracefully adapt to modern needs while preserving its unique character and the intelligent generosity of Sert's vision.