We understand that the city is not the sum of individual buildings , but it
is the practice of the people that run that, enrich and keep evolving, people
mobilized by the architecture in terms of its use and location. Whether for
obvious economic and functional reasons, finally opting for the complete
demolition of the existing building (apart from the historical value of it, it
was only linked to emotional and age old aspects, and not like others of architectural quality and condition ), taking into account the strong link with the history of the municipality of the existing building, and the sensitivity of many
people who grew up with the urban image of this, the first city Council of
Benidorm.
Both structurally and cosmetically, the result has been a seemingly simple process, but with an important structural and constructive complexity behind its development. In brief, we wanted a building of simple geometry, clear and emphatic forms,which gives a very clear answer to functional needs while facing urbanresponse to a transition zone at the border of the Old Town, and with theadded complexity that came with replacing the Old town Hall in the city which had no architectural emotional value for many citizens.
Given the particular location of the building on one of the busiest corners
ofBenidorm, it is crucial to visually open the Exhibition Hall located on
the ground floor to the outside. Thus we integrate the urban space with
built space, enabling passers by to view the exhibited work of the city and enter the building.It is this interior-exterior duality that attracts users into the building, promoting social gathering and generating activity elements, aiding in the regeneration of urban areas.
The facade of the ground floor of the building was completed with a finish of
glass and concrete, that supports the reconstruction of the upper two floors. This reconstruction was not literal; redundant, neglected elements have been made ornamental with contemporarytreatment and finishing materials. Thus we facilitate the harmonious blend between old and new, remembering the building that previously existed and integrating it with thenew interventions.
We avoided the architectural ostentation without sacrificing quality,
functionality and formal sensitivity. We have avoided the unnecessary
spending and waste working the construction detail, and creating spaces and
volumes of apparent simplicity but with a deep and constructive burden of
complexity in detail.
With the new facade we are enhancing the image of the existing
building, while responding to the innovative tradition of Benidorm. In
short, this approach pays tribute to local architectural tradition through a
contemporary language that does not lose sight in the future and in constant
evolution.
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