The Botín Foundation has established its new offices in Madrid by choosing a 1920s industrial building, which was for years a Silversmith workshop.The peculiarity of this building has given us the opportunity to create a reference point. With this in mind, the new project attempts to retain the spirit of the original industrial character, in keeping with the same philosophy of the Foundation, which is a driving force for developing talent.The principal objective of the architectural concept is that once again, natural light can enter the whole building, which has remained in the dark since its last use. Not only have the infilled windows and skylights been reopened, but also the internal structure has been altered to create a double-height atrium for the use as the main lobby. The direct day light and natural vegetation impose character and personality to this meeting place.The project aims to reveal the historical changes of the building by exposing the original steel and brickwork; the various alterations in the past; and by contrast, the new construction work whose finishes are mainly oak, steel and glass.The ground floor is intended for public activities with a flexible but modular, clear open space. There are two movable partitions, one opaque and the other transparent which have four possible positions. Depending on the different requirements of each activity, the space can be easily adapted by the various combinations available. The use of natural wood on the floor and ceiling adds warmth to this area.The first floor is to be used by the management of the Foundation with a private area for meetings and the spacious, luminous open area, under the original roof structure and the new skylights. The two areas are arranged around the new light well and crowned by a lantern over the atrium.Credits:Diego Varela - Owner/PrincipalEmilio Medina - Owner/PrincipalAlicia Castilla - ArchitectMaría Pascual - ArchitectLaura Sánchez - ArchitectAlfonso García del Rey - ArchitectJuan Luis Líbano - Interior Design ConsultantLuis Vallejo Estudio de Paisajismo - Landscape DesingerAlfonso Quiroga - PhotographerIngenor - Structural and service engineers
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