CaixaForum located in Madrid, Spain was designed by Herzog & de Meuron architects and is an example of how a modern extension has been added to an older building that was previously the site of a power station. Not only this, the whole building has been cut away at ground floor level and supported to appear as if floating, giving the whole building a new look and a contemporary feel. The building includes galleries, administrative offices and a restaurant in the upper levels, as well as an auditorium below ground level. It is a great example of how metal has been added as a material to the exterior to the building – in this case rusted steel.
(Image property of ArchiLovers)
A magnet
“The CaixaForum is conceived as an urban magnet attracting not only art-lovers but all people of Madrid and from outside. The attraction will not only be CaixaForum’s cultural program, but also the building itself, insofar that its heavy mass, is detached from the ground in apparent defiance of the laws of gravity and, in a real sense, draws the visitors inside.”
(Herzog & de Meuron)
(Images property of Architizer)
A new address for the arts
“The CaixaForum-Madrid stands on an advantageous site facing the Paseo del Prado and the Botanical Garden vis à vis. This new address for the arts is located in an area occupied until now by unspectacular urban structures, the Central Eléctrica Power Station, and a gas station. The classified brick walls of the former power station are reminiscences of the early industrial age in Madrid, while the gas station, a purely functional structure, was clearly out of place. Like a vineyard that could never develop its full potential because it was planted with the wrong grape, this prominent location could not develop its full potential. The demolition of the gas station created a small plaza between the Paseo del Prado and the new CaixaForum in the converted power station.”
(Herzog & de Meuron)
(Images property of Architizer)
A spectacular transformation
“The only material of the old power station that we could use was the classified brick shell. In order to conceive and insert the new architectural components of the CaixaForum, we began with a surgical operation, separating and removing the base and the parts of the building no longer needed. This opened a completely novel and spectacular perspective that simultaneously solved a number of problems posed by the site. The removal of the base of the building left a covered plaza under the brick shell, which now appears to float above the street level. This sheltered space under the CaixaForum offers shade to visitors who want to spend time or meet outside, and at the same time, it is the entrance to the Forum itself. Problems such as the narrowness of the surrounding streets, the placement of the main entrance, and the architectural identity of this contemporary art institution are addressed and solved in a single urban and sculptural gesture.”
(Herzog & de Meuron)
(Images property of Architizer)
A construction below and a construction above ground
“The separation of the structure from the ground level creates two worlds: one below and the other above the ground. The “underworld” buried beneath the topographically landscaped plaza provides space for a theater/auditorium, service rooms, and several parking spaces. The multi-storied building above ground houses the entrance lobby and galleries, a restaurant and administrative offices. There is a contrast between the flexible and loft-like character of the exhibition spaces and the spatial complexity of the top floor with its restaurant / bar and the offices. The surprising sculptural aspect of the CaixaForum’s silhouette is no mere architectural fancy, but reflects the roofscape of the surrounding buildings.”
(Herzog & de Meuron)
(Images property of Architizer)
Rusted Steel Material Options for Project
The main reason for looking at the CaixaForum (other than it being an amazing piece of architecture), is that I am considering using metal as an exterior material in the design of my building. I have looked at materials such as anodised aluminium and titanium, however I am also considering rusted steel as an option as it is similar in colour to the Victorian red brick of the building that I am using for my project – so it would be modern, but would still relate to the building.
More Information…
For more information, please look at the following links:
https://www.dezeen.com/2008/05/22/caixaforum-madrid-by-herzog-de-meuron/
https://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index/projects/complete-works/201-225/201-caixaforum-madrid.html
