Architectural Documentation Center

Architectural Documentation Center in Madrid, Spain by Guisado and Fernández-Elorza

When confronted with the task of housing an architectural documentation center and a theater within the arcades of the Nuevos Ministerios on Madrid's Paseo de la Castellana, architects Jesus Aparicio Guisado and Hector Fernández-Elorza had to deal with many complex interactions with the existing building and infrastructure. In addition to structural, programmatic and contextual concerns the architects strove to minimize their intervention on the existing building while also creating a simple and flexible space, something definitely easier said than done.

Entering the arcade from street level, one sees down into the theater/lecture hall. The decision to bury this space was determined by an adjacent train platform, a level the theater matches for easy access. As well, it appears the architects tried to limit the natural light entering the space, turning the arcade openings into clerestory windows that can be blocked by a dark curtain hung on tracks as well as large translucent shades covering the openings. The most notable aspect of the space -- the U-shaped concrete container -- is a structural solution to removing a floor above that enabled the subterranean level of the theater.

While the inside space of the theater exhibits a simplicity arising from the concrete walls and floor, the interstitial space between the old and new plays an important role in creating this quality. In addition to bracing the existing walls, the space not occupied by structure is given over to mechanical and other services, thus allowing the space to contain the requisite lighting, speakers, and furniture. When the curtain is closed, the effect must be particularly immersive, as any sight of the existing arcade is removed, though the light gently falling upon the concrete walls reminds one of this space beyond.

The two ends of the hall are as important is its container: at one end is a cantilevered, glass walled projection/sound booth that is flanked by standing room for a packed house, while the other end leads to the archive room. Like the theater space, the archive room uses the concrete wall to conceal services, creating an equally simple space that actually uses the old vault of the arcades. Inserted into this space is an anomaly, an extremely light and delicate stair that leads to a gallery space above. This one element illustrates not only the complementary nature of opposites, but also the skill of the architects in dealing with different materials in an appropriate way for different effects.