architect: Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra

location: Siviglia

year: 2017

The Project for the new Cultural Centre Caixaforum Sevilla by Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra attemps to coherently resolve two questions that are always important when dealing with interventions on existing buildings (in this case, existing structures), as the occupational strategy and the necessity of visibility given an expected organization.

sketch

The mentioned ocuppational strategy is based on an analysis of the existing spaces and the previous uses planned for the “Podium Building” of the Tower Pelli Complex. The current structure has unavoidable determined program distribution as well as the spatial configuration of the different uses. That way, the main strategy consists on placing a series of volumes fairly autonomous inside the present structure looking for the coexistence of each one of the interventions.
In that line we could stand out the disposition of the exhibition rooms and the auditorium in the only spaces that, due to their height and dimensions, allowed their positioning, being demarcated by self-standing enclosure elements that avoid conflict with the current concrete structure.

photo by Jesus Granada

These available spaces take place underground, fact that has conditioned the access sequence and flows along the building. Likewise, the cafeteria and administration areas have been placed in the upper levels searching for better conditions of light and views.
On the other hand, the importance and required visibility of Caixaforum-Sevilla inside this complex has led to certain operations to clarify the entry. The main access to the exhibitions will be held under a new marquee that will cover both the entrance and the skylight, source of natural light necessary for the lower levels, creating a covered plaza situated between the designed tree rows and permeable to the flows of people that will go through the buildings ensemble.

axonometric view

architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra (project and direction of works)
location Isla de la Cartuja. Sevilla
design phase 2015
construction phase 2017
direction of works Marcos Vázquez Consuegra with Ignacio Gonzalez
collaborators Juan José Baena, Eduardo Melero, Alberto Brunello, Martina Pozzi, Álvaro Luna, Patricia Fraile
structures team Structure:Edartec Consultores, S.L
project manager Carlos Coronado, Maria Dolores Casado e Idom
area 10.500 mq
client Fundación Caixa D’Estalvis i Pensions Barcelona “La Caixa”