The group of buildings that was once the headquarters of the Free Education Institution has a certain air about it, its dimensions, its layout, made up of small pavilions; this all takes us back to a time and a place that no longer exist. That small size and the resulting contrast we feel when we leave the city to enter the enclosure are its most attractive point.
As a first step, it was decided to maintain and renovate the former Institution’s most characteristic buildings: the main building, the young children’s pavilion and the McPherson pavilion. The remaining part of the project takes the form of three new structures, of the most modest proportions possible, occupying the available corners of the plot, redefining and enlarging the free space in the centre.
From here, it becomes necessary to bring sense and unity to the ensemble, made up of new buildings and old: this is partly achieved by the strict geometrical layout chosen, unifying the new buildings and ultimately taking form in the structure covering the central open space, supported by the new additions. The open space will become a central area, connected to each building.
The southwest corner will be occupied by the library and the southeast by a building dedicated to classrooms. This, the largest and most complex of the new buildings, as well as the classrooms and the exhibition room will also include a new entrance from the street. Two basement floors will connect all the buildings together, allowing the necessary continuity of the network of installations and events room hall.
Client:
Giner de los Ríos Free Educational Institution Foundation, Madrid Council
Address:
Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 14. 28010 Madrid, Spain
Typology:
Education & Culture
Status:
Projects
Competition:
2004
Design of project:
2004
Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos
Collaborators:Carlos Arévalo, Iko Mennenga, Isabel Strehle, Óscar García de la Cámara
Infography:Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos
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