The Spanish city of Bilbao, known architecturally for its Guggenheim, has a new(ish) architectural icon. Not that it’s replacing Ghery’s work, just another one.
The Basque Health Department Headquarters, designed Coll-Barreu Arquitectos stands at the intersection between two of Bilbao’s most important streets. Its form and structure is a creative response to restrictive zoning regulations. Vertical communication and services are grouped together along spine within the building, around which seven open-plan office floors and its prismatic outer shell wraps. The prism grows upwards, reducing its volume into a tower of sorts. Here, at the apex of the building, is the meeting room. A room with a great view. Inversely, the auditorium and its adjoining services are located in the building’s basement. And below that- three levels for employee parking.
The building’s multifaceted facade offer multiple views of and for the city. Depending on where one stands, the prismatic form offers vastly different visages. And it is not just for show. The double facade responds to zoning requirements, provides fire-resistance, acoustical insulation, and just plain, old energy. The energy of Bilbao is reflected in its many faces.
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.