CaixaForum Sevilla
The Project for the new Cultural Centre Caixaforum Sevillaattemps 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.
Photography by © Jesús Granada
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.
Photography by © Jesús Granada
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. 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.
Courtesy of Duccio Malagamba
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.
Courtesy of Duccio Malagamba
Project Info
Architects:Vazquez Consueg
Location: Seville, Spain
Area: 10500.0 sqm
Year: 2017
Photographs: Jesús Granada
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial