Ateneo De Madrid (competition entry)

The entry for the competition organised by OPENGAP in 2010, for the renovation of the Hall of the Ateneo building located in Madrid.

The solution attempts to serve two basic conditions, preservation and alteration, "through a single architectural gesture". The primary solution is a fully glazed enclosure that, "like a candy wrap", covers the space allowing unhindered display of the underlying architectural elements, as well as "distorting" them, through its prismatic and fragmented structure. The overall light of the hall reflects on the glass, creating spatial kaleidoscopic effects. This new fabric is a non linear arrangement, consisting of various-sized glass polygons glued together, and it is self load bearing, so it does not damage permanently the existing interior and allows reversibility.

Via the use of liquid crystal technology and electrocromic layers, the glass surfaces can also perform as "intelligent facades", changing opacity and color, depending on the particular use of the Hall, thus altering dramatically the mood of the space and the way the it is perceived. The informational/communicational part is also supported by LED screen technology, sound devices and projectors (updated real time via net), that highlight ongoing events and other information about the place.

The convertion of the central staircase into a floating glazing, with each riser covered with a LED strip, makes it resemble a huge screen, which is visible from the street level outside, thus attracting the eye and inviting public's curiosity.

final presentation and renderings of the entry
presentation completed in March 2011
architects: Papaioannou D. & associates, Fotopoulou Fereniki, Bourantas Christos