Casa Ria

Santiago de Compostela, capital of the autonomous community of Galicia, is not only the last stop on an extraordinary journey, but above all a city with a history stretching back thousands of years. Walking through its porticoed streets and among the buildings of magnificent architecture, it is easy to understand why its old town has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1985. It is in Galicia’s most naturally cosmopolitan city that David Chipperfield, master of architecture and winner of the Pritzker prize in 2023, has chosen to establish Fundación Ria, a research centre that contributes to the analysis and strategic planning of the territory of Galicia, with the aim of preserving its natural and cultural values and promoting its quality of life. This philanthropic initiative seeks to link global challenges with local ones, establishing links between the public and private sectors and facilitating the implementation of projects oriented towards the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the region. Casa ria is the foundation’s new residence: a former sanatorium restored and transformed by David Chipperfield Architects, a space for the exchange of ideas, multidisciplinary research, education, and the reception of students and researchers from all over the world, as well as the base for the office of the David Chipperfield Architects in Santiago. For this building, which belongs to the historical texture of the city, integration was the guiding concept for the renovation project carried out by David Chipperfield Architects, Marionanni and Viabizzuno team. The space on the ground floor has been dedicated to public events and exhibitions. In the corridor that anticipates it,n55 soffitto in a special version marks the passage and illuminates the works of art placed here, enhancing the colours and materiality. Following the same philosophy, it was also designed a special diffuser for n55 sospensione: the concept of the typical historical lantern from galicia is reinterpreted by a sandblasted glass and a structure with clean lines, creating a delicate and timeless light effect. In the halls, the original stone framing the windows dialogues with the minimalist lines of A1withn55: this lighting solution allows for diffused light to enhance the environment and direct light dedicated to the elements on display, guaranteeing maximum light quality. In the stone and wood stairwell there is a special chandelier – designed by David Chipperfield – composed of nine interlocking modules. A synthesis of Chipperfield’s characteristic formal cleanliness and Viabizzuno’s advanced technological research, this suspension blends into the space and becomes a metaphor for the foundation itself: the encounter between local culture and sustainable development in the name of respect and mutual appreciation. Casa ria is a place open to the community, which is why the restaurant ‘a cantina’ directed by chef Iago Pazos will be accessible to both employees of the foundation and outsiders, with the aim of consciously supporting the local culinary culture and production sector. Also in this space, n55 soffitto speciale illuminates both the worktops and the guest table area. In the offices on the upper floors, the flexibility sought in the workspaces is confirmed by the use of A1with n55, in this case with lensoptica technical optic, the result that stems from a research developed by Viabizzuno on a project by David Chipperfield Architects with the international engineering firm arup.