projects | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

thanks to a project by the spanish studio iñaqui carnicero, the former slaughterhouse hangar 16 restored in madrid has become a space for various activities of a cultural and recreational nature, including exhibitions in which the works of art are hung on the hooks that once bore animal carcasses. a limited budget restricted the whole operation of architectonic recovery to two interventions only. the first regards the doors: by modifying their position the functional options within the area have been multiplied. to give one example, the main area can be subdivided into several spaces thus allowing various activities to be carried out simultaneously. the madrid studio’s second intervention consisted in recovering the masonry, removing plaster and positively exploiting a living, authentic material to create a special atmosphere. these two simple ideas contribute on the one hand to reinforcing dimension and proportions within the structure, and on the other hand to renewing the building’s character. to keep inside the budget established by the municipality of madrid, the intervention was based on the use of one single material and one structural feature. at the heart of the project is the choice of a system of doors at two levels which pivot on themselves in such a way as to meet the needs of those who will be using the spaces. the doors of the former slaughterhouse allow the definition of an empty rectangular space, neutral, isolated from the rest of the rooms, which may house avant-garde installations and projections. in fact the nave is delimited by a double system of large metal portals: a lower one that surrounds it to the extent of potential, total closure, and an upper one that allows the directing of light in accordance with various requirements. when the central area remains open, visitors have a perfect view of the interior of this old building whose historic value has been perfectly safeguarded. not only the doors but also the windows have been equipped with the same steel mechanism, adapted for this restoration intervention. the shutters can be closed to isolate the structure from the outside environment, at the same time darkening the interior for concerts and other performances. the central door rotates, becoming the element that defines the threshold of the main space. the chromatic contrast between the renewed interior space and the sheath in brick positively exploits this discreet and elegant context dedicated to public events while allowing the structure however to maintain its delicate industrial aesthetic. so an encounter between the past and modernity is what the carnicero studio kept in mind throughout the design phase, basing their choices on the true social theme of art: an ongoing passage between times, styles and cultures. Viabizzuno’s lanterna massima was selected by the spanish designers to illuminate the internal perimeter of hangar 16. consisting of an ampoule in extra-clear tempered blown glass and a lamp body in brown painted aluminium; the illuminating body is perfectly integrated within the structure, improving and positively influencing the perception of space. the classic form of the transparent element in fact recalls that the place belongs to the past, while the dark colour of the metal part refers instinctively to the contemporary element carried by the doors in dark steel. at the same time the warm and comforting light of this fitting renders the spectator’s visit even more relaxing and hospitable. lastly, the light of the candela di vals is equally warm, an illuminating body designed by architect peter zumthor, positioned above the mirrors of the bathrooms, in the lee of the walls in brick.