The restoration and rehabilitation of these buildings has been exemplary in terms of the sensitivity regarding its criteria and methods and they stand as a model for professionals, authorities and agencies involved in the intervention, as well as for those who believe restoration to be a long-term investment.
The first tour in this series organised by the Spanish Association for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of the Twentieth Century (AEPPAS20) will begin in the auditorium of the Castelar building on January 20. It will focus on the work and the author under the title: 'The Castelar building and Rafael de La-Hoz'.
Located in Emilio Castelar square, the Castelar building (1986) was designed by architects Rafael de La-Hoz and Gerardo Olivares. Today, it is owned by Mutua Madrileña and is home to Pérez-Llorca. Its rehabilitation has been carried out recently by the author's son Rafael de La-Hoz, who defines the building as 'a structural challenge in concrete and stone'.
While climbing the staircase carved on the ramp, a glass prism seems to float in the air. From its lateral view, the prism hangs from a fork stone. A structural challenge in concrete and glass gets leave open floors for better surface and lighting performance. The double curtain wall solves the anti-greenhouse effect problems. A lightweight outer glass matting eliminates the solar reflection and gives the building a light transparency which changes colour according to the environment's light '.
The Spanish Association for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of the Twentieth Century was established in 2011, non-profit, and aims for the promotion, protection, conservation and recovery of Spanish architectural and cultural heritage of the twentieth century including sets, sites, unique architecture and urban and cultural landscapes of the twentieth century. Both their particular characteristics or their environment or cultural or social meanings are of particular interest and worthy of special attention.
After the guided tour, a lecture and debate will take place. Its purpose will be to discuss the importance and impact of architecture in the building users and society in general. Among its objectives: 'Reclaiming the importance of twentieth-century architecture in the city of Madrid and encourage institutions and businesses to help in their recovery' (AEPPAS20) '.
In the symposium will participate known journalist and sociologist Rafael Fraguas; Luis Fernández Galiano, academic, professor and director ETSAM Arquitectura Viva; Martha Thorne, Executive Director of the Pritzker Prizes; Luis Zurera, lawyer and partner at Pérez-Llorca (headquartered currently occupies the building) and Rafael de La-Hoz, architect in charge of the recent rehabilitation. The symposium will be chaired by the President of AEPPAS20, architect Fernando Espinosa de los Monteros.
AEPPAS20 has been supported by: The School of Architecture of Madrid (ETSAM), the College of Architects of Madrid (COAM) and ICA (The Association of Construction Real Estate).
When.- January 20, 2015. Visitors, from 18:00 h. Colloquium, at 19:30h.
Where.- Castelar Building. Paseo de la Castellana 50, Madrid. Auditorium.
