The commercial space that witnessed the 20th-century era of Madrid has now been transformed by the skilled design of the experimental Spanish architectural firm BURR, giving it a modern and vibrant appearance. This transformation has created a multifunctional space, FVI, which can host various activities in the future, adding a creative touch to Madrid. The design team considered FVI's diverse future uses, focusing on flexibility and adaptability as the core design principles. This allows different units to use the space to highlight their unique themes while showcasing the space's unique characteristics.
To highlight these features, the design team approached the project by focusing on the background and the figure of the space, aiming to emphasize FVI's creative characteristics. The designers first positioned FVI as a space similar to a white box, providing a generic function. When different units and activities enter, they can showcase their individuality through various plans. The design team boldly removed the materials that had covered the surfaces for many years, revealing the rough expression of the space. Then, pure white paint was applied to the different materials and textures, creating a consistent tone and giving the space a minimalist character. The team further installed off-white movable curtains that can be used beyond the white walls, providing the space with more flexible usage and creating a dynamic layout.
In the design of the space's contour, a stainless steel bi-supported frame structure runs vertically throughout the space, accommodating the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. This frosted metal frame also gives FVI a cool ambiance, becoming a symbolic design of the space. The structure can be adapted to different activities, used for hanging items or defining space characteristics. When entering the lower level, the yellow steel structure you see overhead is a load-bearing Warren truss, necessary for supporting the upper floor's slab. To mark this critical element in the original space, the design team painted it bright yellow to highlight its uniqueness among the various structures. Through the recombination of multiple design elements, the old building's structure is well-preserved and, with creative design, provides a flexible space for various activities in this era.
