Remodeling of Plaza de San Miguel by OOIIO. [II]

OOIIO is an architecture studio founded by Joaquín Millán Villamuelas in 2010, based in Madrid, Spain. The studio was born in a socioeconomic context marked by constant crisis. Since then, the studio has faced challenges such as the financial crisis, the pandemic, raw material shortages, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. Throughout these years, the only predictable thing has been uncertainty and a lack of security regarding a stable future.

OOIIO has embraced this state of constant change with optimism. The studio does not attempt to control or reverse it, but neither does it surrender to it. For OOIIO, accepting the crisis does not mean creating austere or puritanical architecture, but rather adapting intelligently and maturely to the new conditions: smaller projects, limited budgets, and clients with a more moderate interest in architecture.

OOIIO has learned to create architecture in times of crisis, and starting with seemingly modest commissions, the studio takes its work beyond expectations, leveraging its knowledge of diverse architectural techniques. With humility and adaptability, OOIIO reclaims the architect's role as a leader in the construction process, seizing every opportunity, however small, to create architecture.

This attitude, key to OOIIO's success, has allowed it to be born, survive, and grow in an environment that is challenging for architectural practice. In each project, the studio explores, experiments, and breaks new ground. Architecture has no single place or form; it exists wherever opportunity arises. OOIIO's mission is to be attentive to every stimulus that can enrich each work and each project.

Joaquín Millán Villamuelas, an architect from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (ETSAM), began his professional career in some of the most prestigious architecture firms on the international contemporary scene, such as those of Norman Foster in London and Rem Koolhaas in Rotterdam. He founded OOIIO Arquitectura, conceived as an Architecture and City laboratory focused on creating high-quality and unique spaces in every project.

Joaquín leads the work at OOIIO with an approach centered on emotion. His vision is to guide clients on a journey through their dreams, arriving at surprising and original solutions, always supported by the power of imagination and a precise command of aesthetics. His main tools are light, form, and the expressive capabilities of materials and their colors.

OOIIO, which stands out for its practical approach to project execution, has maintained a solid track record over the years with proposals that are both realistic and innovative. The concepts that define OOIIO's philosophy are reflected in tangible work, successfully executed and recognized internationally. Their trajectory has been showcased, awarded, and published in numerous specialized magazines, books, and blogs.