Description of project by Estudio Lamela
Discovery Building it was a challenge from the beginning. The goal was to maximize the work space with a compelling proposal of transparency and elegance in the transitional area of the building. The soul of our proposal lies in the total liberation of the building’s central area by dividing the elevator areas into two parts and locating them on the opposite far ends of the building.
In an attractive and sleek manner, this transparency can easily be seen on the building’s main façade where it projects what its interior has to offer. The façade isn’t merely a glass plane but it’s also a powerful and full-bodied element that resolves the issue of cleaning and maintenance through well-researched exterior walkways. This façade, which is quite noticeable from Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, becomes a reference of the building.
The building’s enclosure to the courtyard is subtle. It has a solar protection system which was conveniently studied for its orientation while considering the constraints of the open views. The rooftop terrace can be used as a place to unwind, and as it’s a part of the façade, it has landscaped areas and adequately protected facilities.
The main entry is a joyful surprise that leads into a lobby whose design is carefully through where a creative dialogue exists between the treated walls and a series of artwork, giving it a character of its own.
The parking area that encompasses 100 slots is treated with equal relevance and great dedication. Different wall colors are used throughout the different levels for distinction and the signage used throughout has been carefully chosen.
The building has been specifically designed to allow multiple uses, adapting to the specific needs of any company. All the floors can be divided into four units.
First Colonial "Prime Factory" building, concelved and designed by the prestious Estudio Lamela, 'Discovery Building' is a singular of 10,000 m² of diaphanous and flexible plants in the center of the business area with more present and future of Madrid.
More information
Estudio Lamela is a Spanish architecture practice founded by Antonio Lamela and currently led by his son Carlos Lamela. It has established a strong international presence with offices in Madrid, Warsaw, Mexico City, and Doha. Throughout its history, the firm has completed over 1,600 projects in 32 countries, encompassing a wide range of programs and scales, from transportation infrastructure to sports facilities, corporate buildings, and complex urban developments. Its practice has been characterized by a constant adaptation to diverse cultural contexts, as well as by the integration of technical and environmental criteria into the design process.
During its early years, particularly in the early 1960s, the firm expanded its operations to southern Spain and the archipelagos, participating in the tourism development of these regions. During this period, some of the most representative buildings of contemporary Spanish architecture were designed and built. Among them, the Torres Colón office complex stands out. Located in Madrid's Plaza de Colón, it was conceived as two parallel towers elevated by an innovative suspended structural system, which made it a technical and formal benchmark within the architectural landscape of the time.
The arrival of Carlos Lamela to the firm in 1984 marked the beginning of a new phase of expansion and diversification. Under his leadership, large-scale and complex projects were undertaken, along with a growing internationalization of the practice. Among the most notable projects of this period was the expansion of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for Real Madrid C.F., which consolidated the firm's specialization in sports architecture and large-scale infrastructure associated with mass events.
During the 1990s, Estudio Lamela gained recognition in various international competitions, winning first prizes for highly significant projects. Among their notable projects is Terminal T4 at Madrid-Barajas Airport, developed in collaboration with Richard Rogers Partnership, Initec, and TPS. It is considered one of Europe's most significant airport infrastructures due to its scale, functionality, and spatial quality. Similarly, the Telefónica Communications City project demonstrated its ability to handle large-scale corporate complexes, integrating criteria of efficiency, flexibility, and institutional representation.
Overall, Estudio Lamela's track record demonstrates a sustained practice capable of combining technical innovation, international reach, and a constant attention to the transformations of the contemporary urban landscape.
Published on:
May 9, 2018
Cite:
"Office building. 'Discovery Building' by Estudio Lamela" METALOCUS.
Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/office-building-discovery-building-estudio-lamela>
ISSN 1139-6415
