Space for prayer. Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos
15/10/2023.
[MAD] Spain
metalocus, ANA GARCÍA LUJÁN
metalocus, ANA GARCÍA LUJÁN
The oratory designed by padilla nicás arquitectos is located inside the new building on the IESE campus, a global business school located northwest of Madrid.
IESE attaches great importance to this space, placing it in the center of the new business building. The architects have sought to enhance the relevance of this space through geometry, materiality, and special attention to detail. The project was awarded a mention in the COAM 2023 awards.
IESE attaches great importance to this space, placing it in the center of the new business building. The architects have sought to enhance the relevance of this space through geometry, materiality, and special attention to detail. The project was awarded a mention in the COAM 2023 awards.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Ground floor. Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos.
Geometry analysis- Ground floor. Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos.
Axonometry. Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos.
Elevation. Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos.
Detail. Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos.
The oratory designed by padilla nicás arquitectos tries to single out the main room with its own geometry, making the previous and secondary spaces, such as the ante oratory, the confessional, the sacristy and the priestly office, serve as a transition between the entrance to the oratory and the rest of the building program.
The architects use a curvilinear geometry without previous hierarchical parameters to bring the project closer to traditional religious spaces that, throughout history, have been made as concave spaces that facilitate meditation and prayer.
The use of simple materials, such as wood or stone, shows the relationship that is wanted to be maintained with everyday life. The wood simulates concave shapes throughout the perimeter that are accentuated until the union with the gilded metal altarpiece housing the Tabernacle, maintaining the same relief. The altarpiece is unique, with a play of lights coming from the side stained-glass window.
The architects use a curvilinear geometry without previous hierarchical parameters to bring the project closer to traditional religious spaces that, throughout history, have been made as concave spaces that facilitate meditation and prayer.
The use of simple materials, such as wood or stone, shows the relationship that is wanted to be maintained with everyday life. The wood simulates concave shapes throughout the perimeter that are accentuated until the union with the gilded metal altarpiece housing the Tabernacle, maintaining the same relief. The altarpiece is unique, with a play of lights coming from the side stained-glass window.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
Description of project by padilla nicás arquitectos
The importance given to the prayer room at IESE is clearly seen in the reserved space for this use: right in the heart of the new business building on the Madrid campus. From the very beginning, and regardless of the proposal to be made, we seek to intensify this central location through geometry, materiality and careful attention to detail.
It seemed to us that a central, curvilinear geometry, without a beginning or an end, would be adequate for this objective and would immediately connect with the traditional religious space that throughout history has been configured in concave spaces, promoting self-communion and prayer.
We therefore try to single out the oratory room itself with a different geometry from the other spaces in the building. The spaces prior to and attached to the prayer room, such as the anteroom, confessional, sacristy, and priest's office, act as a transition between the building's lobby and the oratory itself.
Under the choice of noble, sober and natural materials, without ostentation or luxuries, lies the intention of approaching and transcending the everyday. Natural stone, solid wood, fabrics and brass are the main materials used and each one is identify by its own qualities avoiding unnecessary sophistication.
Oratory of the new IESE Building by padilla nicás arquitectos. Photograph by José Hevia.
The wooden perimeter cladding acquires relief in the shape of curves inward that are concentrating and intensifying up to the plane of the altarpiece, where this relief has continuity in the golden metal that configures it. This vision that integrates the Tabernacle, is distinguished from the rest of the enclosure by the diffuse reflections and the grazing light that it receives from the stained glass window, constituting the main focus of attention within the oratory.
The felt roof provides acoustic conditioning, shelter and warmth.
The benches have been made with one-piece solid oak planks supported by lacquered steel plates. The unions and assemblies are simple, allowing everyone to understand their execution.
The baptismal font, given its differentiating character, is proposed in a single carved piece of natural stone.
The liturgical objects have been specially designed for this oratory; Objects such as the support for the votive lamps, the candlesticks and even the Tabernacle, have been made by specialized goldsmiths.
Several pieces of high artistic value contributed by the institution are incorporated to complete the proposal.
More information
Architects
padilla nicás arquitectos. Lead architects.- Francisco José Padilla + Juan Manuel Nicás.
Project team
Project architect.- Alicia Peña.
Students.- Ignacio Barrera, Marco Ortega.
Students.- Ignacio Barrera, Marco Ortega.
Collaborators
Measurements and Budget.- Dos Aparejadores.
Developer
IESE Business School.
Project Manager (Architecture).- Diego Gutierrez.
Project Manager (MEP).- Jorge del Campo.
Project Manager (Architecture).- Diego Gutierrez.
Project Manager (MEP).- Jorge del Campo.
Builder
Talleres de Arte Granda.
Area
105 sqm.
Dates
Completion.- 10/11/20222.
Location
Camino Cerro del Águila 3, Madrid, Spain.
Manufacturers
Woodwork.- Pysdem disseny i projectes.
MEP.- Euqra.
MEP.- Euqra.
Photography
Francisco José Padilla - Juan Manuel Nicás padilla nicás arquitectos
Francisco José Padilla Alonso (Madrid 1971) and Juan Manuel Nicás Caballero (Jaen 1975) formed padilla nicás in 2003 after meeting at Rafael Moneo´s office, where they worked as partners on various projects in Spain and the USA.
Currently their professional work combines design commissions at different scales, competitions and occasional teaching activities.
Francisco José Padilla, architectural license received from the ETSAM in 1997, began his career in the architectural firms of Andrés Perea, Pedro Feduchi and Ángel Fernández Alba before joining Rafael Moneo.
Juan Manuel Nicás, architectural license received from the ETSAG in 1999 with the National Prize for the Thesis Project, with a scholarship to the Academy of Spain in Rome before joining Rafael Moneo.
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