Visual relations, memory and transparencies. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
01/06/2020.
[Molins de Rey - Barcelona] Spain
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
The architect Antonio Montes Gil has designed the new central library of Molins de Rei in what was an abandoned factory, located in a new growth area in the municipality belonging to the Bajo Llobregat region, in Barcelona, Spain.
The project, originated 100% from the public and developed for the local City Council, generates pride of place and provides identity to the neighborhood, creating a new centrality at the scale of the entire municipality thanks to a cultural program of absolute proximity.
The project, originated 100% from the public and developed for the local City Council, generates pride of place and provides identity to the neighborhood, creating a new centrality at the scale of the entire municipality thanks to a cultural program of absolute proximity.
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil. Photograph by Jordi Surroca
Site plan. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
Ground floor. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
First floor. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
Second floor. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
Third floor. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
Cross section. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
Longitudinal section. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
Axonometría. Biblioteca El Molí por Antonio Montes Gil
South Facade-Gallery Axonometry. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
Supplies Axonometry. El Molí Library by Antonio Montes Gil
The project by Antonio Montes Gil absorbs the potential of the spaces in the existing building and adapts its architectural strategies, its tone, and its language to different situations: respect for the historical context, the value of the industrial legacy, the significance of the reading spaces, users' well-being, relationship with the outdoors, light and views.
The proposal is located in a singular urban position, where the south façade becomes a visual element of reference for the factory. Inside, the immediate understanding of the building is generated through the visual relationships and the transparencies that are established between the different levels of the building.
The proposal is located in a singular urban position, where the south façade becomes a visual element of reference for the factory. Inside, the immediate understanding of the building is generated through the visual relationships and the transparencies that are established between the different levels of the building.
Project description by Antonio Montes Gil
The project of the library in the Molí building in Molins de Rei is located in the former Ferrer i Mora textile factory, which dates from 1858.
In terms of the layout of the program, the library was located on the upper two floors of the building. A future facility will occupy the rest of the ground floor and the first floor. This location defines a new cross-section of the roof which restores the factory’s original silhouette and terraces, incorporates natural light, and allows users to enjoy the views from this floor.
The fact that the Passeig del Terraplè does not follow the line of the Mill has left this building in a surprising position. Thus, the southern façade has become a visual referent of the factory. The former lateral façade, which was almost entirely blank, has been transformed into a gallery that allows light inside, filtered through a ceramic and glass lattice wall. Within this area, there is an indoor reading zone, the emergency staircase, and the entrances to the future municipal facility.
The vertical communication core and the equipment elements are located in the center of the building. This open core, which connects the different sections, has a system of intersecting walkways around a staircase suspended from the ceiling which provides an immediate understanding of the building via the visual relationships and transparencies among the different levels. The imprints and textures of the past have been conserved in the walls and the irregularities where the pulleys and belts used to be attached.
The project revolves around the restoration of the materials on the façade and the recovery of the original, open-plan interior structure consisting of a vault supported by cast-iron columns with wooden beams resting on them.
Part of the basement has been incorporated into the ground floor to expose the former lower concourse, including the factory’s original double turbine, which was uncovered during construction.
More information
Architects
Antonio Montes Gil.
Project team
Rosa Bertran Martimpé, AMB Architect; Irene Puig Escamilla, AMB Architect; Paula Beltrán Carlos, AMB Architect; Laura Gómez Ruiz, AMB architecture student.
Collaborators
Quantity Surveyor.- Maria Sánchez, AMB Technical Architect. Structures.-Juan Ignacio Eskubi, Architect; Eskubi-Turró Architects. MEP.- Higinio Arcos, Architect. Mur-architecture; Jesús de Santiago, Engineer. ICA-group.
Builder
GRUPMAS Constructors S.L i COTS i CLARET S.L.
Developer
City Council of Molins de Rei and AMB.
Area
Library.- 2.004m². Total.- 4.713m².
Dates
14/01/2016 - 03/29/2019.
Budget
€4,870,312.
Localitation
Plaza del 1 d’Octubre de 2017, nº2. 08750. Molins de Rei, Barcelona, Spain.
Photograph
Antonio Montes Gil
Antonio Montes Gil was born in Manresa, Barcelona, Spain in 1957. He obtained the title of architect from the Higher Technical School of Architecture of Barcelona in 1985. From 1988 to 2004 he was part of the Urban Projects office of the Barcelona City Council. Since 2004 he directs a team of projects and works for Public Space in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. It has had its office in Barcelona since 1986.
His work has focused on projecting and building mainly urban transformation and public space projects, also equipment, and social housing.
He has obtained various recognitions and awards in competitions: Finalist project for the Europan IV contest. Residential building in Cartagena, 1996. First prize for ideas for remodeling the Vell de Masnou Market, 1997. Work selected at the V Biennial of Spanish Architecture, 1999. Selected work at the European Landscape Biennial, 2001, 2006, 2008. First prize for ideas competition in the Plaza Mayor de Manresa 2004. Finalist work for the Maresme architecture show, 2010. The first prize for ideas contests 44 Manresa social housing, 2003 and Social Housing Prize de Cataluña, 2012. Work selected by the COAC in the Sample of Catalan Architecture, 2013, and in Arquitectura Catalana.cat. 2019. Finalist work FAD awards, 2020.
He has taught courses, workshops, and conferences at the following institutions: Between 1994 and 2003.- College of Architects of Catalonia; Barcelona School of Architecture. In 1996.- Center for Physical Planning and Architecture. In 1997.- Havana. Velocity International Congress, Barcelona. In 1998.- Forum of Municipalities and Regions of Europe. Brussels.
His work has focused on projecting and building mainly urban transformation and public space projects, also equipment, and social housing.
He has obtained various recognitions and awards in competitions: Finalist project for the Europan IV contest. Residential building in Cartagena, 1996. First prize for ideas for remodeling the Vell de Masnou Market, 1997. Work selected at the V Biennial of Spanish Architecture, 1999. Selected work at the European Landscape Biennial, 2001, 2006, 2008. First prize for ideas competition in the Plaza Mayor de Manresa 2004. Finalist work for the Maresme architecture show, 2010. The first prize for ideas contests 44 Manresa social housing, 2003 and Social Housing Prize de Cataluña, 2012. Work selected by the COAC in the Sample of Catalan Architecture, 2013, and in Arquitectura Catalana.cat. 2019. Finalist work FAD awards, 2020.
He has taught courses, workshops, and conferences at the following institutions: Between 1994 and 2003.- College of Architects of Catalonia; Barcelona School of Architecture. In 1996.- Center for Physical Planning and Architecture. In 1997.- Havana. Velocity International Congress, Barcelona. In 1998.- Forum of Municipalities and Regions of Europe. Brussels.
