The team formed by Jon Montero and Naiara Montero has won the International Competition for the Architectural Renovation of Tabakalera.
An initial study of the object of the competition prompted us to focus on three aspects during the architectural reflection process: urban location, 'architectural nature of the building' and 'the Tabakalera project as a future cultural centre dedicated to visual art'.
Currently, an underground walkway running under the railway lines links the Egia neighbourhood and the Cristina Enea city park to the rest of the city. The walkway has exits to the future EDIF platform over the North Station and Blas de Otero square. The project proposes the creation of a 'loggia' on the northern side of the building, with the aim of creating a new urban square at basement level which would be multifunctional and partially covered and would rethink the entranceways to this underground walkway and link directly to the new mechanical access points and the 'main street' of the future ICCC.
This new area or loggia is a vital component of this project, since in recreational terms, it is the key to completing the 'tic-tac-toe' formation after which the project's slogan is named and which aims to link, in a hypothetical diagonal line passing through the building, all three 'counters' in the game: Cristina Enea park (and the Egia neighbourhood), Tabakalera and the area of the city centre located on the other side of the river. From the inside of the building, this diagonal line would also link the two main entrances to Tabakalera: the current entrance from Paseo del Duque de Mandas and the new one located on the 'main street' and courtyard on the north-western side (open down to basement level), which would provide access to the aforementioned 'loggia'.
In recognition of the architectural value and style of the building, the project establishes several strategies for maintaining original elements and highlighting the value of its most representative characteristics. We have striven at all times to maintain a high level of constructive cohesion, in order to minimise structural interventions in the building.
A concerted effort has been made to adjust the project to the future uses specified in the documentation provided, both as regards available surface areas, proximity of specific uses and facilities and different types of access: free, programmed, pre-arranged and restricted.
A new glass construction will rise over the central body of the building in search of new, alternative energy sources (photovoltaic plates), while at the same time reinforcing the symmetry of the design. This uppermost, most visible floor of the building will house public restaurants offering fantastic views of the capital, and at night, it will become a shining source of light, reminiscent of a huge urban lighthouse.
