old and new intertwine with oak wood expressions for historic ateneo de madrid restoration

Gutiérrez-delaFuente Arquitectos revives ateneo de madrid

Gutiérrez-delaFuente Arquitectos has unveiled its extensive restoration and refurbishment of Ateneo de Madrid, a private institution in Spain focused on the dissemination of science, arts, and literature since 1820. The architecture studio’s approach centered around restoring natural light to the historic space, enhancing the site’s accessibility standards, and eliminating all negative impacts experienced by the building from its may reforms over the last century.

The project was further driven by a wish to emphasize the beauty of the original structure in its spatial context and original materiality, ensuring that the new interventions reflect the old without falling into imitation. This has been achieved by the architects’ use of a new materiality — oak wood — which weaves across the space as a cohesive thread between the old and new.

Ateneo de Madrid facade refurbished | all images © Fernando Alda

restoring light and spatiality

Returning natural light to Ateneo was a key priority for the team at Gutiérrez-delaFuente Arquitectos, with efforts made to recover spatial configuration in the main longitudinal section. ‘The whole process has been a work of ‘contemporary archeology’,’ note the architects. The existing main section of the building was integrated with skylights over the main two stairs, which were able to articulate spatiality to the complex. In the middle of the 20th century, these skylights and the double story high entrance hall were closed.

The historic Ateneo de Madrid is composed of a collection of emblematic spaces, such as the Library, the Concert Hall, the Cacharrería (a special room for discussions), the Gallery of Portraits and the former office of Manuel Azaña, who, among others, contributed significantly to the creative and intellectual history of Spain. Located in the heart of Madrid, the complex comprises three buildings: Prado 19, Prado 21, and Santa Catalina 10, which together are listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) with the category of a Monument. The original building of Prado 21 was designed in 1884 by Enrique Fort y Luis de Landecho, with interiors completed by Arturo Mélida y Alinari.

The recent refurbishment and restoration works, which took place between 2016 and 2022, are part of an ambitious program for Architecture Heritage Conservation by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda of Spain.

entrance hall integrated with skylights

key efforts made to recover spatial configuration in this main longitudinal section

infusing light into the conference room

wooden materiality

Portrait Gallery

Sala de la Cacharrería

Despacho de Azaña

project info:

name: Ateneo de Madrid
designer: Gutiérrez-delaFuente Arquitectos

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom