This website uses cookies as well as similar tools and technologies to understand visitors' experiences. By continuing to use this website, you consent to Columbia University's usage of cookies and similar technologies, in accordance with the Columbia University Website Cookie Notice
Inspired by Alejandro de la Sota’s legacy and Spain’s complex history, our renovation of the National Center for Metallurgical Research at Universidad Complutense de Madrid is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. We’ve revitalized the campus, transcending disciplinary boundaries and fostering a dynamic culture of collaboration. Retaining the industrial charm of the original structures, including the iconic sawtooth roofs and workshops with heavy machinery, we’ve seamlessly incorporated modern elements to create a space that honors the past while embracing the future. Gone are the days of restricted movement and surveillance under the Franco Rule of Spain during the early twentieth century, our design promotes freedom and connectivity, inviting students to explore and engage freely. This new student commons serves as a vibrant hub where diverse perspectives converge, boundaries are broken, and the interdisciplinary process of making and viewing are integrated. Thoughtfully designed circulation paths and flexible spaces encourage spontaneous interactions and spatial adaptations, transforming the campus into a dynamic ecosystem of learning and innovation. This renovation is more than just architectural; it’s a celebration of diversity, a catalyst for change, and a beacon of possibility.