Palacio de Congresos – Badajoz , Spain
Architects: José Selgas & Lucía Cano

Built on the old defensive wall that used to surround the city of Badajoz , the new convention centre stands on the exact site of an old arena. José Selgas and Lucía Cano have tried to maintain this large circular space, which was open as early as the 18th century, by adding transparency. So its physical presence is felt in the form of the external structures of the new edifice, like a gesture to preserve collective memory. A way of linking us with the past by giving the place a new life, a new use.

The architects' work highlights the intelligent and sensitive use of contemporary materials to transcend the built object in symbols and metaphors. But the architectural approach goes further, namely creating an empty space precisely where the sand of the arena used to be and erecting the auditorium there. That decision produced a structural volume that appears to float on the thick rampart despite the imposing dimensions: 13,500 m˛ and up to 25 m tall. It is in fact a simple project of great complexity in its execution, fitting-out and commissioning.

Like a protective veil, fibreglass and polyester rings line the large cylindrical Plexiglass façade, which houses a large-scale auditorium, seminar rooms and administrative offices. To preserve the identity of these two cylinders, the entrance is in the basement. Leading off from here are the different staircases hugging the curve of the auditorium. The identity of the building is defined by its uniqueness and its intangible aspect, obtained by the use of the materials surrounding the outside or the effects of light that they create in the sun.