Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos

Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - HandrailPublic library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - ShelvingPublic library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - Facade, Column, Beam, WindowsPublic library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - ChairPublic library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - More Images+ 47

Madrid, Spain
  • Client: Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Área de las Artes
  • Budget Manager: Juan Carlos Corona, David Gil, HC y asociados
  • Project Directors (Design & Construction): Alberto Arias Horas, Ana Maroto de Hoyos, JA Arias Horas
  • Design Team: JA Arias Horas, Ana Maroto de Hoyos, Alberto Arias Horas
  • Collaborators: Rene Cañada González, Inés Idzikowski Pérez, Laura Cuesta Hernández
  • City: Madrid
  • Country: Spain
More SpecsLess Specs
Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - Image 7 of 52
© Alfredo Arias

The library is built in a wonderful plot in a inner limit of the city, on the cornice formed by the graveyards of San Isidro and Sta. María close to the Manzanares river. The plot has a steep slope north oriented without building obstruction in this direction, so we have a wonderful view of Madrid's skyline from the historic centre to the mountains.

Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - Windows, Facade
© Alfredo Arias

The place is who is taking the master decisions about geometry and how is open and is connected to the exterior. This is a functional building, transparent, the library activity is seen from the street and the readers can take part of the city. It has a short material palette and shows directly how everything is built, facilities tracing is always seen. The romantic idea of the library is represented by the main reading room wide open to the landscape.

Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - Facade, Windows
© Alfredo Arias

Volume gets from a cast process from a massive element created from the plot and urban regulations. Three main cuts create the functional and structural scheme of the building and delimit the inner court. Each cut create a structural plane, those that need to be transparent (glass) the wall structure is replaced by a steel truss . Remaining volume is removed making terraces following terrain slope. Second operation cuts horizontally the building, a great concrete basement emerge from the terrain and a big metallic box over it (the reading room)

Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - Beam, Column
© Alfredo Arias

Inner urban limit on the border of the Carabanchel district. Close to the Manzanares river and slightly high, is close to the historic graveyards of San Isidro and Sta María on a 1600 sqm plot,  steep slope (12m) oriented north. Road access is only possible from the bottom part. Pedestrian access from the district is in the top, close to the district centre and most of the local population. Local regulations  arrange and create limits to the possible solid of the library.

Elevation

Library typology is strictly defined by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid (Town Council): Functional programme for a 2,500sqm library, tested in many libraries of the city. Design principles: flexibility, open spaces, views inside-outside, and adjustment to the functional programme.

Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - Chair, Beam
© Alfredo Arias

Building and structure are merged so it´s not possible to detach one from another. Structure as a expressive element of the building, it shows how works literally. Structure doesn't only represents efficiency and economy values: is architecture in itself. Facilities are shown inside the library, showing a naked building and providing a low-cost maintenance.

Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos - Image 19 of 52
© Alfredo Arias

Inside we use a short and industrial material palette: concrete, glass, metal and bamboo wood as a warm counterpoint.

Plan

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Calle Comuneros de Castilla 30, Carabanchel, Madrid, Spain

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Public library Ana María Matute / RSP arquitectos" 15 Feb 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/332852/public-library-ana-maria-matute-rsp-arquitectos> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.