A design flea market, a jazz concert performed by architects and 60 free visits to buildings. This is the theme of the 22nd International Architecture Week, a day dedicated to bringing architectural heritage closer to society.
From October 3 to 13, buildings that normally go unnoticed to the public are opened and put in value to recognize the role of architecture in Madrid. In addition to entering exclusive buildings, visitors will be able to tour 40 themed urban routes and participate in conferences, cycles, concerts, street markets and children’s activities.
Portugal is the guest country and will exhibit part of the work of Álvaro Siza Viera, winner of the Pritzker Prize, the highest recognition in the field of architecture. And, back in Spain, citizens will be able to discover what the Barceló Cinema, the Callao Cinema, the Chicote Bar, the Air Ministry or the Fénix in the Castellana have in common.
All were conceived by Luis Gutiérrez Soto, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, to whom International Architecture Week pays tribute. Fourteen of his works will be unveiled in an urban exhibition in El Retiro Park on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of his birth.
Architecture for all
Organized by the COAM Architecture Foundation, the Official College of Architects and the Madrid City Council, Madrid International Architecture Week aims to reach out to all audiences. Among the children’s activities is “La città infinita“, where children will be able to design their own idea of a city.
The program will also address housing, a current issue, through the debate “Housing, a right turned into an investment” in which several experts will participate. There will also be debates, talks and lectures on various aspects of architecture. And, for the public less familiar with the technical, there will be musical plans such as the jazz concert of the BigBand group, formed mostly by registered architects.
Sigfrido Herráez, Dean of the Official College of Architects of Madrid and president of the COAM Architecture Foundation, highlighted the role of the Pop Arq Store market during the presentation of the XXII International Architecture Week to the media: “Here you can buy elements designed by architects, which brings architecture and urban planning closer to citizens who are not so interested in the subject”.
Unique and free visits
These days will open 60 buildings, many of them normally closed to the public, and with novelties such as the Goyeneche Palace, the Italian Embassy or the Air Force Headquarters. In addition, 40 guided walks propose a new look through themes such as cinema, hospital architecture or the bourgeoisie of the Salamanca district.
“Last year there were more than 15,000 citizens who wanted to visit these spaces,” explained Sigfrido Herráez at the press conference of the XXII International Architecture Week, recalling the high demand that exists. Registrations will open on Tuesday, September 23 at 10 a.m. on the official website or in person from 9 a.m. at the headquarters of the Official College of Architects (Calle Hortaleza, 63).
The nobel of architecture
Portugal is the guest country of this International Architecture Week. For José Augusto Duarte, Lisbon’s ambassador to Spain, it is not a question of friendship, but of the value that Portuguese architects bring to the festival.
“Portugal is known for talking about soccer, but not architecture. We have not yet won a World Cup, but we have won two Pritzker Prizes, which are the Nobel of architecture, and we want to be recognized for that,” he explained at the presentation to the media.
Álvaro Siza Vieria is the greatest current exponent of Portuguese architecture and enjoys international recognition. Although he is not physically able to travel to Spain, he has been involved in the organization of the exhibitions, has sent architects from his studio and will be present through videos.
