Herzog & de Meuron
CaixaForum Madrid
- ArchitectHerzog & de Meuron
- Photographer© Herzog & de Meuron
Ask og Eng The CaixaForum is a striking example of adaptive reuse: a cultural building suspended above its original brick structure, united by a sculptural steel form and a vertical garden. We’re inspired by how it transforms old industrial architecture into something contemporary, ecological, and civic-minded - echoing our own approach to renewing materials and traditions with modern purpose.
Transforming Industrial Heritage
CaixaForum Madrid repurposes the former Central Eléctrica del Mediodía, a historic power station, into a striking contemporary cultural center. Architects Herzog & de Meuron preserved the original brick shell while surgically removing the base, creating the illusion that the building floats above a new public plaza. This bold architectural move not only solves urban constraints, such as narrow streets and site limitations, but also introduces a welcoming covered space for visitors, serving as both an entrance and a social hub.
A New Urban Landmark
Situated on the Paseo del Prado opposite the Botanical Garden, CaixaForum transforms an underutilized industrial area into a vibrant cultural destination. Herzog & de Meuron’s design balances historical preservation with contemporary intervention, integrating a vertical garden by Patrick Blanc and sculptural forms that draw attention from across the city. The building acts as an urban magnet, attracting both art enthusiasts and the wider public, redefining the area as a dynamic center for cultural life in Madrid.
Functional Complexity & Spatial Experience
The building’s separation from ground level creates two distinct functional layers. Below, a theater, service areas, and parking occupy the “underworld,” while above, flexible galleries, a lobby, restaurant, and offices shape a multi-story program. The contrast between loft-like exhibition spaces and the complex upper-floor layout demonstrates Herzog & de Meuron’s mastery in combining spatial drama with functional needs.
CaixaForum stands as a synthesis of industrial history, urban intervention, and contemporary architecture, providing both aesthetic and practical experiences for visitors.
