TATLIN NEWS #44

Central El é ctrica del Mediod í a power station was what the project initially started with; it was built here in the late XIX century, being a characteristic example of cast-iron and brick architecture of the turn of the century. This resulted in construction of a multi-function- al complex with cinema, conference and per- formance halls, workshops, exhibition space; its area has increased five times in compari- son to the area of the original building. One should point out that at the time that the LaCaixa foundation bought it in 2001, the building was virtually in a shambles. But since the current context of the building is the museum quarter, the reconstructed site is in close vicinity to Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen– Bornemisza museums and directly opposite to the botanical gardens, some quick decision had to be made. Herzog & de Meuron decided to refurbish the old building: restore brickwork with the help of traditional methods, get rid of the stone base around the foundation of the old building, create a new public space in front of the museum and add more storeys. Having replaced forty out of one hundred and fifteen thousand bricks, they managed to make the facade look absolutely authentic and brought it to an excellent condition. Having removed the stone base and letting the building rest over three supports, the architects reached the effect of the building floating off the ground over a large square and created an interesting impression that the covered plaza with the en- trance to the temple of arts is located inside and outside at the same time. With this urban- ist and sculptural gesture several issues were solved at once, including the narrowness of

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