Ch+qs architectos faced a great challenge, in 2011, when they were asked to convert a 2.700m2 old slaughterhouse, in Madrid, into a public cinema center. Reinventing the space for a completely different use, while respecting its inherent past and without compromising its integral beauty was a thought-provoking task. Their design managed, however, to beautifully tie the past with the present, and simultaneously create a remarkable separation between story and history.
They based their brilliant design on three inspirational concept dynamics; “the magical backlight and contrast of the films, the architects’ childhood fascination with basketry and weaving and the technical human infinite geometries”. As a result, they constructed the walls, ceilings and floors from dark gray slats of pine wood, this way creating an antithesis between the sleek new design and the exposed bricks of the old slaughterhouse. Particular emphasis was placed on lighting; illuminated woven orange hoses resembling “floating figures” and “huge vibrant baskets” set the ambience and tell the story. Silently defending the history of the space, the architects created a stunning attraction, a centerpiece project of urban culture, housing a film archive, two cinemas, a tv studio and a summer film studio.
