Alhóndiga

Built in 1909, La Alhóndiga is a modernist-style industrial building of around 30,000 square metres. It was a wine cellar in the past.

The building has a great horizontality, only altered by a few angular towers set out in each corner of the building. Its spectacular facade, which was kept untouched due to its architectural relevance, is outstanding.

The famous French designer Philippe Starck is entrusted with the task of livening up the place and converting it into an important centre for leisure culture. Thus, the Pompidou Centre in Paris will be one of the main architectural references.

Nowadays, the construction is being totally renovated: the internal structure has been demolished, the facades of the building, which were in very bad conditions, have been restored and the original architectural elements of the beginning of the 20th century have been conserved.

The block will consist of two buildings, one set aside for sports and the other for culture. Likewise, the presence of a main glazed atrium for holding important events will have a capacity of about 1,000 people. The building will be structured around the atrium.

In Starck's words, it will be a "formidable" building "full of energy, enthusiasm, with the elegance of intelligence and the beauty of happiness".

From the visual point of view, the classical appearance and the elegant facade will contrast with the modern interior that attempts to create its own style in the new Bilbao.

Setting: urban, dynamic, modern.