San Lorenzo del Escorial Auditorium

Description

A project of such dimensions, almost 500 years after the construction of the magnificent gold mass near Mount Abantos, means an obligatory undesrtanding of landscape and site historical evolution. The impact assessment, that a Theater has in every urban pattern, is one of origins of the creative process. A big blind volume that needs different elements to surround and connect with the urban city plan, in order to develope its action. Choosing the urban plot has been essential for it to integrate in the landscape of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The big slope has allowed, as in Classic Theatres, to sit its parts on the hillside. Volumes brake in order to develope the secuence of spaces that form the inside of the proyect.There is always a feeling that moves us to go down the monastery in and out, throught an apparently simple higher order. So we try to stablish a route of connected spaces that support the design. The most important action is going for a walk throught the slope, connected to enviroment, horizon, sky and nearby gardens. The main hall is horizontal and neutral. It is a visitors’ collector that frame the horizon at half slope and it orders the indoor secuence. It is the itinerary core. “Building empty areas” is possible due to this space. The big granite mass is actually a secuence of holes that suround the stage area.It cannot be understood without walking through it. The “S shape” itinerary begins in Terreros park, that is an start open space. It goes through different areas, but it is always related with enviroment. Because the outside always takes part of the inside. You can only isolate from the outside when you are inside of the two Theatre rooms. The main purpose of this área is to feel the strong rock floor, the light wood roof and the white walls that open a huge window. The Halls are two rooms full of machines for 1200 and 300 spectators. The big one is designed to work as as an opera house, classical theater, musical theater or auditorium. It is one of the most important Theater Halls in the country. It has an exceptional scenic equipment and acustic design, supported by the rational inner distribution. Both Halls share technical spaces, backstage and dressing rooms, which are completely separated from public spaces. The entrance is located in the higher part, next to the park. It also has an office volume, one  stepped restaurant next to a multipurpose-talks hall, lockers and a big rehearsal room. Plinth is made of hard granite, vertical walls are bushhammered white, noble areas are lined wallnut wood and vegetation covering the roof integrate de building with its enviroment. The intention of the building is being austere and simple in order to value the views. Without any doubt, landscape views are the most important part of this project.PICADO DE BLAS arquitectos