Salamanca Congress Centre

Description

The studio’s intention was to address the complicated matter with a single move. They achieved this by designing an architecture that bridges the gap between continuity and disruption, in both open-plan and compartmentalised spaces. This shared atmosphere is maintained despite the physical separation required by the programme. A dome seems to hover over the main auditorium. Its interior has been designed with a specially shaped groove to meet acoustic requirements. The spherical dome that completely envelops the building is evident in both the interior and exterior cladding of the façade.From its initial structure and construction, the building has been carefully planned to function as a single unit. The use of natural light brings the structure to life. The overhead lighting accentuates the key elements of the interior, enhancing its design, drawing the eye towards the vertical openings and gently bathing the surrounding walls in light. The dome is supported by the paired load-bearing walls; these walls, with their arched design, act as beams and transfer the resulting forces to the corners or end points of the building boundaries. By concentrating the loads at the corners, the structure eliminates the need for columns in the extensive area containing the main auditorium, stage, and foyers. As a result, the ceiling retains its continuous span. In addition, the internal arches blend seamlessly into the sphere of the dome, maintaining the desired spatial and geometric unity. Poised between gravity and weightlessness, the finely sculpted dome of the main auditorium seems to float in the light. At the same time, we feel that the lower ceiling is firmly attached to the ground, while the upper structure seems to be dangling with ease.These contrasting effects are also evident in the varying concavity and convexity, and the disparity in weight and lightness of the building’s components. A similar interplay of contrasts defines the relationship between the closed prism of the larger structure and the open box or temple of the smaller structure at the top of the exhibition hall. The lintel of the latter has been artfully thinned to give the illusion that it is unattached, or merely supporting the expanse of free space along its vertical form. The concavity of the auditorium entrance contrasts sharply with the open-air grandstand opposite. In terms of materials, the structure of the complex is made of reinforced concrete. The walls and floors of the rooms are panelled with wood. Its natural hue stands out against the white background of the wall and appears golden when bathed in the filtered light of the interior. On the outside, the walls are clad in natural stone from Villamayor, naturally split with sandstone from Abarán. The building’s base preserves the integrity and character of the existing wall, maintaining a continuous connection to it. The gently sloping copper roof features a dome-shaped baldachin that protrudes slightly from the centre. Although subtly sloped, these roofs are cleverly designed to provide stunning views of the city skyline from the upper tiers.The materials, colours and dimensions of the new building have been carefully chosen to ensure that it blends seamlessly into the urban landscape.(Description provided by the architects)