The building in 81 Castellana (formerly known as BBVA) is located next to Nuevos Ministerios. This building became the hallmark of the Madrid financial area. In this blog we have recently written about Azca which is par excellence the business area of Madrid and which will furthermore, undergo important changes throughout 2017. 81 Castellana is located in this same Azca business area, standing out due to its colour and its imposing-looking building. It is also considered to be one of the most important buildings in Madrid regarding modern architecture. The Nuevos Ministerios area would never be as it is if it were not for the building of 81 Castellana which has become a reference point of modern buildings. Today, in our section Corners of Madrid, where we have already viewed Casa de Garay, we will write about 81 Castellana.

A BUILDING WITH IDENTITY

Some time ago, in this blog we wrote about Torres Blancas, and we mentioned the fact that it was the most avant-garde building in Madrid. Its architect, Francisco Javier Saenz de Oiza is the same one who designed 81 Castellana. This project took a decade from its presentation to its completion in 1981. In 1971, Banco de Bilbao held a design competition and the most outstanding architects participated.

Francisco Javier Saenz de Oiza won. The building which was designed to house offices, is 107 metres high and has 28 floors supported by concrete platforms. What strikes most about this building is the steel and glass façade which allows to see the city from the inside. The most challenging part of the design was that underneath this building there existed a railway tunnel. Hence, the architect planned the construction of two great hollow concrete pillars which flanked the railway tunnel and held the skyscraper. When we look at this building, its rounded corners attract our attention. In our opinion, these rounded corners soften what would have been the sharp arrises of the building, giving it a modern and unique aspect.

IMPORTANT CHANGES

In 2014, the whole BBVA team and workers moved to the new complex built in Las Tablas. Due to this, the building changed its name to 81 Castellana. Changes were carried out in its installations and facilities in order to adapt it and make it a sustainable and energy-efficient building. Inside, apart from offices, there is a large auditorium, several meeting rooms, car parkings and restaurants.

Picture 01: Amio Cajander

Pictures 02 and 03: Álvaro Ibáñez

Picture 04: Pablo Ares Gastesi