Description

The current planning aims to bring together a series of basic facilities in the perimeter of a future square, to build an engaging communal space in the town of Berriozar. The New Town Hall and House of Culture requires the establishment of a symbiotic relationship between both using public spaces. The building configures the public space of the square in exchange for giving prominence to this environment. Additionally, it has created an administrative element by maximizing social interactions within the cultural and political life of the locality. Thus, it is conceived as a unique and resounding volume, a piece that folds on itself, defining “positive” and “negative” spaces, both inside and outside. Its L shape form, enables, on one hand, of an antechamber to Etxaburua Street, giving access to the local culture and police house and, on the other, a large urban plaza where the Town Hall stands as the true protagonist.

With a height that integrates it with the rest of the built environment, a body is highlighted as a tower, where the balcony of the mayor’s office is located, occupying the center of the plaza. The materials used try, once again, to emphasize the emblematic character of the new building. A metallic volume of pre-oxidized copper is created, which is simultaneously resoundingly light. An abstract, timeless and sculptural piece carved according to the urban and functional requirements that the city demands, and where the copper used gives the building the necessary representativeness. The interior, white in pavements and coatings, manages to capture the light and maintain the general abstract character, which allows highlighting certain main rooms underlining them with wooden coverings.

The formal structure consists of a continuous prism arranged vertically and horizontally, configuring the different areas. Both the vertical fold, which is formalized in the tower, and the horizontal fold where the services of the town hall and the house of culture are located, are articulated with a series of gaps, which relate the different areas and allow their use as an exhibition area, as well as public waiting rooms and meeting rooms. These gaps are completed with a set of patios on the first floor, which allow the lighting and ventilation of the different rooms, as well as places of rest and relaxation.

From a functional point of view, our strategy is to provide the building with multifunctional and transparent spaces, avoiding duplicities and minimizing circulation spaces. A strict program, well structured and with the necessary flexibility to adapt to future changes throughout its useful life.