GranVia19

A Building Counterproposal

Building Counterproposal Gran Via 19, Madrid

Year: 2024

“Bearing the Legacy”

This design was my submission for a remodeling competition focused on the facade of Gran Via 19 in Madrid. The competition challenged architects to propose counterproposals for the existing office facade, aiming to reintegrate the building into its historic surroundings.

My approach emphasizes narrative architecture, drawing inspiration from Madrid’s Coat of Arms to create a facade that tells a vertical story of heritage and harmony.

Concept and Inspiration

Madrid’s iconic coat of arms—a bear climbing a strawberry tree—served as the foundation for this design.

The facade translates this emblem into a layered architectural narrative, starting at the base with roots entwined in strength and ascending through symbolic imagery. By incorporating elements such as geometric strawberry motifs and verdant trellises, the design reflects the city’s natural and historical heritage.

Description of the Facade

Upper Section: Crown and Ornamentation

The pediment of the upper section is crowned by an inlaid shield depicting the City of Madrid’s Coat of Arms, with colorful granite details and a crown that doubles as a golden sun. Geometricized motifs of heraldic strawberries adorn the pediment, completing the narrative of nature and heritage. The green-patinated caps of the arched window frieze stylize a verdant tree canopy, visually connecting the upper section to the narrative of growth below. Occasional metal sheeting accents exposed structural elements in cool tones, matching the helmet-shaped terminations of the side risalites.

Central Section: A Vertical Narrative

The central section is dominated by the heraldic bear climbing trees represented by two columns, partially concealed behind the balcony of the second floor. These columns echo the vertical story of growth and heritage. Above the second floor, the inscription “CUNCTIS CIVIBVS” appears in golden letters on a black background. The transitions to the fourth and fifth floors are adorned with tiled fields inspired by Artur Baron and Secessionist design, adding intricate detailing. Delicate trellises support climbing plants that organically integrate into the facade, enhancing its liveliness.

Base Zone: Strength and Stability

The base zone features red granite pillars partially entwined with bronze figurative appliqués, which symbolize the dense roots of the narrative. These pillars are crowned by corbel stones made of granite and limestone, forming consoles to support the visually spanning balconies above. The Karyatids brace against the heavy upper stone slab, their sculpted forms embodying both strength and grace, while the use of yellow-hued sandstone for the structure above creates a striking contrast. This part of the design balances the narrative elements with structural functionality.

Design Ideation Process

The design process for the Gran Via 19 facade remodel combined historical inspiration with thoughtful architecture. Starting with hand-drawn sketches, various compositions and narratives were explored, laying the groundwork for the facade’s storytelling elements, inspired by Madrid’s Coat of Arms.

These initial studies transitioned into 2D renderings, refining proportions and details to align with the building’s original structure. The design then moved to 3D visualization, bringing ideas to life through material textures, figurative details, and structural elements. This phase balanced narrative creativity with practical requirements, ensuring functionality and durability.