COAM Madrid, the capital’s impressive new official College of Architects
The Official College of Architects of Madrid (COAM) is an institution founded in 1956 and based in the Spanish capital. With more than 60 years of history, COAM is a reference in the world of architecture and a meeting place for architects and professionals related to the sector. Do you want to know why? We explain it to you!
Rehabilitation of the former Lasede building
COAM presents a novel and 100% functional space. Is established in the former Escuelas Pías de San Antón, an old building known as Lasede. Originally, this space served as a hospital and during the Civil War it became a provisional prison, transforming into a school after Franco’s dictatorship.
After several years of abandonment, Madrid City Council bought the building and declared it an Asset of Cultural Interest. Finally, in 2012, the renovation project was started by the architect Gonzalo Moure, who converted it into what we know today as the Official College of Architects of Madrid.
It is located in the city centre. Right between the neighbourhoods of Chueca, Chamberí and Malasaña. The COAM is very close to other points of interest and is easily accessible by public transport or by car. Currently, it offers up to 12,000 square metres distributed over 4 floors and a spectacular interior garden.
In the former Lasede building we can find several meeting and exhibition rooms. Also, a restaurant, a swimming pool with a view and many other municipal facilities. In fact, the space is today one of the most outstanding cultural complexes in the capital.
COAM interior design highlights
There are many spaces that stand out in this rehabilitation. The project aims to bring together society, art and culture in events of all kinds. We will begin by highlighting the design of the interior garden. This space completely organises the building and highlights the peace and tranquillity that is so hard to find in the city. Nature thus becomes the focal point of this refurbishment. The result is a living space open to the public.
1.- BUILDING WITH OPEN SPACES
In the refurbishment of the architect Mauro for the new COAM, the opening up and creation of diaphanous spaces was incorporated. This was done to gain amplitude and improve the functionality of the building.
The renovation gave the building a greater sense of spaciousness and luminosity. This, in turn, improved the user experience. It also made the building more welcoming and comfortable.
Today, these open-plan spaces also improve visual communication and daily traffic flow within the building. It provides more usable space to accommodate a wide variety of services, events and activities.
2.- USE OF SIMPLE MATERIALS FOR TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE
Simple materials were used for the construction of the building. Concrete, steel and glass were used. Materials that offer an industrial style decoration with straight and simple lines, without any further artifice.
3.- INTERIORS CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER TOWARDS THE EXTERIOR
The spaces of the Official College of Architects of Madrid (COAM) are connected to a large garden that provides a green and relaxed environment for its users. The presence of this natural space inside the building provides a connection with nature and improves indoor air quality.
In addition, the COAM’s spectacular garden provides a space for rest and recreation for users, and has been used on several occasions to host outdoor events and activities related to architecture and design.
Undoubtedly, this idea of architect Mauro improves (and greatly) the functionality and experience of the building, providing a pleasant and healthy environment for the architectural community of Madrid.
4.- THE GLASS WALLS, THE GREAT ELEMENT
The glass walls of the COAM were chosen for their ability to enhance the natural lighting, transparency, aesthetics and sustainability of the building, providing an attractive and functional environment for Madrid’s architectural community.
Daylighting: Glass walls installed in the building allow natural light to penetrate the interior spaces of the COAM, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and luminosity, and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Transparency: The use of glass also helped to create a sense of transparency and visual communication between the different spaces of the COAM, which completely improved the user experience and traffic flow.
Aesthetics: The glass walls are an attractive aesthetic element that undoubtedly adds a modern and sophisticated touch to the building.
Sustainability: We cannot forget that glass helps to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by allowing natural light in and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Basic functions of COAM in Madrid
The COAM plays a fundamental role in regulating and promoting architecture in Madrid, guaranteeing the quality and good performance of architects practising their profession in the city. It also offers a wide range of services to its members, such as continuous training, access to a library specialising in the sector and participation in events and cultural activities related to architecture.
COAM is also a space for debate and dialogue on issues relevant to architecture and the city, working in collaboration with other similar institutions and organisations to promote sustainable development and the improvement of the urban environment.
In short, this college of architects in Madrid is an impressive school of architecture that plays a key role in the life of professionals in the interior design of premises and dwellings in the city of Madrid. In fact, its long history and its commitment to excellence and the development of the profession make it a reference point in the world of architecture.
