The challenges of the IE Tower project in Madrid were numerous and varied, reflecting the complexity of such an architectural endeavor. First of all, the design of the tower had to meet the requirement of a timeless design, where beauty lies in mathematical proportions and simplicity, thus avoiding spectacular and impossible shapes. This required a meticulous approach to harmonize the tower with the surrounding structures without direct competition, while creating a simple yet elegant monument.
Next, urban integration was a major challenge. The project had to connect and unify isolated neighborhoods by using pedestrian pathways to cross Caleido and link areas from north to south and east to west. This transformed what was once a wound in the city into a building for the people, humanizing and unifying the urban environment.
The flexibility of interior spaces also posed a challenge, with the need to create versatile spaces that can evolve over time. The designers had to organize the floors to meet the needs of IE University, while providing open spaces and meeting areas that serve as a social hub.
Finally, the project emphasized sustainability, a crucial aspect in the current context. This included measures to save energy, conserve water, and use recyclable materials. The creation of large green spaces, terraces, and pergolas was essential to provide a pleasant and sustainable environment for users.
IE Tower & Caleido: A New Urban and University Center in Madrid.
Client
IE Tower : Torre Espacio SA
Caleido : Torre Calideo SA
Year
IE Tower & Calidéo : 2021
Scope
Architecture
Status
- Finished
The IE Tower and Caleido project in Madrid emerged from a vision to create a timeless architectural landmark that harmonizes mathematical proportions and simplicity. Designed to complement rather than compete with existing towers, Caleido stands as a slender black monument, reminiscent of Chicago's historic towers. Its geometric purity and multifunctional design make it a unique vertical university, integrating educational spaces with commercial areas, green spaces, and a clinic. FIA played a crucial role in realizing this project by focusing on sustainable urban integration, enhancing community connectivity, and transforming isolated neighborhoods into a cohesive urban environment. Their involvement was pivotal in addressing the city's need for integration and sustainability, ultimately winning the project through their commitment to innovative and people-centric design solutions.
The challenge.
Our added value.
The Caleido project in Madrid stands out for several unique features that contribute to its innovative and impactful design.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Caleido project is its timeless design. The architects sought to create a structure where beauty lies in its mathematical proportions and simplicity. Unlike other towers that opt for spectacular and complex shapes, Caleido features a minimalist rectangular form.
The design of Caleido is notable for its geometric precision. The proportions of the tower—1 width by 4 depth and 9 height—are formulated as the square of the first three integers. This meticulous attention to geometric detail pays homage to the monolith of knowledge in Stanley Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey." The geometric purity of the exterior is reflected inside with highly versatile spaces that can adapt to changing uses over time.
Caleido is unique in its uses, being the first vertical university in educational architecture in Spain and possibly in the world. The tower and its base house a variety of spaces, including large auditoriums, sports areas, libraries, classrooms, and office spaces. This vertical integration of educational facilities within a high-rise building creates a dynamic and innovative learning environment. Moreover, the design includes large open spaces, double-height areas, and interior plazas that serve as social centers, fostering interaction and community.
One of the main objectives of the Caleido project was urban integration. The design includes pedestrian pathways that traverse the building, connecting previously isolated neighborhoods and creating a coherent urban fabric. This integration not only humanizes the urban environment but also transforms what was once a fragmented area into a unified and accessible space for people.
Sustainability is a central aspect of the Caleido project. The development emphasizes energy savings, water conservation, and the use of recyclable materials. The creation of large green roofs, terraces, and pergolas with plants and walkways offers pleasant and sustainable environments for users. Furthermore, the project includes the Caleido Park, a new green park that provides recreational spaces for the northern community of Madrid, enhancing the overall urban landscape.
Caleido also features a unique commercial area at its base, with a contemporary concept where color, movement, music, and art are the protagonists. The commercial street includes both outdoor and underground paths, offering a dynamic and modern retail experience. The use of different materials on the facades of the commercial cubes adds a modern and dynamic aspect, enhancing the project's appeal.
In summary, the Caleido project is an example of innovative architectural design, urban integration, and sustainability. Its unique approach to timeless design, geometric precision, multifunctional spaces, and emphasis on connectivity and green spaces make it a remarkable development in the urban landscape of Madrid.
