La Alhóndiga Cultural Centre | Philippe Starck

After undergoing various refurbishments over a ten year period, this historic, century-old building, known as “La Alhóndiga” opened as a cultural and sports centre. Originally designed by the French architect Phillip Starck, this most recent of refurbishments was a collaboration between Arup (engineering) and MECS (architecture). As the design engineers responsible for the structures as well as the mechanical and electrical installations, Arup undertook the challenge of converting the old warehouse but retaining the original façade. The work was made particularly challenging as it included shoring up the structural load-bearing walls to allow interior demolition and the creation of an underground parking '>http://area.Each'> part is designed specifically for a certain use; from a swimming pool with a large terrace, a library, cinemas and exhibition spaces, an auditorium for up to 400 spectators, to commercial and leisure areas and underground parking.