Café de la March | PLANTEA

The project commissioned by the Foundation consisted of renovating the interior of the cafeteria, located in the basement next to the entrance to the auditoriums, and completing it with a terrace in the large garden, which was also to function as a café on fine days.
The basic idea is to incorporate both spaces into the Foundation's cultural offer, converting them into small bookshops for reading and lending.
The proposal tries to emphasize the qualities of these two opposing places, basement and garden, which nevertheless fulfil the same function.
The interior café is organized around a main element, a large white marble table with three deep cylindrical skylights that recall the presence of the sky many meters above. The rest of the space remains in semi-darkness, wrapped in earth and brown fabrics. The books are arranged on shelves or on the table itself, creating the atmosphere of a small library. The bar, which maintains the spirit of the original architecture, discreetly serves coffees, cakes and simple dishes.
In the garden, a part is selected for a sitting area, protected by a light pergola with an iron profile that will eventually be enveloped in greenery.
Under the pergola, a limestone bench, tables and garden chairs. Next to the small pond is another area, under a pergola of strong wooden sleepers, and it is finished with granite paving and benches.
At the back of this secluded space is a stainless-steel counter for serving drinks and sweets. The books are stored in an annex to the garden, where they can be consulted, borrowed and read under one of the pergolas.

Lead Architects: Luis Gil, Lorenzo Gil, Carla Morán

Photography: Salva Lopez

Website: https://salvalopez.com/