EXIT architects: cultural civic center in palencia

‘cultural civic center’ by EXIT architects, palencia, spain image © fernando guerra all images courtesy of EXIT architects

madrid-based practice EXIT architects in collaboration with eduardo delgado orusco have converted a 19th century prison into a ‘cultural civic center’ for palencia, spain. creating a new meeting place for the people of the city, the building’s internal pavilions host activities within a hybrid atmosphere of old and new components. the heavy masonry bearing walls which enclose the original four wings have been maintained and refurbished while the interventions of zinc metal and U-glass complete the structure. the degraded roof and clay tiles were removed and replaced with large skylights, bringing natural illumination into the once dark interior.

the double storey criss-crossing wings extend from a central great hall which takes the form of an octagonal atrium capped with a stepped alcove ceiling. cylindrical courtyards are scattered throughout the upper level, permeating the ceiling to generate open voids for daylight as well as opportunities for outdoor planting. corridors wrap the site’s perimeter to connect the cross-form plan creating a modern and friendly exterior appearance.

zinc metal and U-glass interventions complete the refurbished masonry walls image © fernando guerra