fernando salas: el molino

image © eva serrats

spanish designer fernando salas has recently finished work on the interior design of the newly renovated el molino theater in barcelona. with over 100 years to its name, the theater has now become a cultural institution and sentimental place for its citizens. however the new structure’s feel takes a step away from the expected retro and embraces futurist design with many state-of-the-art technical and lighting choices that act together almost as if the building were its own performance.

the lighting comes first. the theater has the ability to personalize its aesthetics, define spatial lines and create ambient moods through various different application of leds into the walls and facades. the main stage has no decoration and is illuminated through diverse formulas of the surrounding lights. the entire hall works to reflect what is being presented on stage with backlighting elements for chromatic control and a strong sense of light for spatial usage in service to each show. while the main lobby still holds its original woodwork facade and stained glass fixtures.

the red swaroski embossed upholstery sit on a black oak floor and allow for intimate cafe-theater seating or traditional rows image courtesy mar hernández

the sparse clean main stage hides panels from viewers allowing it expand. image © rafael vargas

led lighting panels create a backlight through the walls and railing that change with the performance on stage image © rafael vargas

located in the third floor and independent of the main hall, the golden bar looks out over the audience image © rafael vargas

demonstration of dynamic led fixtures image © rafael vargas

another demonstration of the mood lighting possible with the led laced facades image © rafael vargas

entry to main hall image © rafael vargas

image © rafael vargas

facade outside the theater night and day, still retaining the original windmill image © eva serrats