Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona

Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona
1991-1994
Presented by Kara Braaten

In 1989, the councils of Barcelona set up the Barcelona Centre for Contemporary Culture. The architects Helio Piñón and Albert Viaplana, along with Ricard Mercadé, were commissioned for the renovation of this historic building and courtyard, which once housed the Conciliar Seminary and Casa de Caritat but had been vacant for the past 30 years. Work began on the 15,000 m2 modern arts centre in 1991 and was completed in 1993, officially opening in February 1994. The major design element consists of a mirror-like façade which replaced the north wall of the courtyard. This façade is entirely glazed, split in half visually with two shades of glazing, one half slightly darker than the other. The glazing moves vertical reaching the height of the existing wings and then reaches beyond, bending forward, suggesting a covering gesture. However, its the reflections that truly make this courtyard special. This façade reflects the existing historic wings, bringing back references to the past of the building. The mirador above reflects the urban landscape of the city into the courtyard below, showing how important Barcelona is to this space. Today, the CCCB is one of the most visited museums in Barcelona, hosting temporary exhibitions, cinema, concerts, and other cultural events.