Photographe : Orlando Gutiérrez

Renzo Piano bets on Urban Chic by Hisbalit for the new Botín Centre

The Botín Centre has become a great attraction to northern Spain since its inauguration in 2017. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed not only the prestigious exhibitions and works of art on display but also the architecture and interior design of this spectacular building which flies over the bay.

This was one of the aims of the prestigious architect Renzo Piano when designing the centre, in collaboration with Luis Vidal Arquitectos. They wanted to lift it off the ground at the height of the treetops to simulate a pier extending into the sea.

The elevation of the structure opens the building to the light and provides views over the bay, thus creating a connection between the city, the historics Jardines de Pereda and the sea.

One of the hallmarks of Renzo Piano’s work, Pritzker Architecture Prize winner in 1998, is the ability to create buildings integrated into their surroundings.

The building

Conceived as a centre for art, culture and educational activities, the building extends over more than 8,739 m2, divided into two blocks connected by a walkway of glass and steel known as “El Pachinko”.

The exhibition galleries are located in the same block, divided into two levels. The first floor contains a 1,200 m2 exhibition space while the second floor exhibition rooms total some 1,400 m2 and it is here that illumination is the true protagonist.

The other block is dedicated to cultural and educational activities. It includes a two-tier auditorium for concerts, conferences and special ceremonies and events. Additionally, the building has an incredible roof, open to the public, offering some of the best panoramic views over the Bay of Santander.

An urban and elegant design
The prestigious architect wanted to create a cosmopolitan and elegant building, as is the case with his other most renowned projects such as the Pompidou Centre in Paris, and the Auditorium of Rome.

On this occasion, Renzo Piano decided on a round structure with of over 270,000 brilliant ceramic tiles that reflect the sun’s rays and the glitter of the sea. It looks like a real fish with scales looking over the Bay!

For the interior spaces, He selected high-quality materials that accentuate the natural illumination and architecture of the building.

Piano wanted the bathrooms and dressing rooms, to have a special design and decided on Hisbalit’s Urban Chic collection to surface the walls. A fusion of urban and chic sophistication,between casual and elegance. The combination of pearlescent tones and the magical light creates a strikingly unique sensation.

The walls are clad in soft and glossy mosaic tiles that seem to change colour depending on the light, adding a touch of distinction to the space.

The minimalist design, the clear lines and forms, with metallic touches in Urban Chic 504 are a perfect fit for the fusion of urban and elegance of the building. Tiles have transformed these rooms creating a suggestive air of urban glamour.