Castelln Auditorium and Convention Centre

Architect: Carlos Ferrater Lambarri, Carlos Escura Brau, Carlos Martn Gonzlez, Jaime
Sanahuja y Asociados

Collaborators: Ramn Pascual de la Torre, Antonio Gmez Fortuna

Year(s) of construction: 2001-2004

Built-up Area: 13.590 m2

Cost: 27.750.000

Location: Castellon de la Plana, Spain

Introduction

In 2004 was inaugurated the Auditori i Palau de Congressos of Castell, work led by the
architect Ferrater under the promotion of the City of Castelln Valencia.

With this work the Spanish architect confirms its commitment to the expressive language of the
Mediterranean areas, his love of light, his predilection for simple materials.

It is an infrastructure that is included within the project called Cultural Castelln which aims to
allow the city to have an equipment according to the XXI century.

With an established musical tradition, Castelln formed in 1923 the Philharmonic Society. Since
then the space for concerts was the theater of the city, which had already revealed as inadequate
in terms of structures and with sufficient capacity.

Since the opening of the Auditorium and Congress Palace, every year there is a significant
increase in all kinds of events such as concerts, exhibitions, gala dinners, conferences,
congresses, fairs, etc.. its way to market events both domestically and internationally.

Status

Located in the middle of a large square in the upper part of the city of Castelln. For his position,
removes scale the building fund perspective, the new Castellon Gumbau Pau. In subtle balance
of importance to the Church of Lidn, visual reference of the city, next to Rafalafena Park and
near the exit from the city Benicassim.

Given its geographic location, the building looks both city and the sea.

The 90,000 m2 park that surrounds the palace is one of the most important green lungs of the
city. It is divided into four areas: the Orangery, Hill, Deciduous Forest and the Forest of Morera.
In the rear vision fits into the Desierto de las Palmas.

The immediate surroundings of the building is designed and maintained. However, the projected
urban growth was not developed as proposed.

Concept

The building is designed as a container of cultural activities, completely flexible. It is

characterized by the asymmetric design of its volumes.

For his high position in the city, the building captures sunlight, which becomes the protagonist of
the play. The interior of the building is expressed through lexical extremely refined and elegant
while abroad sobriety becomes the key message of this project.

Its architecture is expressed through simplicity of biological materials and counted under the rays
of light, "material heritage" that creates shadows play on volumes, cutting or melting them.

Spaces

The visual impact is strong for the observer is in the plaza and approaches the building. The body
work is firmly anchored in the ground that receives it.

The project includes a permanent dialogue between outer space and the building. The square
where it implants, is part of the cultural tour. This is the place to meet and exchange
characteristic of Mediterranean culture. The pavement of the square, on a gentle slope, invading
the hall of the auditorium through a sequence of spaces that cause a transition between the
exterior and the interior below the listening rooms forming lobbies, foyers, and related spaces.

The overall volume is broken down into four parts, with a total area of 13,590 m2.

The first volume houses the Symphony Hall (1,200 seats) and the Chamber Hall (400 seats) and
the second houses the lobby and bar, surrounded by lateral space for dressing rooms, dressing
rooms, rehearsal rooms, warehouses and administrative offices . The third volume, the
multipurpose hall is called Magic Box. Finally, the fourth body collects the conference rooms,
conference and exhibition spaces for activities and facilities.

The asymmetry of the Symphony Hall is a reflection of the primacy of autonomous systems
inside. The two asymmetric audiences embrace, while the stage has a ramp that links viewers to
the scene. The relationship with the outside this room is maintained by a glazed upstage that
allows viewing of the Magdalena Mountains.

The foyer, hall way, is the point at which all converge room outputs. It is also the link with the
multipurpose room.
The Chamber Room is suspended on access, enjoy natural light thanks to the transverse fracture
volume. The versatility of the building is reflected in this room, able to accommodate contents as
varied as chamber concerts, solo or conferences.

The Multipurpose Room, consists of three modular rooms, with the possibility of hosting any
activity because it can quickly turn into one for holding large conferences. This is characterized
by the absolute rule of natural light.

The building is completely closed to the south, with screened openings to east and west.
Northbound opens in two points mainly the Multipurpose Room and Main Hall Auditorium,
providing visual spectacle and framing of the landscape.

In the rear, the garden extends outward cafeteria, framing the visual Desert Palms. In addition,
the treatment of the exterior integrates trees inside.

The rooms are spartan and functional furniture designed by Ferrater.

Materials

The wealth of space contrasts with the simplicity of the equipment and materials used in its
construction.

The volume of the building is made of concrete bench saw, without expansion joints, and only
with the Corten steel facade marks the entrance. The white concrete, material sober, brings
timelessness will.

The gray quartzite pavement in the square, wood, glass and steel to complete the resource
materials.