Environment Department
Architects: Alfredo Freixedo Alemparte
Date: 1999-2002.
Location: Outer Ring
This administrative building, which houses the Environment Department, is the result of an architecture competition that was won by the architect Alfredo Freixedo. Conceived as an emphatic prism, this building reflects the Modern Movement's orthodox tradition for building a neutral space of efficient work. An elongated prismatic body, with the communication and services centres at the ends, has, on each of its three floors, two strips, open to the upper façades and to an elongated central cloister-like courtyard. In each of these work areas, their divisions can be modified in order to adapt to the numerous usage requirements corresponding to a building of these characteristics. The flat roof, the running windows and the formal austerity complete this project of modernity.
The building's skin, on both its exterior and interior façades, is made of 'corten' steel, a material frequently used by Freixedo. The oxidised metal's unmistakable texture and colour give the building a singular presence, thus transforming its neutral and abstract presence into one of the most striking visual landmarks in the final stage of the French Way, which runs alongside it.
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Environment Department
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