Film Theatre of Catalonia in Barcelona

About the form

The ruins mark the structure of the buildings. The Roman forum formalizes the plane of foundations and drains.

In the old town, my building sets out to express itself as pure structure—no cladding, no finishes.

The bare concrete beams-cum-walls that form the façades are very varied, proving themselves members of the family of the dilapidated neighbouring walls, where plaster crumbles to reveal their original central mass.

Filters are juxtaposed on the wall. This cinematographic metaphor is not just conceptual; it is above all physical, sensible. In the old town, with very close relations between buildings, interaction must be mediated, filtered. And this is implemented by a variety of devices, with a vague cinematographic reference.

About the space

The space is organized around two movements:

a) The descent into the darkness of the cinemas, with the reflection of the spectators (in turn reflected, actors seen in a series of mirrors).

b) The ascent towards the light, towards the places of work. Two courtyards, connected but not continuous, accompany and construct the movement.

Josep Lluís Mateo

Typology: Film Theatre
Competition: 1st Prize
Project: 2004-2005
Construction: 2007-2012
Surface: 7,515 m2
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Photo: Adrià Goula