Today Vallecas is one of the neighbourhoods with the greatest identity in Madrid, however, despite its proximity, the relationship between the centre of Madrid and Vallecas has always been marked by limits, natural at first due to the Abroñigal stream and infrastructural at present due to the presence of the M-30 which, despite the flyover, is a strong urban and social barrier. 

In view of this status the project located at issue 1 of Avenida de la Albufera starts with the goal of creating a new School of gastronomic sciences, Madrid Culinary Center, in which to offer a complete programme of training higher education, as well as a new cultural and social pole that will act as a nexus between both contexts, giving value to the identity of Vallecas. 

EDUCATIONAL 

(LA FABRICA) 

Administration and management area / Theoretical classrooms / classroom Magna / Study areas / classroom kitchen / classroom Tasting rooms / classroom oenology / classroom multi-purpose / Gastronomy workshops / Preparation/Processing/Execution / Pastry workshops / Orchard and garden areas / Storage and cooling areas / Cellar / Washing rooms / Toilets and changing rooms. 

+ 

CATERING/CULTURAL 

(THE SHOP WINDOW) 

cafeteria / Shop / Restaurant / Kitchen / Showcooking / Courtyard / Patio

While the central ring road is set back 60 m and interposes a green corridor to separate it from the noise, the site of project is only 15 m away, almost under the flyover, so one of the objectives of project is to improve the relationship between the building and the infrastructure by creating a green filter within the building itself.

On the other hand, the pre-existing building at issue 1 of Avenida de la Albufera is not just any building that should be demolished. Its origin dates back to before 1880 and it is striking in this context for being a more rural than urban architecture without a very remarkable architectural style, but which nevertheless has a special symbolic and sentimental interest for having been for more than a century and a half the gateway and façade of Vallecas for those arriving from Madrid. That is why project decided to use it as a symbol of the neighbourhood.

Avenida de la Albufera nº 1 

1880

To this end, the site was emptied, maintaining only the old façade, behind which a new building was planned that contrasts with the pre-existence without detracting from its prominence thanks to a clean geometry and the exclusive use of a material, ceramic, which extends along the façade and roof, giving uniformity and unity to the whole. 

The new building is made up of three strips of different heights and geometries, interspersed with courtyards and garden spaces that focus the eye on the interior of the complex. At the same time, a series of chimneys associated with the different cooking spaces stand out as an identifying element of project , giving passers-by clues as to what is being cooked inside.

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