Beneath the Madrid sky stands the Edificio BBVA. It’s a testament to architectural vision. This skyscraper at Paseo de la Castellana 81 has a story etched in steel and glass.
The Edificio BBVA was previously known as Torre BBVA. Some even called it the BBVA Tower. Its journey began in 1971. Banco de Bilbao sought a design through a private tender. Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza won. He was a Spanish architect with a flair for innovation. Construction spanned from 1979 to 1981.
Look at the Edificio BBVA’s striking ochre color. Time has intensified it. Oxidation of the facade steel causes this. The building has a rectangular floor plan. Each floor covers 1,200 square meters. The corners are rounded. This softens the building’s presence. The facade features continuous glass and steel. It gives exterior views from every point. The south, east, and west facades boast steel sunshades on every floor. These contribute to its distinctive appearance.
Did you know that the Edificio BBVA rests on two concrete cores? These cores house utilities and lift shafts. Office areas surround them. The design creates a clear working space without divisions. Three staircases connect every floor. Fourteen elevators serve different zones and purposes. Some are public. Others serve the board of directors exclusively.
Consider the foundation. It had to accommodate the underground commuter rail. The building essentially “rides” the tunnel. The inner core supports six prestressed concrete floor platforms. These platforms support five steel structure floors each.
The Edificio BBVA has 28 working floors. The top five floors are for the company’s Board of Directors. This space includes a cabinet meeting room. It also has conference areas, a private restaurant, and relaxation zones. The first basement holds the BBVA Auditorium. There is also a public exposition space. Utility floors exist in Basement 4. Technical Floors 1 through 3 are located over floors 11, 20, and 28. Underground parking spans basements 1, 2, and 3.
In 2007, the bank sold the Edificio BBVA to Gmp. However, BBVA still occupies the building. The Edificio BBVA is now known as Castellana 81. After a remodeling by Ruíz Barbarín Arquitectos, it remains an architectural reference.
Notice the rusty steel facade. It oxidizes on its outer face. This protects against atmospheric corrosion. Maintenance walkways run the tower’s perimeter. They add to the building’s unique image. Bronze-tinted windows complement the steel.
The Edificio BBVA stands as a symbol of Madrid’s modern architecture. It embodies innovation and resilience. The Edificio BBVA continues to inspire awe.