Imagine inverted umbrellas creating a forest of hexagons. This is the essence of the Pabellón de los Hexágonos. We are standing before a structure that embodies innovation and adaptability.
The Pabellón de los Hexágonos began its journey at the Brussels Universal Expo in 1958. Spain chose José Antonio Corrales and Ramón Vázquez Molezún to design its pavilion. Their creation won the Expo’s top architecture prize beating even the Atomium.
The Expo had two main rules. The design had to respect the existing trees. It also needed to be easily dismantled. Corrales and Molezún responded with a brilliant concept. They designed an organic building using hexagonal modules shaped like inverted umbrellas. These “umbrellas” collected rainwater. The water then flowed down a shaft into the drainage system.
The design’s modularity proved revolutionary. The Pabellón de los Hexágonos could adapt to any environment. Its success in Brussels led to its relocation to Madrid in 1959. It was re-erected in the Casa de Campo. The original V-shape was transformed into a triangular layout. This showed the building’s incredible flexibility. The architects themselves adapted the design to its new home. One could say, the Pabellón de los Hexágonos is like a mecano.
For years, the Pabellón de los Hexágonos hosted the Ferias del Campo. These fairs celebrated rural life. Sadly, the building fell into neglect after the fairs ended in the 1970s. The Pabellón de los Hexágonos was largely forgotten.
However, this architectural gem is experiencing a revival. A project began to restore the Pabellón de los Hexágonos. About a third of the structure is being transformed into a museum. The museum will showcase the building’s history and design. It will explain its modular construction and its dual life in Brussels and Madrid. There will even be an area for children to explore the hexagon’s properties.
The Pabellón de los Hexágonos employed steel, glass, aluminum and brick. These materials created a light and airy space. Originally, some found the interior too sparse. Authorities even filled it with objects to better represent Spain. Now, the restoration seeks to recapture the original design. The goal is to create a journey back in time.
The Pabellón de los Hexágonos stands as a testament to Spanish modern architecture. It highlights the beauty of modular design. It is a reminder that innovation can arise from simple geometric forms. The hexagon efficiently uses space, offering both stability and adaptability. Just observe honeycombs, tortoise shells, and certain corals in nature.
As we conclude our visit to the Pabellón de los Hexágonos, consider its journey. From international acclaim to decades of neglect. Now it has been reborn as a space for learning and appreciation. The Pabellón de los Hexágonos is a symbol of resilience, innovation and the enduring power of good design. It also stands as a model for the recovery of contemporary architecture.