Museo ABC: Renovated Madrid Factory Shines With a Glittering Mosaic Facade

Glittering like a stained glass window, the <a href="http://www.museoabc.es/" target="_blank">ABC Museum</a> in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/startts-poppy-filled-exhibition-at-the-maxxi-museum-will-be-recycled-after-its-dismantled/" target="_blank">Madrid</a> features a reflective facade and a matching floor that shimmers with light. Built by <a href="http://www.arangurengallegos.com/english/emenu_principal.html" target="_blank">Aranguren &amp; Gallegos Architects</a>, the building echoes the creativity of the works of drawing and illustration it holds. The project gave an old <a href="http://inhabitat.com/hemp-house-south-africas-most-sustainable-home-made-from-an-illegal-narcotic/" target="_blank">factory building</a> in an industrial sector an artistic facelift while still maintaining the building’s historical integrity.

Through extensive renovations the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nestle-innovation-lab-is-a-high-tech-willy-wonka-candy-factory-in-mexico/" target="_blank">factory</a> has been transformed into a cultural icon that celebrates the creative spirit of Madrid.

The two wings of the existing building are now connected with a gorgeous <a href="http://inhabitat.com/barcelonas-beautiful-martinet-school-boasts-a-sun-shielding-ceramic-facade/" target="_blank">mosaic of glass pieces</a> that are tilted at slightly different angles to catch and refract light. The area between the wings was turned into a courtyard, set one floor above the existing basement.

Translucent panels in the courtyard allow light to filter below during the day. At night, light from the basement magically illuminates the sidewalk on the courtyard's floor.

An enclosed platform above the courtyard connects the two former wings of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/swiss-warehouse-emulates-surrounding-forest/" target="_blank">factory</a>. Using a “vacuum stressed” method, the tunnel pushes against each <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-great-wall-apartment-factory-is-a-green-destination-for-life-work-and-play/" target="_blank">factory</a> wing while also connecting them.

The wall of the tunnel features a lattice of triangular cut-outs that emulating the façade’s mosaic. The overall effect is that of a weightless structure which floats above the courtyard.

The <a href="http://www.museoabc.es/" target="_blank">ABC Museum</a> transforms a factory, maintaining its original walls and floor plan while giving it a fresh shot of modern design.