Rafael Moneo in Five Buildings

"Rafael Moneo is one of the most transformative architects of his generation."   
Hashim Sarkis, Curator of the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale

At an early age, Moneo was interested in philosophy and fine art but it was the influence of his father, an industrial designer, that directed him to a career in architecture. 

"Few architects have built so extensively on both sides of the Atlantic as Rafael Moneo."
RIBA president Paul Hyett, 2003 

After graduating from Madrid University School of Architecture in 1961, he worked with the Danish architect Jørn Utzon on the design of Sydney Opera House. He further developed an interest in classical architecture after studying at the Spanish Academy in Rome before returning to Madrid in 1965 to set up his own office.

“Architecture is important as a part of history, but also as a critical discipline.”  Rafael Moneo

The history and theory of architecture is as important to Moneo as the practice. Teaching and writing has been a big aspect of his career. His awards include the Pritzker Prize in 1996 and the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2003. His success lies in creating architecture that contributes to the fabric of the city, strongly rooted in their place. 

Moneo enlarged and modernised Atocha Station in 1983, making it four times bigger. He remodelled the historical roof and created a more efficient local commuter train station, bus interchange and parking lot. The building is distinguished by its circular lantern-esque entrance hall and its pillared concourse, high ceilings and flat roof.

The main Foundation building is made up of two closely linked concrete structures, providing a designated setting in which art and architecture is integrated. It preserves the land around Miró's original studio, from the local urban development, which Moneo has managed to mask and manage. 

The headquarters contain an exhibition space, a library, an auditorium, offices, a shop and a café. Artwork drawing upon Miró’s collection can be found around the building, including this ceramic mural  based on a sketch for the 1947 Cincinnati mural painting.

Its exterior – clad with reinforced concrete and inlaid with industrial corten steel in a structural grid – creates a solid compact form. The elegant interior stands in complete contrast to the exterior with an arrangement of cork overlaid with rich maple to absorb any unwanted noise. 

The building was designed to complement its location, using brick and a native sandstone typical of the region of Murcia. The order of the columns reference a musical score and a glass balcony breaks the symmetry, providing a space in which the mayor can address the city. 

The Moneo extension is connected to the Mies van der Rohe building via an underground tunnel containing artwork by James Turrell