Azkuna Zentroa

Azkuna Zentroa (Basque for Azkuna Centre), previously known as Alhóndiga Bilbao (Spanish pronunciation: [aˈlondiɣa βilˈβao]), is a multi-purpose venue located in the city of Bilbao, Spain. It was designed by French designer Philippe Starck in collaboration with Thibaut Mathieu[1] and was opened to the public in stages between 18 May and 24 October 2010. The venue, labeled as a "Culture and Leisure Centre", consist of a cinema multiplex, a fitness centre, a library, showrooms, an auditorium, shops, and a restaurant.[2][3] In March 2015 its name was officially changed to Azkuna Zentroa in tribute to the late mayor of Bilbao Iñaki Azkuna.[4]

Azkuna Zentroa
Alhóndiga Municipal de Bilbao
Inside Azkuna Zentroa.
General information
TypeMulti-purpose venue
Architectural styleModernism
LocationBilbao, Basque Country
Address4, Arriquibar Square
CountrySpain
Coordinates43°15′35″N 2°56′13″W
Construction started1905
Completed1909
Renovated2001-2010
Cost71 million euros
Technical details
Floor area43,000 m2 (460,000 sq ft)
Design and construction
ArchitectRicardo Bastida
Other designersPhilippe Starck, Thibaut Mathieu
Website
www.azkunazentroa.eus

Originally a corn exchange (alhóndiga in Spanish), it was designed by Basque architect Ricardo Bastida and inaugurated in 1909. However, in the 1970s, a new warehouse was planned and the Alhóndiga was abandoned. Several projects were suggested, ranging from public housing, a museum of modern art, or even demolishing the entire building, but all were scrapped. Finally, in 1994 it was decided to renovate it and build a sports and culture centre.[5] The Basque Government decided to declare the building "Public Property of Cultural Interest" in 1999.[2][6]

References
  1. http://info.elcorreo.com/bilbao/inauguracion-alhondiga/entrevistas/el-ho-es-una-expresion-de-sorpresa-que-nos-llega-a-todos/ Retrieved 2011-01-15.
  2. "The Alhóndiga, Culture". Alhóndiga Bilbao. Archived from the original on 2010-10-23. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  3. "La nueva Alhóndiga". elcorreo.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  4. "AlhóndigaBilbao cambia su nombre a Azkuna Zentroa". La Vanguardia (in Spanish). 17 March 2015.
  5. José Basurto (2010-05-08). "Proyectos al cubo". deia.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  6. "Decreto 397/1998". Basque Government. 1999-01-20. Archived from the original on 2011-06-22. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
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