The Milkmaid Bid
Torrelavega, Cantabria
Located in the northern part of the city and bordered by the Saja River, the La Lechera complex is the result of a long evolutionary process that has been associated with much of the history of the city of Torrelavega in the last century.
The building is included in the list of 100 Representative Elements of the Industrial Heritage of Spain from the 19th century. It is the best example of 19th century industrial architecture in the region
Given these parameters, we developed a proposal that seeks to recover the origin, establish a connection link between the past and the future of the building and the city.
The search for the cultural, social, environmental and economic activation of the city leads to the conception of an urban catalyst, the first step in a long process of revitalization of this area of the city.
The aim is to create a place of public access, open to visitors and capable of generating activity nodes thanks to the proposed strategies looking at the future of the city and the region as a whole.
The intervention includes the pedestrianization of the entire plot and the creation of landscaped areas with trees.
Description of the intervention:
1. North Collection.
The main nave is used as exhibition spaces for the North Collection. It therefore has a more public character linked directly to the arrival area for visitors from the center of Torrelavega. A welcome atrium is proposed as a meeting place. From this point, a staircase leads to the upper floor where the permanent exhibition is located. At all times the visitor will be able to contemplate the original architecture extolled by the opening of skylights and the visual interconnection of spaces.
2. Plaza La Lechera
It is characterized by the presence of the Chimney and the Deposit. Nerve center and meeting place for users of the Schools. It articulates the accesses to the CIMA and the schools.
3. Access to Schools
The main access to the schools is located next to the square. The old warehouse (room 7) maintains its multipurpose character and incorporates multipurpose spaces and rentable multipurpose rooms. From the reception, users go to the different schools through the gallery or communications spine.
4. Gallery
Central circulation spine. Distributes and articulates the different schools. Meeting space and sporadic socialization between the users of the different schools.
5. Circus and Dance School
A large multipurpose space shared by both schools is conceived, located in the new building. The possibility of having a large open space allows great flexibility. Given its dimensions, multiple activities can be carried out simultaneously.
6. Art School
The hall next to the exhibitions houses the art school. A visual connection is established between the two to reinforce the link between art and exhibitions. The space is compartmentalized with modular storage structures that allow greater flexibility of space. The visual continuity of the roof structure is maintained at all times. Skylights open for great natural light.
7. Information space
Visitor service area where the history of the La Lechera industrial complex is explained through information panels and photographs.
8. Offices and conservation
The offices and the conservation room of the museum space are located in the building attached to the main nave.
