In November 2008 Mansilla + Tunon Architects broke ground on a stunning new project that will introduce an iconic green superstructure to Madrid’s skyline. The International Convention Center (CICCM) features a unique cylindrical building facade lined with solar panels and concave curves that suffuse its interiors with daylight. The plan will also introduce 80,000 square meters of green space to the city and will house an extensive rainwater catchment system.

The CICCM will be 110 meters tall and will comprise around 100,000 square meters worth of built space in addition to an extensive expanse of green areas. The building is particularly striking due to its radical shape- it is essentially a cylinder that has been stood on its side and partially buried on the ground. The entire building is lined with photovoltaic panels and covered in glass, which will significantly improve the daylight access to each floor.

The building’s shape will house all the required facilities for the convention center. The six story building will have a 5,000 person auditorium, a number of event halls and exposition centers and some remarkable views. Needless to say, the city of Madrid is hoping that the building’s remarkable shape becomes an icon that will once again put the city in the map.

Referring to the intense activity in the city of Madrid with the words ‘Madrid, where the sun sets,’ Mansilla + Tuñon in collaboration with Matilde Peralta was awarded the tender for the future International Convention Center for the Spanish capital.

The project will be formally addressed from the perspective of differentiated regarding the towers and nearby buildings, which was resolved with a cylinder of lying 110mts tall oriented north south. Among the supermarkets round 2 groups the respective plants, which receive natural light through various round holes at the facade.

It is planned to begin work by the middle of this year.