One of the most prestigious prizes in the Spanish architectural calendar, the "Premio de Arquitectura Española", has been awarded jointly for the Museum Of Royal Collections in Madrid by Mansilla y Tuñón and the Congress Center and Hotel in Palma de Mallorca by Francisco Mangado. It is only the third time in the history of the award that the prize has been shared.

The biennial prize, ran by the Council of architects of Spain (Cscae), aims to "Gain public awareness for the quality of Spanish works of architecture realized in Spain." It is the second time Mansilla y Tuñón have received the prize, having previously attained the award in 2003 for the city auditorium in León. Notable past winners of the prize include the 1995 winners Enric Miralles and Carme Piños Desplat, and 2015 winner Víctor López Cotelo.Museum of the royal collections by Mansilla + Tuñón Arquitectos. Image © Lluis Asin

Nestling against an upward slope, visible only from the western side of the Spanish Capital, the new museum sits in a highly sensitive historical context, ensconced between the city's royal palace and the grand almudena cathedral. 

The roof of the 46,000-square-metre museum appears to form part of the plinth in front of the palace. Although not scheduled to be completed until 2019, the museum has already won many notable awards, including the first prize in the 2016 COAM awards, and the FAD architecture prize 2017.

Museum of the Royal Collections by Mansilla + Tuñón Arquitectos. Image © Lluis Asin

When designing the museum, the Architects understood the building as part of a "palimpsest", perceiving the new building as a "new text written above an already written text". Inspiration for the material palette used in the building was drawn from the neighbouring palace, sourcing materials that work in harmony with and complement the museum's surroundings. 

Internally, the building is organised in layers, with each floor containing a separate exhibition. On lower floors, archaeological ruins are visible below the building, adding to the concept of the building as part of a palimpsest.

Museum of the Royal Collections by Mansilla + Tuñón Arquitectos. Image © Lluis Asin

The jury commended the building for "the difficulty of inserting a contemporary intervention in a historic context", while also valuing the solution presented for the difficult topography and landscape of the project site.

Convention Centre and Hotel. Palma de Mallorca by Francisco Mangado. Image © Roland Halbe

Officially opened on the 25th of September 2017, the Convention Centre in Palma de Mallorca by Francisco Mangado is an elongated 500m edifice that stretches along the sea front, creating a visual dialogue with the sea and the urban fabric. Construction began in 2005 following an international competition. 

Convention Centre and Hotel. Palma de Mallorca by Francisco Mangado. Image © Roland Halbe

The exterior of the huge building is defined by a grid of 4 meter deep pieces, which provide protection against the harsh sunlight. In awarding the joint first prize to this building, the jury took into account the successful use of a building with a monumental scale along the sea front.

"Electrical assembly factory" in Don Benito by José María Sánchez García. Image © Roland Halbe

The jury also awarded a special mention to two other projects, the "Sala Beckett" in Barcelona by Flores i Prats arquitectos and the "electrical assembly factory" in Don Benito by José María Sánchez García.

Top image: Museum of the Royal Collections by Mansilla + Tuñón Arquitectos. Image © Luis Asin

> via Cscae