COMPAC’s commitment to architecture was showcased once again with its exclusive sponsorship of the 15th Spanish Architecture and Urbanism Bienniale (BEAU). It opened on 28thJune in the Mies Van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona. At a parallel event, on 2ndJuly at the Patio Herreriano Museum in Valladolid.
The seeds of this collaboration grew from an agreement between Luis Comerón (head of CSCAE) and Paco Sanchis (COMPAC CEO) at the Official Association of Architects of Catalonia (COAC). COMPAC’s direct and exclusive involvement was a major step forward for the entire team at this top global event for architecture.
The first awards ceremony was held in Barcelona on 28thJune, organised by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda via the Directorate General for Urban Agenda and Architecture, in collaboration with the Spanish Board of Architectural Associations (CSCAE) and the Arquia Foundation, with sponsorship from COMPAC.
A total of twenty projects, chosen from among the 70 finalists and nearly 600 entries, won awards for the Panorama of Architecture and Urban Works category. The winning projects were selected according to the criteria of quality, relevance, social and cultural intent and purpose, or innovation. Meanwhile, at the exhibition opening in the Patio Herreriano Museum in Valladolid, the winners were announced in three interrelated categories representing an outstanding example of the cultural wealth implicit in Spanish architecture: Photography, Final Degree Project and Research. These categories provide a faithful image and reflection of contemporary architecture and urban planning.
COMPAC was present at this top-flight event. There, the exhibition’s team of curators announced the twenty winning projects in the Research category. Paco Sanchis gave an excellent speech reflecting on the importance of architecture and urbanism in social developments in Spain. He also highlighted the firm’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Architecture and Urbanism
The programme for this 15thedition underscores the international relevance and importance of the event. It looks at two converging areas: through dialogue, it presents research and innovation as essential concepts for defining current spaces.
Architecture and Urbanism are compared and contrasted in an ultramodern approach, embodied in a carefully curated exhibition with some matchless scenarios, which are firmly committed to contemporary and environmental themes all of which are expertly integrated. COMPAC, as the exclusive official sponsor, has created two installations using Bering marble. These provide a fluid linear texture, creating continuity for the exhibited works. The design was much appreciated by all those attending, while Paco Sanchis’ speech was well received by all.
The Barcelona event will be open until 16thSeptember in the Mies Van der Rohe Pavilion; and the Valladolid event will run until 10thOctober at the Patio Herreriano Museum.
The spontaneous beauty of architecture in a physical setting
For both the sites hosting this prestigious event in international architecture, the curators, Óscar Miguel Ares, Anna Bach and Eugeni Bach, have devised a storyline for the physical tour of the show which has been designed by COMPAC. The directional nature of COMPAC’s installation material enables visitors to reflect deeply on the exhibits through concepts defined on the basis of integration within the space and its context. This is dense territory as opposed to an invariable setting, presupposing a strategy for reconciling the empty Spain with its busy counterpart, inhabited Spain.
‘The winning works: not only excellent architectural, landscape and urban planning work from a wide range of professionals, but also the excellent current standing of architecture in Spain.’
Eugeni Bach.
The prize-winners in the ‘Panorama of Architecture and Urbanism Works’ section are arranged in a photographic and audio-visual exhibition designed by the artist Jordi Bernadó. All twenty are deemed the most significant architectural and urban development projects from the last three years, offering a panoramic overview of architectural beauty based on its spatial nature. This approach is necessary for reconciling architecture and urban planning, dual realities in Spain.
The environment designed by COMPAC in these surroundings presents a development partnership fulfilling a clear philosophy and mission, namely a commitment to the national and international presence at the most prestigious architecture and design events, as well as paying tribute to innovation, sustainability and unique design.
‘At COMPAC, challenges stir us and this one certainly qualifies. Fully collaborating with the Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism was our top goal. This is the first time that the event is wholly sponsored by a single company and we are extremely pleased to have achieved it. In line with our strategy to build partnerships, we undertake promotional activities in the architecture and construction sector, whilst setting new milestones and continually innovating under the slogan “Think out of the box”. I would like to thank the members of the Biennial and my entire team for the amazing comprehensive work we have achieved through our ties to the 15thBEAU, which perfectly aligns with our company values and philosophy.’
Paco Sanchis, CEO COMPAC.
Movement as reflection
This reflection on Spain’s territorial capacity is visually materialised in the language conveyed by a physical tour of the exhibition. The installation, created exclusively for the event by COMPAC in Bering marble, in collaboration with the amazing team of curators, takes visitors along a rapturous path.
This tour comprises a natural reflection on urban planning through architecture, based on the route taken by the visitor or passer by. The simple act of walking is seen as a philosophical reflection and acceptance. All achieved through the zig-zagged paving laid out for the exhibition. In this way, helping visitors interpret the exhibit was a joint undertaking by COMPAC and the curatorial team.
As a benchmark in the surfaces sector, the top-quality Bering marble used is an example of quality and sustainability, with a unique design. The highly durable material and subtle colouring mean that the exhibition can be appreciated as a whole, without overshadowing the main reflection on architecture and urbanism. It provides the necessary approach using the appropriate language.
