Columbus Towers in Madrid (Spain) #2
$ 30,00
Description
Location: Madrid, Spain
Taken on: September 11, 2023
Format: JPEG
File size: 12.2 MB
Dimensions: 4096 x 3072 pixels
DPI: 300
Photographer: Andrey Kashukov, Cyprus
Photo can be used in posters, brochures, magazines, websites, blogs, business cards, applications, social media branding, packaging, postcards, notebooks, invitation backgrounds, flyers, banners, badges, stickers, collages, booklets, illustrations, etc.
Photo can be used in applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Adobe Express, Adobe After Effects, GIMP, Photopea, Krita, Pixlr E, Pixlr X, Paint.NET, Affinity Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Capture One Pro, Luminar Neo, Pixelmator Pro, ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate, Affinity Designer, Procreate, Sketch, etc.
Striking Madrid Skies: Columbus Towers
Capture the essence of modern Madrid with this vibrant digital photo of the iconic Columbus Towers against a brilliant blue sky, framed by lush green trees. Perfect for adding a touch of contemporary European urban landscape to your digital collection or creative projects.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of Madrid with this stunning digital photograph of the renowned Columbus Towers. Taken on a beautiful clear day on September 11, 2023, the image showcases the distinctive twin skyscrapers, partially enveloped in blue scaffolding, hinting at ongoing architectural evolution.
The towers, reaching skyward, dominate the upper frame, their modern lines contrasting beautifully with the natural elements in the foreground. A lively array of verdant trees, with some hints of autumnal hues, provides a natural, refreshing border to the urban scene. The bright, cloudless blue sky above creates a striking backdrop, highlighting the towers’ impressive structure.
This high-quality digital image is ideal for:
- Digital Decor: Enhance your computer desktop, tablet, or smart TV with a stylish Madrid view.
- Creative Projects: Use as a background for graphic design, presentations, or digital art.
- Travel Memories: Relive your Madrid experiences or inspire future adventures.
- Social Media Content: Share a piece of Madrid with your followers.
Add this captivating piece of Madrid to your digital collection today!
The Columbus Towers (Torres de Colón in Spanish) are a distinctive pair of high-rise office buildings located in the Plaza de Colón, a major commercial and cultural hub in Madrid, Spain. They are an iconic part of the city’s skyline, known for their unique architectural features and history.
Architectural Significance and Design:
- Architect: Designed by the renowned Spanish architect Antonio Lamela, with the original structural system by engineer Javier Manterola.
- Year of Completion: Construction was completed in 1976.
- Unique Construction Method: The towers are famous for their “top-down” construction method, a groundbreaking technique at the time. This involved building the central core and upper platform first, and then suspending the floors downwards from this structure. This method allowed for efficient use of the limited ground space.
- Suspended Structure: The building’s innovative design features a suspended structure where the floors hang from a central concrete core, supported by perimeter beams and cable-stayed steel cables.
- Height and Floors: Each tower is approximately 116-117 meters (381 feet) tall and comprises 23 to 27 floors, depending on how floor count is assessed, making them among Madrid’s tallest buildings.
- “The Plug” (El Enchufe): For many years, the towers were instantly recognizable by a prominent green, Art Deco-style structure connecting their tops. This element, colloquially known as “El Enchufe” (The Plug), was added in 1990 to conceal an external emergency staircase and other utilities installed due to new fire safety regulations.
- Original Facade: The original facade featured bronze-colored prefabricated bent anodized aluminum sheeting with light bronze-colored glazing.
Renovations and Modernization:
- 1989-1992 Renovation: Antonio Lamela’s studio undertook a major remodeling, which included the addition of the “plug” and a new double-skin facade of colored glass to improve thermal and sound insulation and energy control.
- Ongoing Renovation (2019-2024): The towers have been undergoing a significant transformation by architect Luis Vidal, aiming to make them one of Spain’s most sustainable and technologically advanced office buildings. This renovation involves removing “The Plug” and the basement floors, and replacing them with new structures. The goal is to achieve nearly zero-emissions, WELL Platinum, and LEED Gold certifications, focusing on user well-being, reduced carbon footprint, and advanced technology. The current scaffolding (as seen in the photo) is part of this extensive renovation.
Location and Cultural Context:
- Plaza de Colón: The towers are centrally located in the Plaza de Colón, a significant public square named after Christopher Columbus. The plaza itself is a vibrant urban space featuring a monument to Columbus and the Jardines del Descubrimiento (Gardens of Discovery).
- Local Perception: Despite their architectural innovation, the towers have historically garnered mixed opinions from locals, with some affectionately (or not so affectionately) referring to them as “The Plug” and others considering them controversial in terms of aesthetics.
Current Use: The Columbus Towers primarily serve as high-rise office buildings, housing various companies. The ongoing renovation is set to enhance their functionality and sustainability for future tenants.
