Columbus Towers in Madrid (Spain)

Description

Location: Madrid, Spain
Taken on: September 11, 2023
Format: JPEG
File size: 7.7 MB
Dimensions: 4002 x 2910 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.

Columbus Towers, Madrid – Modern Architecture & Historic Landmark

Capture the essence of Madrid’s evolving skyline with this vibrant digital photo of the iconic Columbus Towers. Taken on a clear day, September 11, 2023, the image showcases the striking contemporary architecture of the towers against a brilliant blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds.

In the foreground, the majestic Monument to Columbus stands as a testament to history, beautifully juxtaposed with the modern glass facades of the towers, which appear to be undergoing some construction or renovation, adding a dynamic layer to the scene with visible scaffolding and cranes. To the right, a classic Madrid building with a distinctive clock tower provides a charming architectural contrast.

This high-quality digital image is perfect for:

• Madrid enthusiasts: Bring a piece of the Spanish capital into your home or office.
• Architecture lovers: Appreciate the blend of old and new in urban design.
• Digital artists & designers: Use as a backdrop, inspiration, or element in your creative projects.
• Travel bloggers & content creators: Enhance your posts and articles with authentic Madrid imagery.

Please note: This listing is for a digital download of the photograph only. No physical product, print, or frame will be shipped. Upon purchase, you will receive a link to download the high-resolution image file.

Why choose our digital photos?

• Instant Download: Get your image immediately after purchase.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for screens, digital presentations, and small prints.
• Authentic Content: Real-world photography capturing unique moments.

Add this unique view of Madrid to your digital collection today!

The Columbus Towers (Torres de Colón in Spanish) are a distinctive and often debated landmark in Madrid, Spain. The Columbus Towers are a high-rise office complex composed of twin towers located in the bustling Plaza de Colón (Columbus Square) in Madrid. They stand out in the city’s skyline due to their unique architectural style and their prominent position.

• Twin Towers: The complex consists of two separate, though closely integrated, towers.
• Unique Construction Method: Designed by architect Antonio Lamela and built between 1967 and 1976, the towers are famous for their “top-down” construction method. This innovative technique involved building the upper floors first, hanging them from a central core, and then progressively adding the lower floors. This was a groundbreaking approach at the time.
• “The Plug” (El Enchufe): Perhaps their most recognizable feature, especially in popular culture, is the prominent green, art deco-style structure at the very top of the towers that connects them. This was added in the early 1990s as part of a renovation to house an external emergency staircase and hide utilities, leading to the colloquial nickname “El Enchufe” (The Plug).
• Facades: The original facades featured a mix of copper and smoked glass. Over time, particularly in the 1990s, an orange glass cladding was added, which significantly changed their appearance.
• Height: The towers stand approximately 116 meters (381 feet) tall, making them one of Madrid’s taller buildings.
• Architectural Style: While designed in the modernist era, the towers have undergone various modifications that have altered their initial appearance. The addition of “the plug” and the orange cladding gave them a distinctive, somewhat controversial, aesthetic.
• Current State (Renovation): The Columbus Towers have been undergoing significant renovations since around 2020, directed by Luis Vidal + arquitectos. This major overhaul aims to modernize the building, make it more energy-efficient (targeting “Almost Zero Consumption”), and remove “the plug” and the orange cladding, returning to a more streamlined appearance. New floors are being added to replace the space occupied by “the plug,” and internal structures are being reconfigured for better accessibility and flow.

Location and Surroundings:

• Plaza de Colón: The towers are situated in the Plaza de Colón, a significant urban space in Madrid. This square is a major commercial and cultural hub.
• Monument to Columbus: In the center of the Plaza de Colón stands a large monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus, a white marble statue atop a grand pedestal, which often features prominently in views of the towers.
• Cultural Institutions: The area surrounding the towers and the Plaza de Colón includes other important sites like the Jardines del Descubrimiento (Gardens of Discovery) with various sculptures, and the Fernán Gómez Cultural Centre (underground).

Public Perception: Despite their innovative design and landmark status, the Columbus Towers have often been a subject of mixed opinions among Madrileños, with some affectionately calling them “The Plug” and others considering them an “ugly” building due to their unique and sometimes jarring aesthetics. The ongoing renovations aim to improve their visual appeal and integrate them more seamlessly into the modern Madrid skyline.