The Concordia Cultural Complex occupies a former electrical plant from the early-20th-century in Concordia, a small city in Argentina’s Entre Ríos province. The design preserves the building’s history, while transforming the 26,900-square-foot structure into a new regional cultural center. The design is guided by a comprehensive investigation into the relationship between the existing building and the urban fabric, and the significance of the plant in the city’s collective memory.

The existing building follows a classical plan with a tall, wide nave flanked by two aisles. Yet its proportions and dimensions are imprecise, likely due to its intended industrial use and regional context. Our intention is to honor and enhance the original architecture to create a vibrant, contemporary public cultural space. The proposal introduces a central grand hall that can function as an exhibition space, auditorium, event venue, and as a major gathering place. In addition, a new public library branch occupies the southwest side of the building. A small museum is situated near the main entrance with display cases visible from the grand hall. The existing attached office building is remodeled and restored. Both the cultural center as well as the office building will be painted white, establishing a unified identity for the complex.