La Llotja de Lleida
Mecanoo; Labb Arquitectura · Lleida, Spain · 2010
La Llotja stands beside the River Segre as Lleida's theatre and conference centre. Mecanoo and Labb Arquitectura organized the substantial programme above a sheltered public ground plane, producing a broad overhanging volume with a strong horizontal character. Opened in 2010, the complex combines a major auditorium, smaller halls, foyers and terraces. Its varied circulation spaces allow events of different scales to occupy the building. The most useful architectural view includes the underside of the overhang and the public square, where a large institutional programme is brought into contact with the city. Visiting: Exterior public space has no admission fee. Auditorium entry depends on performances or organized visits.