Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre
Oscar Niemeyer · Avilés, Spain · 2011
Oscar Niemeyer's cultural centre places a group of white forms beside the Avilés estuary. Opened in 2011, the complex combines an auditorium, exhibition dome, tower and connecting public space in a composition of curves, ramps and bright surfaces. These elements contrast with the area's industrial background while creating a new civic destination across the water from the historic town. The open plaza is important to the project: it allows the individual buildings to be understood together and accommodates informal public life between programmed events. The tower provides a vertical counterpoint to the broad horizontal ground. Visiting: The plaza is free. Gallery and performance tickets depend on the programme.