Our project reimagines the Hydrographic Institute, originally designed by Miguel Fisac in 1963, against the backdrop of Spain’s rich water tradition and paradoxical water scarcity issues. Despite its proximity to abundant water bodies, recurrent droughts challenged the institute’s initial assumption of water abundance in Madrid during the Franco regime, revealing flaws in its operational framework rooted in political and religious ideologies.

Our intervention seeks to transform this institute into the Riparian Institute—a versatile hub addressing environmental, cultural, and technological challenges. Through adaptive reuse of existing facilities and collaborative efforts, we envision a space that symbolizes harmony between urban development and natural water bodies. The Riparian Institute will serve as a museum, cultural center, and connector of isolated neighborhoods, offering diverse cultural experiences and fostering dialogue among various disciplines and communities.

Our goal is to craft environments that facilitate transformative interactions and dialogue, where diverse forms of knowledge converge. The design proposal unfolds in three parts: reconfiguring the existing building, introducing new topography for cultural enrichment, and integrating an exaggerated water pipe system to highlight water’s vital role. Ultimately, the Riparian Institute aims to cultivate spaces where diverse communities can come together to nurture conversations and collective action.