Texsa News - International cultural center, oscar niemeyer - Avilés, Spain - January 2011

After much expectation, the new Niemeyer centre was recently inaugurated in Avilés in the north of Spain. The sensuous curves which characterise the building carry the unmistakable stamp of Niemeyer. This modern complex occupying 40.000m2 is the only example of the Brazilian architect’s work in Spain. It was a big flat, open piece of land measuring 200x100m. It felt natural to build an open square With an auditorium on one side and a museum on the other. I wanted the space to be left open, and to just have the two buildings so that the architecture itself would stand out. Surprise is a vital element in architecture. To make something different. That was my aim here. Ideal architecture doesn’t exist nowadays. Ideal architecture would be monotonous. Each architect has their own ideas and I have mine. The local architects Javier Blanco, Roberto Alonso and Almudena Menéndez have directed the technical part of the project. One of the biggest challanges they faced was to remain true to Niemeyer’s design. We needed to understand what he wanted, how he envisaged the project. We had to familiarise ourselves with his way of thinking. That’s the only way you can solve any problems that crop up. The new cultural centre is the first step of a major urban development project which will completely transform the landscape surrounding the estuary. This project has brought a much needed boost of optimism to the town. It’s a gift that we’re all grateful for. More than 25.000m2 of Texsa’s waterproofing membranes have been used in the construction of the centre.