# Power Plant Turned Cultural Centre 'Floating' Design for Caixa Forum Madrid By cayce_p | Published 2008-02-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/were-in-suspense-swiss-star-architectss-floating-design-for-caixa-forum-mad References: [bdonline](http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3106999) & [eng.archinform.net](http://eng.archinform.net/arch/291.htm) The old Mediodia power plant in Madrid has been transformed into a striking new cultural centre by [Pritzker Prize](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green-museumbrary) winning Herzog and de Meuron Architects who have taken an entirely unexpected approach to a monumental, brick landmark. The Basel based architects are known for their diverse portfolio of high profile, quirky public buildings such as the [Tate London](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corner-cafe), which is also a former power station, and nearly complete Beijing Stadium. In Madrid, they created the effect of a '[floating' building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dubai-museum-of-art) by cutting back the brickwork at the base of the existing building and creating a sense that it is hovering above the ground. The cultural centre, 'The Caixa Forum' features a new addition above and new theatre below. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Adaptive Reuse:** Opportunity for repurposing existing structures to create innovative cultural spaces. - **Architectural Transformation:** Innovative design approaches that challenge conventional notions of building structures. - **Cultural Revitalization:** Reimagining historically significant buildings to breathe new life into urban spaces. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects can explore unconventional design techniques to create visually striking and functional buildings. - **Cultural Institutions:** Cultural organizations can consider repurposing existing structures to expand their reach and provide unique experiences to visitors. - **Urban Development:** City planners can revitalize urban areas by transforming old buildings into cultural centers, adding value to the community. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sweeping Culture Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/river-culture-and-art-centre.md) - [Gridded Urban Apartment Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-carboneria.md) - [Madrid Warehouse Conversions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burr-studio.md) - [Brutalist Museum Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cantabrian-maritime-museum.md) - [Water Flow-Inspired Art Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanhai-arts-center.md) - [Multicultural Bright Historic Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fenix-museum-of-migration.md) - [Landscape-Concealed Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chaohu-natural-and-cultural-centre.md) - [Upcoming Architectural Floating Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centroparco.md) - [Port Building-Nestled Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colectivo-c733.md)