Multipurpose Building I

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1975 · Authors: Luis Cabrera y Sánchez-Real

This building, designed by architect Luis Cabrera in 1975 to house administrative services, today hosts the offices of several departments of the Government of the Canary Islands.

Located on the main Avenida de Anaga, with a façade also at the rear, this work has always had detractors, both for its aesthetics and for the chosen location. The truth is that it is a much more interesting construction than it appears, having been conceived as a large structure of great functional value. 

Multipurpose I externally presents itself as such a regular geometry that it causes amazement. Basic grid with setback and concealment in dark colour of all elements that do not fit with the material used for its finish, which is nothing other than simple paving pieces placed on the façade; a peculiar solution that makes it a subject of interest.

Robust cylindrical pillars of large diameter support the entire structure, as there are no interior partitions, allowing workspaces to be arranged with total adaptation to the specific needs of each department. 

In this work, functionality and budget were prioritised almost absolutely over any aesthetic concession.

28.473544, -16.247074