High Intensity Public Building in Tenerife Completed by Fernando Menis

Magma Art & Congress is located on the island of Tenerife, built by Fernando Menis in 1998. The conference and exhibition center synthesizes two landscapes, the Adeje Sea and the Teide Volcano. The building's form is bound to its site context, which is dramatic, frontal, and rough-textured, with natural colors that blend with the geological substance of Tenerife. Magma, represented through the incorporation of massive concrete blocks resembles petrified lava.

Cracks of light and ventilation (Cr: AMP Arquitectos)

Menis was inspired by Le Corbusier's use of massive structural elements. Twelve monolithic stones on the site function as structural elements that form spaces such as toilets, canteens, offices, etc. Materials that formed structural elements are concrete, 'chasnera' a local stone aggregate, and wooden formwork. The rooftop develops on the structure and flows as a frozen liquid coated with treated cement and plant fiber panels. Uneven pattern allows light and air to enter the building through gaps. This formation follows the needs on acoustic and represents the movement of the sea and waves.

Conference Room (Cr: Hisao Suzuki)

Conference Room (Cr: Hisao Suzuki)

Gaps give users a sense of movement through underground spaces supported by the walls maze-like structural elements. Wall facade is left raw with a rough surface. Lights lead to a large hall that capable to accommodate theater performances or dividing spaces using flexible partitions into nine smaller meeting rooms. Meeting rooms transition  is complemented by furniture that can be moved at any time. The meeting rooms consist of flexible acoustic walls, stands, stages, and chairs. 

Concrete Finishing (Cr: Roland Halbe)

Magma, with its distinctive building character, is popular in its building functions for both cultural forums and conferences. Magma Art & Congress is a landmark building on the island of Tenerife that has a strong relationship with its site context through bold articulation, form, and rhythm of lava and waves.