The Instituto de Empresa in Madrid the top go-to international location for training in management. In a radical renovation that mostly used cement, glass and gypsum boards as building materials, the area of about 10,800 sqft of lecture halls, working, consulting and administration rooms received a facelift. They are now state of the art in terms of international personnel development. The simplicity, neutrality and sobriety of the rooms was emphasized with white furnishing.

In doing so it was possible to convey a modest elegance that comes after the main purpose of a study environment. The subtle, two-tiered object-oriented lighting concept further underlines that: public access points like reception areas, working areas and computer labs were relocated to the ground floor; limited access points like classrooms and offices moved to the Mezzanine. A centrally located room that spans both floors was fitted with accentuating light lines that brings both levels together and visualizes the architectural structure. Often windowless conference rooms received panoramic photographs that create the impression of a view of the rooftops of Madrid. A welcome optical illusion amidst minimalism and strictness of form.



Architect: Serrano-suñer Arquitectura; Dmo arquitectos

Photographer: Marc Manso | Luis Garcia