Azkuna Zentroa (Azkuna Centre), Bilbao

Azkuna Centre was originally constructed between 1905 and 1909 as a wine warehouse designed by Ricardo Bastida. It retains a facade that pays homage to its industrial past while having been transformed into a multi-purpose cultural centre. In 2015, in tribute to the beloved former mayor Iñaki Azkuna, the building received its current name.

French designer Philippe Starck, in collaboration with Thibaut Mathieu, repurposed the vast structure into an open-plan environment. Forty‑three distinct columns suspended three inner brick "cubes" within the atrium-creating a theatrical effect. The building now includes a multiplex cinema, library, fitness centre, exhibition rooms, an auditorium, shops, cafés, restaurants, and even a swimming pool with a transparent floor.

But Azkuna Centre is much more than its impressive architecture-it’s a culinary, creative, and cultural magnet. This living space hosts performances, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and community events. A standout feature is the 2,000 m² rooftop terrace, perfect for sunbathing in summer or hosting special gatherings in winter.