The architectural project by David Chipperfield Architects has transformed the former bank headquarters into a versatile cultural centre that combines heritage, contemporary design and functionality.

David Chipperfield is one of the leading figures in contemporary international architecture and has developed more than one hundred projects, including major refurbishments and new buildings for renowned cultural institutions such as the Neues Museum (Berlin, 1997–2009), Saint Louis Art Museum (Missouri, 2005–13), Turner Contemporary (Margate, 2006–2011), Museum Folkwang (Essen, 2007–09), Kunsthaus Zürich (2008–20), Museo Jumex (Mexico, 2009–2013), West Bund Museum (Shanghai, 2013–19), and Procuratie Vecchie (Venice, 2017–22).

His hallmark is the ability to give new life to buildings while respecting their essence and history. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a strong social and environmental commitment, two key principles that have guided the renovation of the Pereda Building.

At the heart of the project is the arch, which defines and divides the building. Historically, it connected the upper floors, while its void separated the lower levels. The project uses this element as the backbone of public circulation. The upper part of the arch opening is partially enclosed with glass to preserve the clarity of its silhouette while making the building’s new public life visible.

Materials have been selected to unify the old and the new, respecting historic finishes while introducing durable, contemporary elements.

The refurbishment of the Pereda Building has provided Faro Santander with a total usable area of 10,000 square metres, including approximately 3,000 square metres of exhibition space. The new building has ten levels: five floors with exhibition spaces and public areas, two upper levels dedicated to the café-terrace and restaurant, and three basement levels housing the auditorium and technical facilities.

In the following videos, Chipperfield himself explains his project for Espacio Pereda. In the first, briefly and generically; in the second in more detail, since it includes the conference he gave in December 2019 at the College of Architects of Cantabria.