Colonia de la Prensa, Architectural ensemble in Puerta Bonita, Madrid, Spain.
Colonia de la Prensa is a residential complex in Puerta Bonita with buildings dating from the early 1900s that feature Spanish architectural styles with decorative stonework and balconies. The structures stand closely together forming enclosed housing blocks with paved pathways connecting them.
The project was established in 1913 to create homes for journalists and media professionals. Architect Felipe Mario López Blanco designed the complex as an innovative housing model for this professional group.
The neighborhood takes its name to honor journalism and maintains this connection in how residents identify their community. Shared spaces within the complex remain important gathering places where neighbors spend time together regularly.
The complex is located in an accessible area with direct access to public transportation and bus stops nearby. Visitors should explore the narrow pathways between buildings slowly as they are tight spaces and give priority to residents.
The complex was one of the early examples of specialized worker housing developments in Madrid and was copied as a model for similar projects. This role as a model project made it noteworthy among contemporary architects and city planners.
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