Edificio Castelar, Madrid

The Castelar Building is a 17-story office structure along Paseo de la Castellana featuring a transparent glass prism that floats above a travertine marble base. The interior is organized by an L-shaped concrete core that allows office spaces to remain free of internal columns.

Architects Rafael de La-Hoz Arderius and Gerardo Olivares designed the building in 1974 for Banco Coca, with construction completed in 1986. The project emerged during a period when Spain was exploring modern forms and integrating international design influences.

The building reflects the design philosophy of 1970s Madrid, where glass and marble facades expressed a vision of modern urban progress. Visitors can see how the structure still communicates this confidence in contemporary architecture.

The building is accessible from Paseo de la Castellana and sits near major transit connections, making it easy to reach by public transport. Visitors should know that this is primarily a working office complex, so access to many areas may be restricted.

The building avoids internal support columns by using hanging floor plates suspended from the central concrete skeleton. This unusual construction method creates remarkably open office spaces that were innovative for the time.