Edificio Meneses, Eclectic architecture building in Plaza de Canalejas, Madrid, Spain
The Edificio Meneses at number 4 on Plaza de Canalejas is a multi-story building that houses shops and apartments. Its facade features semi-classical columns paired with glass panels, a domed section, and decorative railings on the upper levels.
The building was designed in 1914 by architects José María Mendoza Ussía and José de Aragón Pradera as a commercial property for the widow of financier Meneses. It reflects the blend of business expansion and architectural modernization happening in Madrid during that period.
The building blends large glass windows with classical architectural details in a way that was novel for Madrid at that time. This mixture shapes how the plaza looks and shows how modern design ideas arrived in the city.
The building sits directly on Plaza de Canalejas and is easily visible from the square itself. Ground level houses shops where visitors can look inside, while upper floors contain residences that create a busy mix of uses throughout the day.
The vertical columns on the facade create a visual stretching effect that makes the building appear taller than it actually is. This clever use of upward lines was a subtle design trick that changed how people perceived the plaza when it was new.
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