Paseo de Pereda‏‏‎ ‎9-12

Paseo de Pereda has been home to Banco Santander since 1923 and the building, with its monumental archway, forms a distinctive part of the city’s seafront overlooking the Jardines de Pereda and Santander Bay. The project will open Paseo de Pereda 9-12 to the public, allowing it to become a more active part of the city’s social and cultural life. In its new role, the building will become the home for the Banco Santander collection and a place of changing exhibitions and events with a public rooftop terrace.

Despite its uniform appearance, Paseo de Pereda 9-12, in its present form, has grown incrementally, with the earliest parts dating back to 1795. It evolved from two separate residential buildings, one on either side of the Calle Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, into one unified headquarters, connected by the arch which bridges the street and was added in 1951. These modifications have resulted in a compromised internal lay-out of various styles and uses and of a predominantly domestic character. While retaining the personality and characteristics of the existing spaces, the project will see them converted into galleries and events spaces.

At the centre of the building is the iconic archway, which both defines and divides it. The design envisages the arch as a connector, establishing it as a central spine by partially enclosing the upper section. Here the major circulation of the building will be visible, signalling the new permeability and celebrating the transformation of the bank into a major public venue for the city. In spite of this glazed infill, the arch will retain its urban qualities as a recognisable gateway between the city and the sea.