Metro de Madrid’s Integral Transportation Center: A Contemporary Urban Landmark

The Metro de Madrid Integral Transportation Center (CIT) stands as a striking example of urban regeneration and sustainable design in the heart of Plaza Castilla, Madrid. Conceived by Nexo Arquitectura, Gutiérrez-delaFuente Arquitectos, and Andrés Perea, this institutional campus transforms the former depots of Metro Line 1 into a dynamic hub for the city’s transport administration and community engagement.

Urban Regeneration and Sustainable Design

The CIT project addresses two major goals: the urban renewal of an obsolete metro facility and the centralization of office spaces and transport services for the Community of Madrid. The headquarters of Metro de Madrid, completed in 2022 as Phase 1 of the project, sets the stage for a technologically advanced, sustainable campus, with Phase 2 including the CCOR (New Technological and Operational Center), the Regional Transport Consortium, and the Museum of Transport. All buildings meet near-zero energy building (nZEB) standards, reflecting a commitment to sustainable architecture and environmental stewardship.

A New Urban Acropolis

One of the defining features of the CIT is its visual and physical permeability, connecting the built environment with the central garden and the surrounding cityscape. The design establishes a new urban structure that clarifies street spaces while creating an inviting central Garden, Jardín 1 Metro, built on the legacy of the old depots. This space fosters a hybrid urban habitat for workers, residents, visitors, and local flora and fauna, establishing a civic destination that Madrid locals can experience and cherish.

Preserving Heritage Through Design

The CIT project celebrates the industrial heritage of Metro de Madrid. The central garden incorporates elements from the old depots—including escalators, mechanical doors, masts, and railways—retaining their iconic yellow color as a nod to the city’s metro culture. The ballast deposit, preserved and reintegrated, marks the main access to the garden, serving as a prominent urban landmark. This adaptive reuse demonstrates a contemporary approach to urban archaeology, blending historical preservation with modern functionality.

A Space for Community and Memory

Jardín 1 Metro is more than a park; it is a legacy for future generations, connecting Madrid’s history with its evolving urban fabric. By restoring, updating, and reusing existing structures, the CIT project reinforces the city’s identity, offering residents and visitors a space that feels alive, interactive, and uniquely Madrileño.

All photographs are works ofFernando Alda