Page 130 - 360.revista de Alta Velocidad - Nº 6

Ayrault Pérez, Juan

Summarizing: Atocha is everything but a neutral space. It is certainly an efficient building
that provides top class services to customers: hurried business persons, commuters, easy‐going
tourists, etc, but it is also a place for memories, for meetings, for dreams...
9. Conclusions

The area around Atocha gate experienced constant urban renovation projects in the 17th and
18th centuries.
Its role as a key communication spot was enhanced with the implementation of railway in the
mid 19th century, when the area incorporated other industrial, political and cultural facilities.
In 1892 Alberto del Palacio constructed the building that lasted for a century as an iconic image.
In the mid 20th century, both the urban surroundings and the railway terminal endured a
process of dereliction and were severely threatened by wrong transport policies, speculation
and disregard for their architectural values.

Planners’ reflections in the early 80’s recovered the appreciation for city centres. These new
principles resulted in a positive assessment of Atocha’s central position in town. New policies
recovered the character of the area with a notorious respect for its past and a fresh vision of
its future.
The renovation of Atocha station was possible due to a new sensitivity toward 19th century iron
and industrial architecture and a general major concern for heritage.

Close cooperation between local and national authorities transformed dramatically the
surroundings of Madrid Atocha turning it into the Golden Triangle of Art, a world class cultural
hub that draws millions of visitors per year. These transformations attracted new services such
as accommodation, art galleries and new housing provided by the private sector.
HS arrival 25 years ago to Madrid‐Puerta de Atocha was a disruptive event that turned upside
down railway perception by Spanish society. Atocha station as a major railway hub combines
HS regional and long distance services will the whole commuter network and other modes. This
fact has been crucial for its success.
But HS railway and the city nourish each other. A renovated urban space plus a world‐class
station are a good recipe for success. This success is not only linked to the efficiency of the
HS line and the quality of the railway service, but to the image provided by a brand new
terminal that integrates the best of the old, urban and culturally rich architecture with the
functionalities of a modern terminal, and its character as an open gate to an open, vibrant and
welcoming city called Madrid, my beloved hometown.

Portosin (Galicia). September 2017.

10. Acronyms

• ADIF • Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias

• APA • American Psychological Association
• BNE • Biblioteca Nacional de España
• CARS • Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
• COAM • Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Madrid

• EP • El País
• ETSAM • Escuela Técnica de Arquitectura de Madrid

128 360.revista de alta velocidad