CaixaForum València: iconic architecture at the service of culture

The intervention by the Cloud 9 studio, led by architect Enric Ruiz-Geli, has breathed new life into Santiago Calatrava's Ágora building, turning it into a landmark centre whose function goes beyond mere exhibition.

The architectural uniqueness is reflected in every corner of the space, which is conceived as a living ecosystem where culture and science engage in dialogue with the public. Particularly noteworthy is the Nube (Cloud), a diaphanous, multifunctional classroom that floats in the centre as a metaphor for knowledge in constant motion. Also noteworthy are the permanent sculptures by Valencian artists Anna Talens and Inma Femenía, whose works, inspired by rainbows and traditional agricultural architecture, reinforce the cultural identity of the centre.

Covering more than 9,000 m², the centre houses exhibition halls, an auditorium, multipurpose classrooms, a bookshop, a restaurant and educational spaces, creating a landscape that has been internationally recognised as one of the “World's Greatest Places”.

Versatile furniture for a space in transformation

Within this dynamic architecture, the multipurpose spaces at CaixaForum València require great adaptability. The cultural programme, which alternates between conferences, workshops, shows and educational activities on the same day, requires the configuration of the rooms to be transformed with agility and efficiency.

In this context, the MASS Chair, designed by Javier Cuñado of ITEMdesignworks for Sellex, has become a key part of the project. The centre has more than 150 units of the stackable MASS Chair in black frame and anthracite grey polypropylene, along with writing tablets and transport trolleys that facilitate mobility and storage.

The CaixaForum team explains that the choice was mainly motivated by ease of storage and transport, a decisive factor given the space constraints they work with. 'We have limited storage space and, on any given day, we need to make several changes to the layout of the same space. These stackable chairs, together with their transport trolleys, allow us to move them quickly and make our work much easier,' says one of the building's managers.

Added to this versatility is their aesthetic and functional value: a timeless design that provides comfort and robustness, with a colour palette that reinforces the sobriety and elegance of the whole.

MASS, design that accompanies cultural life

The use of the MASS Chair at CaixaForum València reflects the centre's philosophy: combining design and functionality to enhance the cultural experience. The ease with which it can be moved from a conference room to an educational workshop, or from a family activity to an institutional presentation, makes MASS an essential resource.

At Sellex, we are proud that our furniture is part of such an emblematic space with an international cultural reach. Our MASS Chair does not seek the limelight, but rather accompanies the life of the centre, offering order, flexibility and comfort. In short, it adapts discreetly, but leaves its mark.