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Azkuna Zentroa

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Interior view of the Azkuna Zentroa – a multi-purpose venue designed by Philippe Starck – in Bilbao, Spain.

Take a neglected wine storage warehouse, convert it into a leisure and cultural center, add a shot of Bilbao style and the result is the Azkuna Zentroa (also known as Alhóndiga). Repurposed by renowned architect Philippe Starck, it now houses a cinema, art gallery, rooftop swimming pool with a glass bottom, a public media center, cafes and restaurants. The ground floor is notable for its 43 tubby columns, each constructed with a unique design symbolizing infinite cultures, architecture, wars and religion. Also here is a Basque design shop, DendAZ.

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