Deusto Library

The University of Deusto had been deliberating the idea of building a new library for years, but had never taken the plunge until the opportunity of crossing the Ibaizabal-Nervion River arose.

Completed in 2010, the renowned architect, Rafael MONEO, designed the building as a monolithic mass, with rounded corners, functional and full of light, a place for students and researchers to work with the maximum of comfort. Indeed, a notable characteristic of the new building in Abandoibarra is the translucent glass blocks which augment the skylight effect and providing sound and heat insulation. For example, the coffee shop has abundant natural light despite its street level location.

As a result of his serene design in remodelling the Arenberg Campus Library of the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, Rafael MONEO was invited by the Jesuits to help bring Deusto University into the 21st century. Thus, the Spanish architect from Navarre was called upon to contribute both to this vital project, and to participate in the creation of the new Bilbao.

Basque Public University Auditorium

With this latest 8,000 sq. m. construction, which also houses an auditorium and various meeting and conference rooms, the Basque Public University (UPV-EHU) will now have a place in Abandoibarra as of 2010, thanks to the Bilbao Bizkaia Kutxa-BBK Savings Bank who invested €18 million in this project, which it later donated to the University.

Known for his eagerness to respect surroundings and seek the utility of all his projects, architect, Alvaro SIZA’s design of the new auditorium successfully resolved the initial matter of erecting this building under the pressure of having the Guggenheim Museum as a neighbour. However, this was before he realized that the new Iberdrola Tower would stand just a few metres away from his project.