Inspiring spaces

The building is the new headquarters of Fundación RIA, the independent non-profit think tank and agency founded by architect David Chipperfield in 2017 to promote sustainable development and quality of life in the territory of Galicia, in north-west Spain. It provides a dynamic space to expand Fundación RIA’s conversations and multidisciplinary research across Galicia and beyond.

Casa RIA hosts a public programme of events, talks, conferences and exhibitions related to the work of Fundación RIA, including urban planning, sustainable territorial management, and design culture. The space, a former sanatorium which has been restored and transformed by David Chipperfield Architects Santiago, also provides educational facilities and accommodation to support research residencies for up to 20 researchers or students, in collaboration with world-leading academic institutions.

The building further comprises the offices of David Chipperfield Architects Santiago, whose activity and resources support the work of Fundación RIA. To foster the development of the community, Casa RIA also offers its exhibition and conference spaces to the promotion of communal initiatives, as a showcase for Galician activities and a platform for disseminating local knowledge.

w222 Focal provides exceptional directional light while enhancing its surroundings with an architectonically interesting yet warmly appealing design, built on the square and the circle. Can be mounted on the ceiling, attached to the wall or suspended like a pendant. w222 Focal was created in cooperation with British architect David Chipperfield.

On the one hand w241 Faro is a welcoming beacon, its gentle, low-sweeping glow emphasized by its formal integrity and balanced proportions. On the other, it is a technically superior hybrid lamp, pairing qualitative light with smooth, compact portability. w241 Faro was created in cooperation with British architect David Chipperfield.

w102 Chipperfield references an archetypal personal desk lamp for home or office use and seeks to offer a fresh interpretation of the familiar on a domestic scale. w102 Chipperfield was created in cooperation with British architect David Chipperfield.

While the sleek brass of Holocene No. 2 serves as a nod to the classic oil lamp, its construction offers a more innovative, interactive take. Along the perimeter of its round base – where the lamp oil is stored – are two freely movable curved reflectors. Holocene No. 2: David Chipperfield was created in cooperation with British architect David Chipperfield.

Holocene No. 5 explores the play of reflections, as well as the idea of a simple piece that can be used in different ways. It uses the age-old trick of combining a sconce with a mirror to increase the reflection of light – here in a striking version that is both contemporary and timeless enough for any setting. Holocene No. 5: David Chipperfield was created in cooperation with British architect David Chipperfield.

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