PORXÁ | Congress Palace

A Civic Landmark Merging Tradition and Innovation The PORXÁ Congress Palace in Elche is a visionary proposal that draws inspiration from the traditional porxá, a shaded gallery typical of local architecture. This element serves as the organizing principle, creating a perimeter of terraces and galleries that open the building to the city while forming a continuous climatic threshold. Situated strategically between the historic center, the Palm Grove, the university campus, and the Altabix neighborhood, the building acts as a civic hinge, extending public life through shaded plazas and elevated promenades. Inside, a sequence of foyers, terraces, and a triple-height atrium guides movement, allowing circulation through both interior and exterior spaces. The congress halls are warm wooden volumes designed for versatility, surrounded by informal spaces of encounter. The architecture balances solidity and lightness, with robust interior masses and a porous perimeter of terraces and sunscreens.

Design Highlights

Reinterpretation of the traditional porxá as a civic architectural element Integration with the UNESCO-listed Palm Grove and urban fabric Hybrid structural system combining concrete, timber, and steel Passive climatic strategies and renewable energy systems Flexible and versatile congress halls with acoustic optimization

Key Facts