Located in Madrid, Palenqe is an design experiment by DIIR that redefines the role of spatial programming. Rather than conforming to a fixed function, the project embraces improvisation, creating a flexible “game board” where unplanned activities unfold organically. It is a machine for spontaneity, a place whose true meaning is revealed through its power to surprise.

A monumental steel door marks the enigmatic entrance, leading to a perfectly square, granite-lined foyer that sets the tone for what follows: an immersive architectural experience. This sense of theatricality continues into the main hall - an open, adaptable core space defined by dramatic lighting and material contrast. Suspended linear lighting fixtures stretch across the room, while steel wall panels cloak one elevation in a unified metallic texture. Behind two of these panels lies a hidden, fully equipped kitchen, transforming part of the wall into a functional "bunker" that reinforces the spatial versatility.

At the far end of the hall, a grandstand structure emerges with dual potential: product display or public seating. A heavy curtain across the back wall conceals a high-spec stage and sound system, making the space instantly convertible for performances or gatherings. Granite cladding continues here, lending the backdrop a visual weight and distinct identity.

Palenqe is more than a venue, it's a collaborative platform for shifting programs and collective creativity. It’s a bold design that merges raw, industrial materials with precise craftsmanship. Every element is considered, every detail purposeful, resulting in a narrative that is clear, minimal, and emotionally resonant.