Architecture News

Jarno Zaffelli, the visionary Italian racetrack designer and founder of Dromo, has brought to fruition his most ambitious project to date: the Madring, a Formula 1 street circuit in Madrid, Spain. After three years of dedicated effort and 17 months of construction, this innovative track is poised to redefine the street circuit experience for drivers and fans alike. With its unique design and integrated urban landscape, the Madring promises an exhilarating race weekend, sparking excitement and anticipation within the Formula 1 community.

For a quarter-century, Jarno Zaffelli, an Italian racetrack architect and the proprietor of Dromo, has been crafting circuits for various motorsports globally. His latest masterpiece, the Madring, a highly anticipated Formula 1 street course in Spain's capital, is finally ready to host its inaugural race this weekend. Street circuits, which incorporate public roads, often face criticism for being too narrow for overtaking, leading to less thrilling races. However, Zaffelli is confident that his new design will break this pattern, offering an unparalleled flow and character.

The burgeoning popularity of Formula 1, greatly influenced by the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive,' has led to the emergence of new circuits worldwide. This docuseries humanized the sport's stars, like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, introducing a broader audience to the excitement and inherent risks of Formula 1 racing. Consequently, new venues have been established in cities such as Miami, Las Vegas, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, reflecting the sport's expanding global footprint.

The journey from a conceptual idea to a fully operational Formula 1 racetrack is fraught with challenges. Zaffelli's project, the Madring, was a testament to perseverance over three arduous years. The track's design necessitated seamless integration with IFEMA, Madrid's largest convention center, while also incorporating existing public roads in Valdebebas, a rapidly developing district near Madrid-Barajas airport. His team meticulously engineered a 5.4 km circuit, of which 1.5 km utilized public roads, featuring 22 turns. The standout feature is 'La Monumental,' a significantly banked turn 12, boasting a 24% gradient and a peak height of 10 meters, making it the second steepest turn on the Formula 1 calendar. Drivers are expected to achieve speeds exceeding 300 km per hour on each lap.

Zaffelli's pride in the Madring's design stems from the close proximity of grandstands and hospitality areas to the track, a consideration from the project's inception. He successfully positioned two massive grandstands on either side of 'La Monumental,' cultivating a stadium-like ambiance. The goal is for spectators to not just watch, but truly 'feel' the cars' vibrations, creating an immersive experience that connects fans with the raw power of Formula 1. The construction, spanning 17 months from April 2025, involved moving approximately one million square meters of earth. Now, the Madring is primed for its grand debut at the 2026 Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, scheduled from September 11 to September 13.

The Madring circuit has largely garnered positive reviews within the Formula 1 community, though some express reservations about its race performance. Veteran track designer Robert Barnard, who conceptualized Australia's Adelaide Street Circuit in 1985, voiced concerns regarding the Madring's sharp, blind corners. He fears these might deter drivers from attacking turns at maximum speed due to obscured sightlines. Barnard cited a recent Formula 3 test at the Madring, which saw an alarming 19 red flags—instances where racing is halted due to incidents ranging from car spins to crashes. Given that the circuit is new to all Formula 1 drivers, Barnard speculates they might adopt a more cautious approach during the upcoming race weekend, foregoing bold maneuvers.

However, others maintain a more hopeful outlook. David Hobbs, a seasoned Formula 1 analyst and lead commentator for NBC in the 2010s, highlighted that despite the numerous red flags during the Formula 3 test, feedback from the young drivers was overwhelmingly positive. Hobbs noted that Formula 3 races are inherently more prone to red flags than Formula 1 events. He anticipates an engaging race, emphasizing the crucial role of mechanics in configuring cars with elevated ride heights and robust springs to counteract the substantial G-forces expected. Drawing parallels to his commentary experience at the 1991 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Hobbs is confident that Madrid will deliver an electrifying atmosphere, irrespective of the race's specific outcomes.

The debut of the Madring track signifies a momentous occasion for both Jarno Zaffelli and the global motorsport community. Zaffelli envisions a track that not only challenges the drivers with its dramatic elevation changes and a steeply banked corner but also deeply engages the fans, allowing them to physically feel the raw power of the cars. The meticulous planning involved reducing public road usage to minimize disruption and simplify administrative complexities, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to urban integration. The Madring is poised to deliver a unique and unforgettable racing spectacle that will resonate with both participants and spectators.

Guillaume Excoffier, a renowned French art dealer and interior designer, has meticulously curated a stunning apartment in Beirut that embodies a sophisticated blend of modernist architecture and an eclectic array of design elements spanning different historical periods. His passion for Beirut's often-overlooked modernist buildings, constructed during a period of significant economic growth between the 1950s and mid-1970s, inspired him to create a living space that not only respects the city's architectural heritage but also serves as a canvas for his unique aesthetic vision. The apartment, located in the vibrant Ashrafieh district, is a testament to the idea that diverse design philosophies can coexist beautifully, fostering an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and warmly inviting.

Excoffier's fascination with Beirut's modernist structures began in the early 2010s, leading him to explore and document a variety of buildings, from Brutalist office blocks to colorful tributes to Le Corbusier. These buildings often incorporated regional adaptations, such as shade structures and breezeways, to suit the Mediterranean climate, along with structural innovations for sloping terrains and reinterpretations of traditional elements like the Ottoman-era triple arches. This journey culminated in his collaboration with photographer Matthieu Salvaing on the book Modernist Beirut, published by Éditions Norma. This exploration deepened his desire to personally inhabit a piece of this rich architectural history.

In 2023, Excoffier discovered an ideal apartment in a 1952 building in Ashrafieh. What captivated him were the soaring 13-foot ceilings and a loft-like ambiance, which he felt created an "inside-outside" sensation, further enhanced by large windows offering views of Beirut's architectural tapestry—a mix of traditional Levantine structures, modern high-rises, and midcentury apartment blocks. After removing previous uninspired renovations, Excoffier established a "blank canvas" with concrete floors and period-appropriate windows, setting the stage for his design. His approach involves a deliberate dialogue between 1980s furnishings and pre-20th-century pieces, drawing inspiration from various sources, including a Mica Ertegun auction that rekindled his appreciation for the clean lines of Biedermeier furniture, seen as a precursor to modernism.

The drawing room exemplifies this philosophy, where iconic pieces like Philippe Starck's Dr. Sonderbar seats and Josef Hoffmann's Purkersdorf chairs engage in a conversation about ornamentation and its evolution. André Dubreuil's distinctive "Spine" piece adds an element of whimsicality, juxtaposed with a delicately embroidered slipper, reflecting the city's lively and unpretentious spirit. Excoffier notes that Beirut's social culture, where hosting 40 guests is considered an intimate gathering, discourages minimalism. He asserts that living with antiques doesn't necessitate a "froufrou and château-like" atmosphere; instead, it can be sharp and intellectually engaging, revealing the interconnectedness of design across eras.

Excoffier's interior design firm, established in 2023 after his departure from the Gabriel et Guillaume gallery, sees him dividing his time between Paris, Beirut, and Dubai. He continues his passion for "looking for things," meticulously searching markets worldwide for both clients and his personal collection. This treasure hunt extends from significant pieces like those by Jean Royère to everyday objects such as a soap tray. The apartment also integrates utilitarian items crafted by local artisans, including a custom-made sectional, a concrete dining table, bookshelves made from plastered construction bricks, and Arts and Crafts-inspired kitchen stools. Even unique decorative items like large, faded ice cream cones, reminiscent of Claes Oldenburg's sculptures, were found locally. These elements collectively transform his beautifully appointed space into a reflection of Beirut's dynamic and creative essence, echoing the adaptable spirit of the modernist architects who shaped the city's past.