Perhaps one of the most controversial, yet at the same time frequently mentioned Madrid structures of the last decade today are the Columbus Towers - hundred-meter skyscrapers built in the center of Madrid.
Built in 1976 according to the design of architect Antonio Lamela, the towers became the center of the intersection of the south-north and east-west axes. In addition to the geographical center, the Columbus Towers also became a place that united the historic Salamanca district with the rapidly developing modern quarters of Madrid.
Over their relatively short history, the towers have changed their outward appearance and functional purpose more than once: from luxury apartments with panoramic windows to restrained office premises. Being one of the tallest structures in the city, the Columbus Towers can be seen from almost any observation deck in Madrid. The space-age green roof and the garnet tint of the facade glass stand out like a bright spot against the sandy beige coloring of most buildings in the central part of the city, contrasting with the blue of the Spanish sky.
