ment of people. “It’s the building with the largest volume of wood in Europe, something that’s highly innovative,” says construction man-ager Ignacio Martínez. Even the elevator cores and staircases make use of the material. There’s also a surprising, hidden simplicity to the cruci-form pillars, which are set at 45º angles. The flow reinforces the feeling of seclusion and encourages conversation. The open-plan, adaptable interior can be rearranged to suit any company’s specific needs. Intimate meeting spaces or differentiated work areas can be created, as distance allows for independent uses. “We’ve used very conservative and traditional restoration criteria throughout our project, which lets the passage of time shine through,” says Ruiz. After all, “time also paints,” as Goya said of excessive resto-ration that can undermine a painting’s originality. Part of the Ombú “painting” is its landscape architecture, which is precisely the sort of regenerative rehabilitation needed to decarbonize the city. 12,000 square meters of green areas, gardens, and urban forest with more than 350 trees and over 28,000 plants sustain a human eco-system designed to stimulate talent, work, meetings, rest, and bicycling. It extends toward Madrid, connect-ing to a nearby public garden to allow OMBÚ CONTRIBUTES TO THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH MADRID