INEFC

The Institut Nacional d'Educació Física de Catalunya is part of the Olympic Ring and was completed in 1991. Designed by Ricardo Bofill, the building is home to a training college for physical education teachers. It consists of a single, rectangular prism that adapts to the topography of Parc de Montjuïc. Its main façade consists of a single storey while the rear of the building is set out on four levels. The language used is characteristic of Bofill's post-modern period, with vertical windows and classical mouldings made from prefabricated concrete. A triangular pediment underpinned by four Doric columns with high windows in between mark the main entrance. At the rear of the building, a similar portico serves as a porch and connects with monumental flights of stairs that descend parallel to the façade, accompanying the stepped volumes in a manner reminiscent of Versailles. The interior is set out around two covered courtyards with sports pitches. They are placed symmetrically to both sides of the central core of the building. There are classical elements inside too, including the columns, which contrast with the vast glass windows on the side façades and in the courtyards. The institute has 17 classrooms, sports areas, changing rooms, offices, a library and lecture theatres.