Last Chance for a Slow Dance sees the transformation of a ruined Basque Country building into a covered public space.

Named after a song by Fugazi, admired by architectural practice Behark for its resonance with the project, this structure is a renovated 'aterpe' – Basque for 'refuge, covered place or shelter'.

Located in Larrabetzu, a town and municipality in the province of Biscay, it aims to overcome the lack of covered public areas by creating a space that is protected from bad weather but at the same time open, ventilated and luminous.

The project was designed to sit seamlessly in its urban landscape. It offers a contemporary image while respecting local architectural tradition both in its shape and style, and is consistent with the previously existing building in both construction and finishing materials –wood, stone, and a treated stone-looking concrete are among the elements that contribute to a harmonious blend with its surroundings.

This project has been longlisted in the civic building category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Architect: Behark

Project: Last Chance for a Slow Dance