{"id":87076,"date":"2025-04-30T06:25:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T06:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccmagazine.es\/?p=87076"},"modified":"2025-10-13T05:10:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T05:10:16","slug":"halo-the-creative-sanctuary-by-esther-merinero-breathing-new-life-into-usera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccmagazine.es\/en\/halo-the-creative-sanctuary-by-esther-merinero-breathing-new-life-into-usera\/","title":{"rendered":"Halo: The creative sanctuary by Esther Merinero breathing new life into Usera"},"content":{"rendered":"
Halo has a very special identity. How did the idea of creating it come about, and what inspired you to bring it to life?<\/h6>\n

Halo<\/em> was born from the desire to have a space where different activities could coexist and where sharing processes was natural. At the time, my sister was studying culinary arts and I needed a larger workshop, so we decided to combine our needs and dreams. We envisioned a hybrid space that could host everything from gastronomic events to creative workshops \u2014 a place that transcends conventional labels.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalo was born from the desire to have a space where different activities could coexist.\u201d<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Usera is a neighbourhood undergoing major transformation. Why did you choose this area for your project, and what does Halo contribute to its surroundings?<\/h6>\n

The choice happened quite organically. Burr Studio<\/em> had previously worked in the area and had their eye on the space. I also had friends with studios nearby, and there was a personal connection too: my mother grew up in Usera. It felt like a sign. I believe Halo<\/em> contributes to revitalising the neighbourhood by offering an open, collaborative cultural space.<\/p>\n

Burr Studio has carried out an impressive architectural renovation at Halo. What was the collaboration process like, and what key elements shaped the project?<\/h6>\n

It was a truly fluid and enriching collaboration. I already knew Burr<\/em> personally and professionally and was eager to work with them if I ever had a space like this. From the outset, I was clear that I wanted a courtyard \u2014 a small green lung that would allow me to step outside, breathe, water the plants… a simple but vital ritual in the daily creative rhythm.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What were the main architectural and structural challenges of the original space, and how did Burr address them?<\/h6>\n

The first challenge was bringing natural light into a place where not a single ray had previously entered \u2014 a transformation both symbolic and essential. The second was adapting the space to function as my workshop while remaining flexible enough to host a range of activities, all achieved with minimal intervention that preserved the original spirit of the building.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In terms of design, Halo has a very distinctive aesthetic. Which concepts and materials best capture its essence?<\/h6>\n

Natural light is the heart of Halo<\/em>. My favourite part of the space is being able to work all day without ever turning on a light. It was also important to me to preserve something of the original atmosphere. For instance, the worktables we use today were crafted from a large table that was already in the space when we first arrived. We wanted to keep its soul alive.<\/p>\n

\u201cNatural light is the heart of Halo.\u201d<\/h2>\n
Beyond architecture, Halo is a space with soul. What activities, events or experiences take place here, and how do they interact with the design?<\/h6>\n

I’m glad you feel that way. Halo<\/em> hosts a wide range of activities: from culinary events to advertising shoots, exhibitions and photo sessions. We work both with major brands and institutions, as well as with much more independent initiatives.<\/p>\n

Every project is welcomed with care, and the space adapts itself to each new idea.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In recent years, Madrid has seen a surge in hybrid spaces that blend art, culture and community. How does Halo fit into this new wave of creative venues?<\/h6>\n

Exactly by refusing to be pigeonholed. We don’t define ourselves strictly as a photography studio, an art gallery or a workshop. Halo<\/em> is a space that listens and welcomes, a container for ideas that values creative diversity.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalo is a space that listens and welcomes, a container for ideas that values creative diversity.\u201d<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Since its opening, how has Halo been received by the local community and visitors?<\/h6>\n

The reception has been fantastic. The local community has been incredibly welcoming and excited to see spaces in the neighbourhood being brought back to life.<\/p>\n

Most of our visitors come because they know about our activities or have been invited, but we’d love to create more open proposals to attract local passers-by as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Finally, how do you envision the evolution of Halo over the coming years, and what would you like it to represent for the city?<\/h6>\n

It’s difficult to imagine a space representing something broader like a whole city. For now, I hope Halo<\/em> continues to grow organically, offering projects that connect with people. Although it may sound ambitious, I’d love for it to become a small reference point for independent spaces in Madrid\u2019s cultural scene. But above all, it will always be my personal creative sanctuary.<\/p>\n

About Esther Merinero<\/strong><\/p>\n

Esther Merinero<\/em><\/a> (Madrid, 1994) is a visual artist, trained at Chelsea College of Arts (BA)<\/em> and the Royal College of Art (MA Sculpture)<\/em> with the support of a “la Caixa” Foundation<\/em> scholarship. Her work has been featured in prestigious institutions including CentroCentro<\/em> (Madrid), Sandretto Foundation<\/em>, Sala de Arte Joven<\/em>, and Saatchi Gallery<\/em> (London).<\/p>\n

Merinero<\/em> explores memory, fragility and encounter through sculptural, narrative and scenographic objects and spaces. She is currently preparing solo exhibitions at Ex Projects<\/em> (Barcelona) and Des Bains<\/em> (London).<\/p>\n

(*)<\/strong> Photographies by Maru Serrano.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Halo has a very special identity. How did the idea of creating it come about, and what inspired you to bring it to life? Halo was born from the desire to have a space where different activities could coexist and where sharing processes was natural. At the time, my sister was studying culinary arts and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":87055,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5959,5957,5918,5916,5901,5900],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-architecture","category-design-en","category-inspiration-en-2","category-inspiration-en","category-artists","category-art-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHalo: The creative sanctuary breathing new life into Usera<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Halo, Esther Merinero's creative space in Usera, Madrid: architecture, art, and community in a project full of light and life.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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