A living room for the city

Between July 1 and 31, Intermediae is opening Nave Una with extended hours, embracing the concept of a cultural refuge — a role that cultural institutions are increasingly taking on during the summer months in response to the climate crisis and the effects of extreme heat. Cultural spaces are becoming places to be, to take shelter, and to rest, in addition to accessing programming. Culture itself becomes a physical, creative, and intellectual refuge from the elements.

The idea of home connects us to the notion of refuge through comfort and well-being, rather than danger. It also invites us to explore a place where, today, inspiring and critical ways of living and exchanging are being tested — grounded in care in its broadest sense: through friendship, family, community, housemates, neighbors. In our homes, the “living room,” “dining room,” or “lounge” is the space of hospitality and gathering, a place where cultural, artistic, and domestic practices unfold — from watching films and listening to music, to writing, conversation, and deep listening. Starting from this image, Nave Una transforms throughout July into A Living Room for the City, a space and program offering refuge in the kind of cultural practices we might engage in from the comfort of our own living rooms, along with those we might imagine or create if we could explore new uses and dimensions — unknown and shared — with others. It’s a proposal that opens up a timely and generative question: what lies between the intimate/private and the public? The answer points us toward a shared space shaped by culture.

This program brings together local creators who will use this living room for the city as a place to share and exchange their work, alongside international guests joining the experience. Central to the program are listening and music, through live performances and formats like DJ sets, accompanied by podcasts and soundscapes. These will unfold alongside moments of encounter, public conversations, solo and collective readings, using materials available onsite, with possible wanderings after the sessions guided by the artists hosting the events. A Living Room for the City will feature collaborations with creators and artists including Iván Sette, Marco Padiya, María Buey and Javier Rodríguez (Robuche) as Radio Relativa, Julián Galay, Huda, and others.

Program of Activities:

· Usual Offers Allow Arguably
Curated by Ivan Sette, with contributions from Sonia Fernández Pan, Rubén Grilo, Ran Zhang, and Mageutte Dieng
July 2, 2025 – 7:00 PM

· Ambient Layers
With Marco Padiya
July 3, 2025 – 7:30 PM

· Bravas Hierbas
Expanded radio session by María Buey González, Javier Rodríguez, Radio Relativa, and F.T.C.N. Ediciones, with live performances
July 8–9 from 12:00 PM,
July 10 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

· Conecta Clima
Meeting for climate change awareness and prevention, organized by the Youth Department of Madrid City Council
July 11 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

· Cuerpo Travesía
Documentary preview
July 16 – 7:30 PM

· Aguas Mentales
Performance lecture by Julián Galay
July 17 – 7:30 PM

· Estar en mi casa
Intimate concert by Huda
July 23 – 7:30 PM

How to Use This Space: Usage Guidelines

Welcome to a space where the “house rules” are the same as your own living room, with the same care. A place to shelter from the summer heat, to take refuge in your own cultural practices, and to share with others.

There are many climate-controlled spaces in the city, but what makes this one different is that you don’t need to buy anything. This living room for the city is an open space to relax, chat, work, read — or simply be.

To create this cool and welcoming atmosphere, we’ve worked with the creators and artists involved in the program, and filled the space with plants on loan from the Retiro Greenhouse Nursery. These plants will spend the summer here, cared for by Elena Páez from the botanical studio Planthae.

Help Us Maintain a Respectful Environment

· Respect the plants. Don’t touch them or leave anything in the pots.
· Keep your voice down. Use your phone responsibly.
· Keep the space clean.

Facilities

· Work Space: Tables, Wi-Fi, and outlets are available for your phones and laptops — perfect for writing, browsing, working, or relaxing.

· Sound Space: Enjoy soundscapes, podcasts, and music playlists created by the participating artists, available on our website.

Meet others, talk, listen, and read together.

Keep up with what’s happening in this living room for the city.