The Norman Foster Foundation, based in Madrid and dedicated to preserving the work and legacy of one of the most influential architects worldwide, has opted for Synology technology to ensure the security, preservation, and accessibility of its valuable historical archive. This collection includes over 120,000 items, including blueprints, sketches, models, photographs, and documents in both digital and analog formats.
The project, developed in collaboration with the technology integrator Inmasan, aimed to address a key challenge: establishing an infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale digitization of materials, enabling collaboration among more than 25 professionals, and managing large files in demanding formats such as CAD or TIFF.
“It’s not just about preserving documents, but about safeguarding an architectural legacy that must be accessible to future generations. For that, we needed a technological solution that could meet those demands,” explains Diego Tobalina, Head of Innovation and Design at the Foundation.
A robust and scalable infrastructure
To meet these needs, the Foundation implemented a data architecture that combines a main NAS with local, remote, and cloud backup systems, providing maximum protection against incidents such as technical errors, cyberattacks, or physical disasters.
- Synology RS3621RPxs: the core of the infrastructure, with over 100 TB of capacity, SSD cache, and advanced data protection systems.
- Synology DS1817+: an additional device for critical backups and cloud backup via Synology C2, surpassing 60 TB of capacity.
Thanks to this solution, the Foundation has strengthened real-time collaboration, ensured the long-term preservation of its archive, and increased resilience against risks through data redundancy.
A longstanding partnership
The more than ten-year alliance between the Foundation and Inmasan Tecnología has been key to the project’s success. “The Synology solution even covered the most extreme risk scenarios, from data encryption to protection against fires or floods,” highlights Javier Conesa, CEO of Inmasan.
A future-ready archive
With this infrastructure, the Norman Foster Foundation ensures that its archive—an authentic testament to contemporary architecture—remains protected and accessible to researchers, professionals, and the public. The initiative strengthens the institution’s commitment to education, sustainability, and research, ensuring this legacy continues to inspire future generations.