The architect Francisco Sabatini (1722-1795) had designed the large hospital of Atocha as a building complex with several interior courts of varying size, and with a centrally located chapel. However, his idea of an ideal plan was never realized. In 1987, one wing of this development was put to its intended use and accordingly converted into the new conservatory. The conversion posed many problems, which ensued from a series of structural changes which the building had undergone during its lifetime.