|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1973 Ricardo Bofill came across a disused early 20th-century cement factory, with over 30 silos, underground galleries and gigantic machine rooms, and decided to make it his work place. The remodelling process took two years. The factory, then abandoned, was the sum of surrealist elements: stairs that climbed to nowhere, powerful reinforced concrete structures that were not supporting anything, pieces of iron hanging in the air, deserted spaces full of magic. The transformation began with a selective demolition of the old structure to reveal its hidden forms. Once the spaces had been defined, the process of adapting them to the new brief began. The result was eight silos for offices, meeting rooms, technical studios, a models laboratory, archives and a space that for its monumentality was called ‘The Cathedral’, to host exhibitions, concerts, screenings and all manner of cultural events linked to the architect’s professional activity. The difficult task of creating plant life where previously there had only been cement was an integral part of the project. Thanks to this new growth, the factory, surrounded by eucalyptus, palm, olive and cypress trees has, over the years, become an oasis. |
|
