P30026_RESEARCH METHODS_LA FABRICA BY RICARDO BOFILL by Alyssa Yap

MArchD Applied Design in Architecture P30026 Research Method

La FĂ brica by Ricardo Bofill

Zhong Lin Yap

18023440

International Architecture Regeneration & Development

CONTENT

1.0

INTRODUCTION

2.0

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

3.0

LITERATURE REVIEW

4.0

TECHNICAL DRAWING & ARCHIVE PHOTOS

5.0

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

6.0

CONCLUSION

7.0

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Figure 1.0: Aerial view of La FĂ brica Cement Factory, Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain

Architects: Ricardo Bofill Location: Barcelona, Spain Area: 3,100 sq m and a garden Year Completed: 1975

In 1973, when Ricardo Bofill came across a cement factory in Catalonia, Spain (World War I era structure)

which was an enormous compound of silos and buildings. With his vision, Bofill decided to make modifications to the original structure in order to create an all-inclusive live/work space that would unite the Surrealist, Abstract, and Brutalist elements found in its industrial form (Bofill, R., James, W. A. and Taller de Arquitectura, 1988).

As the whole structure was made up of many elements, Bofill realized demolishing part if its outer facade was

necessary in order make visible and revealing the hidden forms. This paper aims to discuss on the Architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambition and theoretical value on revealing the hidden structure of a cement factory converted to a inhabitable space.

Figure 2.0: Physical Model showing Original Cement Factory during 1960s.0

2.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

RESEARCH ON TRANSFORMATION OF INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE INTO INHABITABLE SPACE

LITERATURE REVIEW POST-INDUSTRIALISM ADAPTIVE REUSE THE SILOS

BACKGROUND RESEARCH Understanding the existing critical theories and related premises of industrial heritage and the aspect of adaptive reuse

DRAWINGS ANALYSIS DECONSTRUCTION NEW INSERTION LIGHTING & VENTILATION

DESIGN PRINCIPLE Understanding the architectural ambition of the Architect in transforming a former factory into live and work space.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS DECONSTRUCTION NEW INSERTION LIGHTING & VENTILATION

CONCLUSION LIMITATION SUITABILITY

TECHNICAL ASPECT Similar approach of case study is chosen in order to further understand the technical aspect of renovating a silo building

3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Post-Industrialism Throughout the years, adaptive reuse industrial heritage into residential building has gradually become an important means of urban renewal and reconstruction. In terms of architectural discourse, the term “post-industrial” refers to vacant sites and derelict structures that were once served as industrial purpose. However, the original use of the term described less tangible aspects of a culture and economy (Wilson, C. 2010). Adaptive Reuse Several similar terms frequently used in architectural literature to understand to defination of adaptive reuse; adaptation, renovation, refurbishment, retrofitting, and rehabilitation (Wilkinson, S., James, K. and Reed, R., 2009). A similar word, conversion, represents functional change such as converting an office block and making it suitable for residential use (Watson, P., 2009). Douglas also articulates that conversion is a method that considers a similar use for another type of occupancy (e.g. mixed or single use) and to make the function fit into a building appropriately. Refurbishment and retrofitting are both frequently used with energy performance perspectives of an old building (Erden, B., 2018). Giebeler et al. explains that the refurbishment of a building definitely has an action for transforming it to meet current standards (Giebeler, G., Krause, H., Fisch, R., Musso, F., Lenz, B. and Rudolphi, A., 2012). The term ‘renovation’ can be distinguished from adaptive reuse in that adaptive reuse can involve spatial additions to building stocks. The Silo The silo developed as one of the world’s first industrial structures (Carson & Jenkyn, 1993). Most of the silos were left abandoned as old ports and new shipping routes changed cities and due to its former structure, it is difficult to make redevelopment (Byrnes, M., 2012). Therefore, developers or city councils are forced to be more creative than usual when determining new uses for these silo buildings. However, conversions of the typical silo buildings are extra challenging where it was construct windowless, defined height with the skyline and normally only constructed with ground floor usage (Kevill, M., 2013). For instance, when it comes to creating openings in the exterior concrete rings and therefore can only be done in a limited number of locations. Although implementing residential unit in the silos sounds valid, yet it might missed the opportunity of great view where the spaces are directed inward. On the other hand, to fill the silo with floor slabs and walls would lose the unique atmosphere - emptiness (Erden, B., 2018).

4.0 DRAWINGS & ARCHIVE PHOTOS ANALYSIS

Figure 3.0: Sectional Diagram of La Fabrica showing revealed structures “This was fifteen year ago and it was our first encounter with the Cement Factory. Seduced by the contradictions and the ambiguity of the place, we decided quickly to retain the factory and, modifying its original brutality, sculpt it like a work of art.” – Ricardo Bofill

The Construction / Deconstruction

Figure 1.0: La Fàbrica Cement Factory in 1960s

Dating from the first period of the industrialization of Barcelona, the factory was not intended to build as a whole but as a series of addition as the demand of production increase (Huang, L., 2016). The silos were full of cement and it took two years of extensive renovation and excavation (see Figure 4.0). Ricardo Bofill approached the existing factory like a sculptor (carving out the unwanted) and revealing the hidden form in order to make the space inhabitable (see Figure 5.0) (Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, 1975). This process of abstraction and subtraction - a considered destruction seems to be opposed to a typical construction project. Six silos were conserved to be converted into large offices called the ‘La Cathedral”, which is used for exhibitions, concerts and events cultural aspects related to the professional activity of architect. Four silos were converted as a private residence of Ricardo Bofill (see Figure 8.0).

Figure 4.0: La Fàbrica Cement Factory in 1960s (Top) Ricardo Bofill’s Head Office today (Bottom)

Figure 5.0: Ricardo Bofill’s Head Office today

ARCHITECTURE STYLE

Brutalist

ELEMENTS Abrupt treatment and sculptural qualities of the materials.

Surrealist

Paradoxical stairs that lead to nowhere; the absurdity of certain elements hanging over voids; huge but useless spaces of weird proportions, but magical because of their tension and disproportion.

Abstract

Pure volumes, which revealed themselves at times broken and raw.

Figure 6.0 : Architectural elements found in La Fabrica

Space Reconstruction The disused factory was a compendium of different architectural elements (see Figure 6.0). Bofill not only celebrated the building volume with sculpture of Catalan Civic Gothic style (surrealist elements), he provided the green plinth to these volumes as the result of the huge building structures would seems blanking in the jungle (see Figure 9.0, 10.0 and 11.0) (Bofill, R., James, W. A. and Taller de Arquitectura, 1988). The green roof also gives new function due to the large span of un-used concrete roof stucture of the existing factory such as creates a beneficial monoclimate by cooling and humidifying the surrounding air (Hassel, C., n.d.). Further more, Bofill almost preserved all the structure of the original building with good quality. However, as the original space layout were allocated according to the former form of the factory, the architect look beyond the advantage of the old structure and identify some reinforcement for weak structures (see Figure 12.0, 13.0 and 14.0) (Huang, L., 2016). Addition of spiral staircase in the existing silos serving the public and private such as in the office space - ‘Atelier’ and the private residence ‘La Residencia’ (see Figure 15.0 and 16.0)

Figure 7.0: Section of spiral staircase in existing silo

La Catedral La Casa La Atelier La Residencia

Figure 8.0: Ground Floor Plan of La Fabrica showing zoning of spaces

Figure 9.0: Close-up aeriel view of La Fabrica

Figure 10.0: Green roof through out the exterior

Figure 11.0: Green roof extending the living space

Figure 12.0: Original facade with strengthen structure

Figure 13.0: Deconstruction process

Figure 14.0: Deconstruction process

Figure 15.0: New construct staircase in the existing silos

Figure 16.0: Open skylight in the existing silos

Figure 17.0: Section A-A

Lighting and Ventilation System

Figure 18.0: Section B-B

The architect preserved the original interior material which is raw concrete with towering ceiling throughout which is 10m in height (see Figure 21.0) (In Residence: Ricardo Bofill, 2014). After demolition of several existing wall while remaining all the former equipments, the interior indirectly lighted up with natural daylight (see Figure 17.0 and 18.0). Insertion of new Gothic Style glass window can be seen throughout the facade (see Figure 24.0) (Bofill, R. and Krier, L., 1985). The Architect incorporates various languages from history of Architecture, a cultured language in opposition to vernacular architecture with windows, doors, stairs and false perspectives (see Figure 23.0, 25.0 and 26.0) (Cruells, B., 1992). The arch windows and doors are repeated in the entire space and even reflected in the chosen furniture. The window

Figure 19.0: Detail of new window

were designed in long and narrow shape which also act as a shading device to avoid direct sunlighy.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Figure 20.0: Ground Floor Plan of La Fabrica showing insertion of new structure

APPROACH ENTRANCE INFORMATION DINING ROOM MAIN STUDIO GARDEN OFFICES

Figure 21.0: La Catedral (Section A-A)

Figure 22.0: Insertion of Gothic Style window

Figure 24.0: Preserving former factory equipments

Figure 23.0: Living room in the private residence

Figure 25.0: Guest bedroom, office interior, dining area (left to right)

Figure 26.0: La Catedral (Section A-A)

5.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

ZEITZ MOCAA Architects: Heatherwick Studio Location: Cape Town, South Africa Year Completed: 2017

Heatherwick Studio. (2017)

Figure 27.0: Sectional perspective of Zeitz MOCAA

Figure 28.0: Sculpture Garden

Innovative in Concrete Sculpting The original grain silo located at Cape Town once used to store and grade maize from all over South Africa (Lusive, 2017). The existing building consist of two major elements such as 42 tightly-packed silos and a grading tower (Frearson, A., 2017). Heatherwick took a challenging approach which is to carve out a large central space and he described it as “vaulted cathedral” (see Figure 27.0) (Tucker, J. 2017). Part of the perimeter wall of the silos were precisely carved and converted into five floors of galleries (see Figure 28.0). The result of the atrium space allow daylight flushed into

Figure 29.0: Casting concrete layer

the 33 meter deep spaces from thick layers of laminated glass above at the same time protecting the building from excess heat (see Figure 1.0) (Lusive, 2017). The innovative renovation in the atrium revealed the vast structure of the grain silos in the past. Carving out the existing concrete perimeter wall would weaken and collapse the whole structure. Therefore, the engineer inserted a series of concrete sleeves around the existing perimeter wall and during the process they were tied together at the top to form an arch to move all the forces out and down (see Figure 29.0, 30.0 and 31.0)(Tucker, J. 2017). The edges were polished to create a visible contrast between the rough aggregate of the old concrete (Frearson, A., 2017).

Figure 31.0: Process of carving out existing concrete

Reinforced concrete sleeves (9¾ inches thick) poured inside each 18 foot diameter silos

Figure 30.0: Process of adding new concrete layer

Figure 32.0: Floor plan showing addition of new staircase and demolition of existing silo’s wall

Location

La Fabrica (Ricardo Bofill)

Zeitz MOCAA (Heatherwick)

Original Function

New Function

Approaches

Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain

Cement Factory: Work + Living Space: Started with demolition and Originally built during Cat- Divided into four areas: archi- deconstruction - sculpting the aloniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post-WWI industrial tectural studio, exhibition hall, existing building and reveal revolution (Housed 30 silos, a gardens, and living area its hidden structure. smoked stack, carvenous machine room and 2.5 miles of underground tunnels)

Cape Town, South Africa

Grain Silo: Built in 1921, 187 foot silo was Contemporary Art Musuem: Demolishing 50 % of the sionce the tallest building in the Gallery, roofstop sculpture losâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interior, remaining were southern hemisphere. Consist- garden, storage for state of carved out a large central atrium. ing of 42 vertical concrete art, bookshop, restaurant & bar, reading rooms tubes, the structure was used to store and grade maize from all over the country.

Figure 33.0: Sculpture Garden

There are several reason Zeitz MOCAA is chosen for comparative analysis with La Fabrica. Both of the projects have a similar approach with a vision of sculpting the existing structure (see Figure 33.0). The intention is to celebrate the former structure that once served as industrial purpose. However, though they have similar design intention yet the result were completely different. On the other hand, both of the projects revealed its hidden structure and allow the public to celebrate the gigantic industrial vernacular structure.

6.0 CONCLUSION

To conclude, this paper set out to explore the Architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambition and theoretical value on revealing the

hidden structure of a cement factory converted to a inhabitable space. Through this, one sought to establish what precedent this case could set for future repatriation cases.

To achieve this, a carefully selected desktop based methodology was used, which allowed one to collect, collate

and analyse content from a variety of sources. Firstly, literature review were set out to understand existing critical theories and related premises of industrial heritage and the aspect of adaptive reuse. In the second chapter, drawings and photos analysis were used to understand the architecture intervention during the process of transformtion. The paper demonstrated that architectural intervention and insertion can respect and celebrate memory of the past at the same time with the vision of future. The architect act as a sculptor (deconstructing) and painter (intervening), respected and retained the original architecture to the maximum extent. From the result of final transformation, this implicit mode yet challenging serves an exception attitude to deal with the industrial heritage. Finally, as these findings are merely based with observations because an official technical drawings showing old and new structure were not well documented. Therefore, comparative analysis served to study further on renovating silos particularly on deconstruction of the existing wall. Word Count: 1549

7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bofill, R., James, W. A. and Taller de Arquitectura (1988) Ricardo bofill, taller de arquitectura : buildings and projects, 1960-1985. New York: Rizzoli.

Bofill, R. and Krier, L., (1985). Architecture, Urbanism and History. Museum of Modern Art.

Byrnes, M. (2012). The Toughest Re-Use: Grain Elevators. [online] CityLab. Available at: https://www.citylab.com/design/2012/06/hardest-re-use-grain-elevators/2293/ [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019].

Cruells, B. (1992) Ricardo bofill. Barcelona: G. Gili (Obras y proyectos = Works and projects)

Erden, B. (2018). Adaptive Reuse of Silo Buildings with a New Function. [ebook] Available at: https://www.academia. edu/36227309/ADAPTIVE_REUSE_OF_SILO_BUILDINGS_WITH_A_NEW_FUNCTION [Accessed 12 Apr. 2019].

Frearson, A. (2017). Heatherwick reveals Zeitz MOCAA art galleries in Cape Town grain silo. [online] Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2017/09/15/thomas-heatherwick-zeitz-mocaa-cape-town-art-museum-south-africa/ [Accessed 3 Apr. 2019].

Giebeler, G., Krause, H., Fisch, R., Musso, F., Lenz, B. and Rudolphi, A., (2012). Refurbishment manual: maintenance, conversions, extensions. Walter de Gruyter.

Goldhagen, S. (2017). Zeitz MoCAA by Heatherwick Studio. [online] Architectural Record. Available at: https://www. architecturalrecord.com/articles/13122-zeitz-mocaa-by-heatherwick-studio [Accessed 2 Apr. 2019].

Hassel, C. (n.d.). Green roofs: types & construction. [online] Greenspec. Available at: http://www.greenspec.co.uk/building-design/green-roofs-1/ [Accessed 17 Mar. 2019].

Heatherwick Studio. (2017). Zeitz MOCAA. [online] Available at: http://www.heatherwick.com/project/zeitz-mocaa/ [Accessed 3 Apr. 2019].

In Residence: Ricardo Bofill. (2014). [video] Directed by A. Maya and N. Rachlin. Barcelona, Spain: Nowness.

Kevill, M., (2013). The Adaptive Reuse of Grain Elevators into Housing: How Policy and Perspectives affect the Conversion Process and Impact Downtown Revitalization (Master’s thesis, University of Waterloo).

Lusive. (2017). Creating Cape Town’s Zeitz MOCAA. [online] Available at: http://lusive.com/index.php/lusivelife/post/ creating-cape-towns-zeitz-mocaa#sthash.bjr0KXKz.dpbs [Accessed 3 Apr. 2019].

Huang, L., (2016). Research on the transformation of industrial heritage into residential building: taking Barcelona as an example (Master’s thesis, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya).

Norberg-Schulz, C., Futagawa, Y., 二川幸夫(1932-) and 三宅理一 (1948-) (1985) Ricardo bofill : taller de arquitectura. Tokyo: A.D.A. Edita Tokyo (GA architect, 4)

Plautz, J. (2017). What Happens when an Architect Transforms a Cement Factory into a Studio. [online] Travel + Leisure. Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/architecture-design/cement-factory-studio [Accessed 11 Mar. 2019].

Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura. (1975). La Fábrica. [online] Available at: https://www.ricardobofill.com/la-fabrica/ [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019].

Tucker, J. (2017). ‘We wanted it to feel like a carved thing’: Zeitz MOCAA by Heatherwick Studio. DesignCurial. [online] Design Curial. Available at: http://www.designcurial.com/news/zeitz-mocaa-by-heatherwick-studio-5984484/ [Accessed 3 Apr. 2019].

Watson, P., (2009). The Key Issues when Choosing Adaptation of an Existing Building over New Build. Journal of Building Appraisal, 4(3), pp.215-223.

Wilkinson, S., James, K. and Reed, R., (2009). Delivering sustainability through the adaptive reuse of commercial buildings: the Melbourne CBD challenge. In PRRES 2008: Proceedings of the Pacific Rim Real Estate Society 15th Annual Conference (pp. 1-19). Pacific Rim Real Estate Society (PPRES).

Wilson, C., (2010). Adaptive reuse of industrial buildings in Toronto, Ontario: evaluating criteria for determining building selection (Doctoral dissertation).

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.0