Documentation All images © Ricardo Bofill.

The Factory, Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain

Located in the outskirts of Barcelona, the repurposed cement factory La Fábrica is home to the Taller de Arquitectura (RBTA) and the Bofill family. Here we develop our distinct vocabulary to
interpret a changing world, nurturing the competence and cultural sensitivity of our multitalented team. From polluting industrial settlement to unmatched laboratory of ideas, La Fábrica
represents the built manifesto of RBTA, its legacy and headquarters.

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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. Refur
bishment 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., Krouse, 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 (Corson & 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 (Key'II, 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).
The Construction / Deconstruction La Fabrica 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 (Huong, 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 (Ricardo Bofill
Taller de Arquitecturo, 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.

Space Reconstruction

The disused factory was a compendium of different architectural La Fabrica Cement Factory, Ricardo Bofill’s Head office today
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 Arquitecturo, 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, ). 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 (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'
Lighting and Ventilation System

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 Bold!, 2014).
After demolition of several existing
wall while remaining oll 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) (Bolin, R. and Krier, L., 1985). The Section A Section B
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, 8., 1992). The arch
windows and doors are repeated in
the entire space and even reflected in
the chosen furniture. The window
were designed in long and narrow
shape which also act as a shading
device to avoid direct sunlighy.
Ground floor plan showing the insertion of new structure
Reference

https://ricardobofill.com/la-fabrica/read/

https://issuu.com/yapzhonglin/docs/p30026_2018-19_a
ssignment_2_yap

https://fliphtml5.com/pmvg/mhsm/basic

https://www.archdaily.com/550199/in-residence-ricardo-
bofill

https://www10.aeccafe.com/blogs/arch-showcase/2017/
03/24/the-cement-factory-in-sant-just-desvern-spain-by-
ricardo-bofill-taller-de-arquitectura/

https://www.voomed.com/ricardo-bofill-cement-factory-h
ouse/

Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura – 2015

Published by Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura,
2015-08-19