in open dialogue with history, barcelona-based firm flores & prats has restored the historical building of the old peace and justice cooperative, adapting it for new theatrical uses. the institution, much loved by locals, is characterized by its vivacity and a surprising relationship with history which tends to redefine the theme of architectural restoration.
all images © adrià goula
led by architects ricardo flores and eva prats, the ‘sala beckett’ project began in 2011 where they carefully studied the production activities, theatrical experimentation and going-ons to get a clearer understanding of the emotional ties between the users and the architecture. dating back to the 1920s, the building was in desperate need of restoration, the interpretation by flores & prats stems from the spatial and decorative qualities of the existing building.
‘taking care of the ghosts’ – sala beckett renovation
each significant element has been carefully collected, from the frames to the doors, the polychrome tiles, rose windows, the stratifications present in the masonry fabric and the plaster work. the design process included an in-depth study of the environmental characteristics, identified and developed through numerous drawings and detailed study models.
the vestibule and skylight
the restored sala beckett reflects the dense memories profoundly rooted in the culture of the historical industrial district. the faded vibrant colors and interior details have been brought back to life. substantial traces of the original building is left intact, turning all the signs of time and the uses of the building into a device through which to give further meaning to the drama.
light filters from above through a skylight into the entrance area giving rise to the complexity of the spaces and
delivers a sense of unity to the whole building
‘the ruinous state in which we encountered was of interest, not because we wanted to restore it, but rather to take the ruin forward and make it a participant, with its unfinished character of superimposed periods, in a new reality that would continue to be updated on this foundation. the challenge of the project is therefore to adapt the building to its new use without banishing its ghosts.’ – flores & prats
the curving and overlapping forms of the architecture makes the historical building characteristic
the original structure is confronted by sympathetic interventions
details emerging from the building’s previous use
exhibition room with natural light
architecture in spain (273 articles)
gon architects inserts a bright red, continuous furniture to articulate attic in madrid
gon architects designs the G house in madrid with garden terraces and pops of color
05 AM arquitectura's mediterranean house cascades down a steep slope in tamariu, spain
SMS arquitectos extends mallorca house with CNC-fabricated plywood system
fran silvestre's santa pola house overlooks the mediterranean sea from a spanish island
jesús perales builds casa almudena as an asymmetrical brick residence in spain
flores prats (3 articles)
liquid light by flores & prats in the FREESPACE curated show at venice biennale
flores & prats + duch-pizà transforms aristocratic house into cultural center
architecture news
in a rainy region of chile, LLU house references water's molecular structure
#architecture
influenced by the water molecule, the house by cazú zegers arquitectura is divided into three connected zones.
influenced by the water molecule, the house by cazú zegers arquitectura is divided into three connected zones.
shigeru ban designs one of the world's largest timber structures for new swatch HQ
#architecture
the curved silhouette of the sculptural building extends over a total length of 240 meters (787 ft).
the curved silhouette of the sculptural building extends over a total length of 240 meters (787 ft).
MoMA completes its diller scofidio + renfro-designed expansion in new york
#architecture
launched in 2014, the first phase of renovations was completed in 2017 with the overhauled campus opening to the public on october 21, 2019.
launched in 2014, the first phase of renovations was completed in 2017 with the overhauled campus opening to the public on october 21, 2019.
gramazio kohler improves a cafeteria's acoustic qualities with computationally designed walls
#architecture
with a total area of 90 square meters (approximately 970 sqf), the three surfaces comprise 8,500 identical fir timber blocks.
with a total area of 90 square meters (approximately 970 sqf), the three surfaces comprise 8,500 identical fir timber blocks.
