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Old buildings are always stunning sights. They are pieces of history we can reach out and touch, ones that tower over us, even as they crumble with age. However, despite their beauty, there are not many willing to take on these places, seeing them as projects that take too much time and cost way too much. Architect Ricardo Bofill is not one of those men. When he saw an old cement factory in 1973, instead of seeing a financial black hole, he saw an exciting new opportunity. He took on the challenge of making it his studio and home and now, 45 years later, it is still an ever-changing stunning piece of design.
The building used to be a WWI-era pollution machine that had closed down, and it came with many years’ worth of decay. Richard’s team had a lot of repairs to do, but he was determined to complete his vision. Even now, the building is still undergoing work as it constantly shifts to match the life of the architect himself. Now, instead of filling the air with smoke, the industrial chimneys are now packed with precious life and overflow with plants and greenery. Each room is also luxuriously designed with no two rooms looking the same, becoming a beautiful and serene living space. Known as La fábrica, this fabulous home will make anyone want to gout a preserve their pieces of history.
For more information, go to http://www.ricardobofill.com/la-fabrica/read/
This is what the factory looked like before Ricardo Bofill uncovered it.
Now, it sounds like this, a stunning work of art awash with the green of the many plants growing there.
The exterior is mostly covered by grass but also growing there are eucalyptus, palm, and olive trees, perfect matches for the warm climate.
The interior is equally beautiful. With each room having their unique design.
Part of this is also used as a workspace, providing a calm environment that feels separate from the outside world.
Ricardo himself said “Presently I live and work here better than anywhere else. It is for me the only place where I can concentrate and associate ideas in the most abstract manner.”
La fábrica is still, even to this day, under construction. “It will always remain an unfinished work.” Ricardo comments, likening it to his life. This gives the building it’s charm as well as making it symbolic of how artists see their significant achievements.
It is a truly romantic and beautiful setting, and it just goes to show that with a little bit of creativity and a lot of determination, you can create something awe-inspiring.
