Bought a cement factory, turned it into an enchanted palace
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- When architect Ricardo Bofill discovered an abandoned cement factory outside Barcelona, he was inspired to give the place a new life. After two years of work he turned 30 silos, 4,000 meters of underground galleries, and a 105-meter smokestack into his home and the offices of his Taller de Arquitectura (notable works include Les Halles and the Christian Dior headquarters in Paris, Shisheido building Tokyo, JP Morgan skyscraper Chicago and the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing).
The transformation of factory to home office was a process of destruction. Destroying 22 of the 30 silos, Bofill searched for hidden forms in the abandoned buildings. The process was “like a work of sculpture in concrete.”
Today, “La Fabrica” (The Factory) is a monument to adaptive reuse, a castle of Brutalist architecture, and enduring proof that Bofill could turn “the ugliest thing” into something beautiful.
The silos, which once held concrete, now house architects and overnight guests. Underground passageways, now daylighted with huge skylights, connect a labyrinth of laboratories (including one for 3D modeling), archive space, and even an employee kitchen.
The most spectacular space is “La Catedral” (The Cathedral) which earns its name with its 10-meter-high ceilings and concrete relics from its industrial past. It’s now used for meetings, exhibitions, and concerts. Bofill’s own home sits above La Catedral with its own impressive, high-ceilinged space called “Sala Cúbica” (“cubed hall”).
The work is vivid proof of the idea that function can follow form. “Many people say that something has to look like what it does and it’s not necessary,” explains Jean-Pierre Carniaux, partner at Taller de Arquitectura for 4 decades. “You know instead of being full of gravel it’s full of architects.”
Taller de Arquitectura: www.ricardobofi...
Original story on *faircompanies: faircompanies.c...
I love the way the architect preserved the manufacturing past yet managed to make this place beautiful. It has this futuristic monastic feel. Its like the earth is reclaiming the land. Keep more vids like this coming!
AGREED 👍
It is beautiful and uplifting to hear of an architect who doesn't destroy the previous works. Many common people do this on a small scale by "dumpster diving" to create innovative solutions from so-called junk. I hope this family of architects teach and inspire a new generation of politicians, developers and designers to think laterally and conserve scarce resources. Thank you for seeking out this marvellous Spanish family.
@Bruno Desrosiers Oh man, you went a bit hard on this person.. that was rough. Even though you're right about what you said, I believe she was just trying to point out about the way in which some architecture professionals choose to go with. I do agree with you though, renovations are in the majority of cases more difficult and way more expensive than let's say throwing all away and start over from scratch.
The beauty in the broken, such a refreshing change from the Joneses and miles of blank smiling boxes people aspire to. We could solve homelessness in a heartbeat if Fuedal land barons, Futile land barrens, and Corporate rapists of the world were doubly taxed for every building left vacant for more than a certain amount of time.
Squatters rights for people who can make functional use of every house, building, piece of spoiled land to free the sprawl into our last healthy open, natural landscapes etc.
NO WRITE OFFS for/ by the wealthiest. NO WRITE OFFS off living people, wildlife and nature in the name of supposed progress. A trickle up effect which has us all acting up and not out at one another. I could go on till the billionth power but that's not my trip, hopefully someone gets my rambling drift and we can restore what is obviously broken by our chain of command, events and state of affairs. Stay Well ALL !
And Dave snow " dumpster diving " has no shame if it keeps everything from usable resources to non contaminated food for struggling, homeless, inventive people from ALL going to rot in the LANDFILL.
Concrete buildings with greenery surroundings is one of the best look in cityscape. So amazed to see these people turning industrial wreck into post modern offices and parks.
What an amazing building and what a brilliant impactful man he was. Imagine my dismay, to find out he passed only 12 days ago. He may be gone, but his creations live on to inspire millions. RIP to Ricardo Bofil, a Catalan Icon and architectural genius, my condolences to his family and loved ones and may his legacy live on and endure.
This building complex is very photogenic, I think mainly because of the terracotta color that was applied on the concrete, and also the abundant greenery.
And thank you for recording the bird sounds, it's so nice!
The terracotta must have been applied in multiple layers as cement suck all moisture and colour up. So in that sense it's not really eco-friendly.
So many harsh lines make for great shadows
Stunning. Thank you for never using annoying background music in your videos. I love the natural sound from the opening to the end.
"It's an oasis." - Spot on. An oasis with a phoenix-like palace rising from the rubble. Breathtaking structure.
He is clearly a man of extraordinary vision to have created this masterpiece.
Another great architect interview. He's right - form can't follow function when one is repurposing derelict buildings. One must say, "Here is a form, what functions can fit into it?" The architect is spectacularly good at turning modern factory construction into a medieval-inspired marvel. (He called it a monastery and a cathedral but it also feels like a castle with large towers.) To preserve the only interesting original features - the silos and oval windows - and repeating those shapes over and over -- brilliant. And to retain roofless space as a courtyard!
This is just incredible. I would love to take a tour! All my life I have loved the process of re-use of all things to bring back to life and repurpose things! So glad that I came across this video!
I love how these old buildings are turned into something new! Very inspirational video for me!
We bought an old felt boot factory last winter. It has been a gallery / exhibition venue of modern art for 24 years now and we will start to renovate it after the summer when the last exhibition ends.
Many great ideas in this video!
I saw the comment is 4 years old 🙈 The most important thing you can do if you want a good renovation is to hire an architect who has a real passion for what they do and give them freedom and trust.
The beauty is the juxtaposition of the strong concrete forms with the softness of the landscape...very complementary.
So this guy took an ugly concrete factory and turned it to his own castle.
Genius. Turned out so beautiful!
+Hinterfragen! He still needs to hire knights in shining armor.
Enclave Soldier As if he wouldn't find any volunteers :P
Not only that, it generates income since they work from it
It is still ugly though, the plants are pretty though
Instablaster.
It looks like an _alcazar_ from another dimension's medieval history . . . your filming was mesmerizing and Mr. Carniaux's explanations of Mr. Bofill Levi's architectural vision were a pleasure to listen to. Thanks For Posting.
Amazing!!! ..I was watching the whole video with my mouth open and I am not exaggerating! Excellent topic, with mesmerizing views, a unique video capture and a very interesting interview with a great architect! I watched almost all your videos and I believe that your work is really getting better and better every time. I would like to congratulate you and just let you know that the work you produce is of the best quality available on UA-cam! Please do not stop, your documentaries nurture our spirits!
Amen!
Thank you Kirsten for all of your wonderful documentaries!
How utterly beautiful! What a fantastical creative example of recycling-repurposing-recreating of concrete and space and heaviness! Thank you for filming this for us!
This is the most beautiful home I've seen you cover so far, Kirsten! I couldn't image how amazing it must have been to visit a place so grand. It's got the character of Roman ruins
I agree. This place is really magical. I felt very affected by the massive scale of everything and the heavy sense of past.
Right! I still love these vids, Kirsten. I haven't been watching as heavily as a used to, but it's nice to live vicariously through each video
This is so beautiful and peaceful. I love how they took something so ugly and showed what can be done to turn something into amazing.
What a spectacular place and what amazing minds to think of this! I'm quite angry because entire family lived in a perfectly constructed concrete structure based in the heart of East London. It was a huge well made brutalist building. The Local council decided to regenerate the area and demolish the entire area breaking up a huge wonderful community of at least 5,000 people going back over hundreds of years. They said they had to because it was made of concrete although the structure was only 50 years old! I wish I knew of this wonderful project and man back then but I doubt the council would have listened . It was more about class cleansing than the concrete structure . I'm so pleased you shared this and they gave you access. Thank you. Wishing everyone good health during this tricky time.
Gracias al Arquitecto Ricardo Bofill Leví por mostrarnos su hermosa oficina y estudio. Yo espero encontrar también un lugar así en mi comunidad para darle nueva vida.
Sus gustos los veo impecables.
Kirsten you are my hero! Thank you, will watch later.
wow, probably the best conversion I have ever seen.
I love this.... such a wonderful rehab/refurbish/rebuild project.
It has the feel and appearance of an ancient, still lived in ruin.... while at the same time appearing to be some intentional futuristic society.
And I love all of the integrated greenery and gardens.
I'm loving this series of unusual and beautiful pieces of architecture! Thanks for helping us visit these super interesting places.
Beautifully repurposed and the landscaping is wonderful! Thank you for bringing this delightful project for us to see!
The sandstone or terracotta colour makes the concrete look so much nicer than cold grey. The gardening really makes it special. I love the pace of these videos!
that is genius man.. an intriguing labyrinth of amazing design ideas which reminded me of ancient architecture.. the cathedral is my favorite part and is just awesome.. but sadly not everyone can afford to _live just anywhere.._ anywho, another great production kirsten, keep em coming aaight, peace.
Absolutely astounding. I want one. I'd fill it full of artists with space for every focus of art and music. A place to teach a place to learn, explore, become and share your work with like minded people. Enchanting and such an incredible transition from ugly to beauty. I'm an instant fan and in awe of the work he did. Any time someone's work makes you want to become. Just astonishing how amazing this is. Edited to add: This got me Kirsten. I subscribed. I challenge you to be this. Ricardo is truly a giant in his field and I'm humbled by what he's achieved here. Thank you.
I've seen so many pictures of La Fabrica, and i really love it! Such an inspiration!
A truly inspiring video to watch :), exceeds my expectation. Architect Ricardo Bofill is a genius architect giving respect and importance to the creativity of the minds of other architects. Thanks for sharing this video Kirsten Dirksen!
Unique and precious as always, with a touch of tranquility in all of your videos. The experience and sensation of viewing this marvellous architectural expression will stay with me forever. And for that, I am forever grateful. Keep up the good work, which are increasing in quality, while remaining curious and observant.
This is my dream home. Inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
I totally love this place.the Architect has done wonders to it.All the angles are beautifully captured.One question though - the winter heating account?
if heating is done via underfloor methods then it would be very affordable even in a cavernous space like this.
It is in Spain, where it rearly gets that cold
@@ivanmanko it is northern Spain though, it even snows sometimes in Barcelona
@@PepRodeja Well, yes. This year it snowed once. I barely had time to slide the car in a parking lot before it melted
I would never have seen many of these wonders if not for you. Thank you and your family, KD
Very much so agree with the statement of respecting the human effort and resources of what has been built and renovating much more. All to often we abandon or destroy and build again ....so much waste.
This is really incredible. Wish there were more people with vision and passion to bring back buildings like this. Also to have the vision to make the gardens as well. Such a gifted group of people.
I can see the tower from my house. Had no idea it was a home/workspace. Fair play having the vision to convert it into what must now be prime real estate.
It’s like a magical castle! What an ingenious idea to turn an ugly old cement factory into a beautiful castle like space! Bravo 👏🏾
Cheers
I knew about this place but your video is the most complete one( and in high def !!), it's an awesome place.
Thank you for sharing.
Ty Kirsten!! I truly enjoy your videos!! 😊💞
There are people who can afford expensive chandeliers, and then there is this man with a silo hanging from heaven to his living room!
Incredible!!! I love when the built resources are regenerated and this is a remarkable example!!
Beautiful. It looks futuristic sci fi at the same time a sacred monastic castle. All the nature, trees and gardens make it beautiful. All of the silo things make it seem sacred like a mosque or cathedral.
Have you ever seen anything so full of splendor?
Really appreciate these videos. The artistry and passion of the folks you interviewed. Exceptional project, exceptional reporting.
Kirsten,
What has been your favorite segment to document? I imagine this might have been one of them. The weather.... Birds chirping... Beautiful architecture.....
The place is awesome.. great architecture..
The whole time I watched this I was like, "OH. MY. GOODNESS."
Rest In Peace. You always have been my biggest influence.
He is an outstanding mind. It looks out of this century honestly. Love it ✨. Spectacular it is!
I love the embrace of ' the of to the side' architecture in Barcelona. Very deep history with that.
Fantastic use of a cement Factory ,turned to work and living spaces.
This was a great video Kirsten! I've always enjoyed all you produce, but this piece was special in it's premise of reuse vs demolition and new construction. Truly lovely working and living environment sans the carbon abuse of new. I thought it spoke volumes when you're soft spoken guide was a bit lost herself in the vast tunnels too! ;-)
Brilliant!!! Beautiful ❤ Thanx4sharing, thanx4caring 🙏
Tower tour!?!? Restaurant tour!?!?! ☹
I am gobsmacked. Utterly wonderful combination of industrial space, light, nature and the next evolutionary step for this space.
I kept watching, but never got an answer to a burning thought - what did they do with the stack? It looked like it had an observation deck around it. That was a much taller than average smokestack, so it would be a shame if they didn't use it for something...Para el arquitecto Sr. Bofill, felicitaciones para su gran exito con ese proyecto tan brillante y visionario!...
Kirsten, your videos are so good, your focus is so instructive, your message so different than the current design ethos in usa....you are a gem, a visionary, a teacher. Am I getting carried away.....?
Yes, but that's ok because Kirsten always carries us away to all the most ingenious places, people and things that celebrate the indomitable spirit of truly unique, creativity, solutions and joyous expressions of love, life and the pursuit and actualization of what HOME can be and is to ALL. Like an immersive experience or purifying bath rather than Calgon I say KIRSTEN " take me away "
beautiful, Well Done!!
Truly astounding.. an inspiration.. 🙏
Wow absolutely gorgeous.
That's a very complex task in terms of decision making as soon as you're not building from the scratch, but working with what you have
A true labor of love usually is time consuming but has qualities that picture perfect plans can't seem to embody.
The beauty in the remnants were seen by Richardo..insightfully incarnating what has been restored thankfully..
I really love this project! It is an amazing example of what can be achieved through repurposing old, or even new, industrial and commercial structures. It is adventurous, beautiful, and harmonious in the way that business, leisure, and residential needs have been addressed in a single space. Really cool. I would love to see more of these types of projects taking place. 👍😃
This is a masterwork.!.
What a beautiful building and space. I think it could be a great setting for a sci fi movie. I too believe old buildings are demolished too quickly. I love ageing - beautiful paintings never get old.
Barcelona has been known for its avant-garde architecture for a long time now. It's a city well worth visiting.
Thought the same to myself so AGREED!
Such a beautiful mind he has to have created this.
very nice perfect place for architect's
I rather call it 'art'. I was in awe while watching video, thanks.
Sad to hear that Ricardo passed on the 14th. Thoughts to his family and friends
WOW! so beautiful love it 😍
The most beautiful building ! it's amazing !
What a beautiful vision!
Another great presentation and property.. thanks
Amazing =) super industrial and pure
So stunning!
Truly amazing vision
amazing! thank u kirsten!
Stunning
Arguably the best architecture documentation in existence
Stunning space.
This is such a beautiful place. It has such a unique almost sci-fi feeling to it, it would a cool place to film scenes for Star Wars in!
I am fascinated by this place, and Ricardo is very interesting person, in near future I am going to visit this place and Ricardo, be prepared.
This house is literally one of the best! I've come across
”WESTWORLD” EPISODE 3x02 😍
I recognized it too!
My first thought lol
What a vision!!! 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
BEAUTIFUL!!! the old with the new, and the modern architecture...absolutely stunning. :) great idea, and vision for your art!!! He is truly an artist! (pronounced..ar-teeest!) lol
This is so beautiful I love it
you are getting better with the cam, nice footage
Beautiful cinematography.
I find some influence of Gaudi in this building too. It is normal considering it is in Barcelona.
Wow this place is awesome. They must be doing great business
I love your videos, you should come to Italy
Very interesting and visually stunning, Kirstan. You've mastered creative filming.
This is like one of those ABC Architecture documentaries (just needs an animated model to illustrate a concept) very nicely done. Thank you 👏🏽👏🏽
Show more houses like this. The space and height is amazing
What an incredible place. I'm amazed how you find such interesting and curious places!
In Germany, something like this, would never be possible. Way to many 'rules' and to many close-minded people who are in positions to decide about things like this.
I hope Germany and German people in general are becoming more open to things like that 🤩
I'll catch heck for this lol and don't like to generalize but lol
many seem to think most Germans are not known for being very flexible.
Been there, it’s awesome