Performing Arts Center in Seville - conversion of the former artillery factory

The idea of designing this Contemporary Performing Arts Center came as a sustainable solution to the problem of re-qualifying the former Artillery Factory of Seville, a 17th century  heritage building in San Bernardo area.

Before starting the project, I conducted a preliminary study which allowed me to check on one hand the compatibility of this new activity with the neighborhood and, on the other hand, the possibilities of converting this historic building without causing a loss of identity.

Therefore, my research focused on two main subjects:
            1. the field of  contemporary performing arts, as a hybrid domain pushed to unconventional places
            2. the building itself, from a historical, social and architectural point of view.

Comparing today's abandoned building with the Artillery Factory in relevant historical documents, I came to the conclusion that the major threats for this architectural composition were the improvised additions that affected in time the coherence.

After a detailed assessment of the architectural changes I took a series of decisions regarding the selective restoration of some relevant elements as well as the removal of non-valuable elements affecting the perception of the original building.
Through my conversion proposal the building gains back its main "patio", which had originally been designed as a key element of the composition.. In my project it becomes a flexible outdoor scenery that fully takes advantage of the surrounding industrial sight, including equipments like the old railway, which I involved in setting up the installations for our contemporary performances.

The east wing next to the major "patio" is subject to a complex insertion I suggested, which is meant to house a hall for indoor performances and visitors related facilities.
Taking advantage of the strategical position of this insertion that replaced a provisional warehouse, I linked the space dedicated to visitors to a top terrace, opening a great view of the spectacular roofing system and a vast panorama of Seville with its landmarks.