Build to preserve, preserve to overcome obsolescence. The adaptive reuse of the Andina brewery.

Abstract

Since the last decade, the reuse of existing buildings has gained considerable relevance in architecture, not only because it contributes to the sustainable development of the built environment but also because it can be understood as a mechanism to prevent existing buildings from obsolescence. Projects such as the Verkatehdas Arts and Congress Center located in Hämeenlinna, Finland (JKMM Architects, 2007) and, more recently, the Fondazione Prada located in Milan, Italy (O.M.A, 2018), are a few examples of this tendency.

Within the framework of the urban development plan “Triángulo Bavaria” lead by Metrovivienda, this thesis will consider concepts such as preservation, conservation, and transformation as tools for revitalizing the former Andina Brewery located in Bogotá, Colombia. Among the urban development project’s main objectives, strategies are suggested to recover the former brewery for its integration with the present and future city. However, and despite the intentions to recover the old factory, actions for the partial and total demolition of buildings and other structures are recommended in the plan.

As opposed to this approach, this thesis will explore the idea of adaptive reuse to suggest design strategies to entirely preserve the existing buildings and structures of the industrial complex. As a result, it is expected to recover the architectural values of the Andina Brewery through the design of contemporary spaces that meet the development plan’s objectives without affecting the memory of the place.