Bermudez Arquitectos – Bloque B

PROJECT: Bermudez Arquitectos – Bloque B

LOCATION: Bogotá, Colombia

YEAR: 2002

ARCHITECT / FIRM: Bermúdez Arquitectos

BUYER: Los Andes University

SURFACE: 8.740 sqm

PRICE: € 2.652.000

DESCRIPTION:
Constructed with industrial purposes at the start of the 20th century, the building known as ´Bloque B´ is listed as a cultural heritage site. It occupies a narrow strip of land on a slope between the lower and the central part of the campus of Los Andes University. Taking advantage of this orientation, the project proposes to integrate the block with the overall circulation system of covered walkways and obstacle free access promoted by the university. An elevator and a generous staircase are added, placed in a terraced glass canopy that follows the terrain´s slope and is added to the building as a light, translucent structure replacing a preexisting balcony.

TOTAL REPLACEMENT / DISCONTINUITY: The new functional program has completely replaced the original one.

DESCRIPTION:
The new program differs from the original one, as it adapts a flexible set of learning spaces including laboratories, classrooms, lecture halls and computer rooms.

TOTAL CONSERVATION / CONTINUITY: The investor is the property owner.

DESCRIPTION:
Los Andes University is the investor as well as the propperty owner.

- SURFACE present NO VARIATION,

TOTAL CONSERVATION / CONTINUITY: The overall dimensions are equal to the pre-existing surface.

- VOLUME present NO VARIATION,

TOTAL CONSERVATION / CONTINUITY: The overall dimensions are equal to the pre-existing volume.

DESCRIPTION:
The overall dimensions are equal to the preexisting volume, except for the new glass structure which covers part of the ciculation system and clearly differentiates visually from the rest of the building.

BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND REPLACEMENT: The new spaces are in balance with respect to the pre- existing spaces.

DESCRIPTION:
Besides respecting the building volume and the circulation principle of the original construction, other important characteristics are conserved, like the brick façade, the rhythmic pattern of its openings and the configuration of the roof. Because the program included laboratories, classrooms, lecture halls and computer rooms, it was necessary to introduce advanced technical infrastructure in a traditional building. the project locates vertical ducts and technical rooms in a strip between the circulation area and the classrooms, spatially separating these two activities and creating a highly efficient and versatile system of technical routes and services.

PREVALENT REPLACEMENT / DISCONTINUITY: The supporting structure is predominantly a new structure.

DESCRIPTION:
Part of the preexisting structure remained, while the other is replaced by a transluscent glass canopy that follows the terrain slope. The new project respects the former volume and the circulation principle of the original construction, however the building´s load bearing structure was incapable of meeting contemporary seismic and fire safety standards. The necessary structural reinforcement was accomplished with concrete slabs and hidden columns placed between the original structural elements. This discrete and strategic intervention allowed for creation of flexible spaces on each level.

BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND REPLACEMENT: The materials chosen for the new intervention balance similarities and differences with the existing ones.

DESCRIPTION:
Besides respecting the building volume and the circulation principle of the original construction, other important characteristics are conserved, like the brick façade, the rhythmic pattern of its openings and the configuration of the roof. The terraced glass canopy stands out in contrast to the main volume, which appears more robust. Finally, thirty-two original windows were restored, placing new ones only in areas with specific acoustic or climatic requirements.

BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND REPLACEMENT: The new intervention balances elements of continuity and discontinuity with respect to existing structures.

DESCRIPTION:
The building respects the original volume and circulation principles, as well as the former brick façade. In this way, the image of the project resembles the former building, while adding a new volume which stands out because of it's transparency.