Bermudez Arquitectos – Faculty of Arts Building – Universidad de los Andes

PROJECT: Bermudez Arquitectos – Faculty of Arts Building – Universidad de los Andes

LOCATION: Bogotá, Colombia

YEAR: 2015

ARCHITECT / FIRM: Bermúdez Arquitectos

BUYER: Universidad de Los Andes

SURFACE: 2.750 sqm

PRICE: € 3.727.795

DESCRIPTION:
The site of intervention, at the northern side of Los Andes University main campus in Bogotá, is a representative space of the country´s economic and industrial history. Here, the city´s first 16th century mills were built, as well as some early 19th century industrial buildings and a 20th century sanatorium known as “Campito de San José.” To accommodate classrooms, workshops and studios for the Arts and the Industrial Design departments, the project intervenes two existing buildings of the campus. The building volume of of the Bloque R-213 has remained intact. Its north façade and the original entrance gate of the Campito San José were carefully restored, whereas the east and south façades were reconstructed. The striking vertical circulation elements connect all of the building floors that in it's turn, link up with the different levels of the surrounding topography.

DESCRIPTION:
The building´s purpose is to host classrooms, workshops and studios for the Arts and the Industrial Design departments of Los Andes University.

DESCRIPTION:
Los Andes University was responsible for the financing of the project.

- SURFACE present EXTENSION,

BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND REPLACEMENT: The overall dimensions are about twice the pre-existing surface.

- VOLUME present EXTENSION,

BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND REPLACEMENT: The overall dimensions are about twice the pre-existing volume.

DESCRIPTION:
The building volume of the Bloque R-213 has remained intact. It´s north façade and the original entrance gate of the Campito San José were carefully restored, whereas the east and south façades were rebuilt. The former Bloque S1 was demolished, and the new construction is conceived as a volumetric continuation of the Bloque R, by means of an ochre colored concrete that structurally stabilizes the ensemble. Spatially and functionally, it is fully integrated with the Bloque R, and employs an architectural language of similar proportions and materials.

DESCRIPTION:
Towards the interior of the campus, the strong slopes are controlled by the introduction of a courtyard that brings light and air down to the lower levels and to a block of restrooms hidden below the iconic “plazoleta Richard.” The façade that faces the city at Calle 19A, realigns the formerly irregular plot boundary with the street, and brings new activity to this part of the city. Volumetrically, it consolidates the street and enhances the urban character of the area.

DESCRIPTION:
The Bloque S1 is conceived as prolongation of the Bolque R building. By respecting it's original industrial appearance, the interior is liberated, allowing space flexibility and natural light to be the main elements of the project.

DESCRIPTION:
The ochre colored concrete of the structure and the glass vains allow the building to relate to it's nearest environment, the Bloque R and the “Plazoleta Richard".

DESCRIPTION:
The northern façade of the building interacts with its surroundings (colonial houses) by creating a rithm with vains and balconies that open to the city and Monserrate Mountain. Differently, it's relation to the University campus is more open, with vains of glass and a connection bridge to the Plazoleta Richard, the building connects and promotes collaborative learning.