Alfred Arribas, architect: “The open house days at La Rotonda are an opportunity to closely see the enormous work carried out"
About 5,000 people will discover the iconic Andreu tower, La Rotonda, Barcelona's latest modernist gem, refurbished by Núñez y Navarro. Before the building welcomes its first tenants (it will house offices, commercial premises, and parking lots), the public will be able to enjoy the open house days offered for free by the Group on Saturday and Sunday. Just a few days before (actually, just a few hours), we spoke with the architect in charge of the rehabilitation project, Alfred Arribas.
What does it mean to you to have directed the rehabilitation of La Rotonda?
Taking on this responsibility has been yet another challenge, the “most diff
ícil todavía”, un proyecto de alta dificultad y compromiso.
What specificities and obstacles were involved? Why was it a challenge? What has been achieved?
Firstly, we have achieved urban reorganization: placing the volume allowed by the regulations while respecting the identity of the original part of the Andreu tower building (La Rotonda). It was a challenge because the volume to be organized was large. I think that the integration and dialogue between the original architecture and the extension have been achieved.
What is the main goal of your rehabilitation project, its central focus, its thesis?
My goal has been to recover the essence of the original building while at the same time creating a new, contemporary and more efficient entity that integrates it naturally.
How did you do your research? Any surprises?
In the documentation, we reconstruct the “memory” of all the preceding years and the vicissitudes through which La Rotonda has evolved. The surprise was to discover its original structure of large metal beams, pioneering for its time.
Who has helped you in the drafting and execution of the project? What has each one contributed?
We work as a team. AAAA (Alfredo Arribas Architects Associates), in collaboration with the engineering firms specialized in structures and facilities with whom we usually collaborate.
Offices, premises, and parking lots. The new Roundabout will be very lively, with different uses. What does this imply?
The new uses allow the Andreu tower to have a better relationship with its urban surroundings. Increased permeability. In recent years, it was considered a 'hermetic' building.
What do you think Ruiz Casamitjana would think about the outcome of the work done? What would you tell him?
Honestly, I don't think he understood. It's been a long time.
What do you think about NN announcing The Rotunda restored during a free open house event open to all citizens?
The open house days taking place next weekend represent an opportunity to closely see the immense work developed over the last 10 years. Four years of planning and six years of construction.
