In the same way that societies transform, times change, and cities evolve, industrial architecture modernizes and becomes more technological, sometimes reaching a state of abandonment or ruin. Understanding its value as a built legacy and being vestiges of technological, social, and cultural changes, the renovation and/or conversion of numerous factories and industrial warehouses can lead to the revitalization, recovery, or growth of various areas in large cities by incorporating new uses and spaces for the enjoyment of its citizens.
Industrial buildings complement the urban identity of cities and represent an opportunity to act on pre-existing conditions, giving the possibility to reflect on restoration, conservation, intervention, and rehabilitation criteria, among others. Contemplating a forward-thinking vision, the transformation of these spaces can bring short, medium, and long-term benefits to the urban habitat as well as comprehensive improvements in the quality of life of communities. Now, how can we intervene in an industrial building appropriately and adapt it to a new use to give it a second life?
Scattered throughout the geography of cities, the simplicity of factory buildings is characterized by a material simplicity where brick or concrete, generally stand out in their composition and spatiality. The use of large visible light structures reveals an architecture of a rather functional nature, designed for a specific purpose but representing a documentary object of past eras that can often be utilized or preserved. Given their adaptability and flexibility to accommodate different uses, many architecture professionals propose to house workspaces, offices, and/or coworking practices in spaces where large factories, warehouses, and industrial buildings previously functioned.
