Gerona University Remodelling - Josep Fuses and Joan Mario Viader

The university was once at the heart of the city of Gerona, but with time the city became industrialised.  The university buildings were abandoned and left to fall to ruin.  Josep Fusues and Joan Mario Viader weere commissioned to provide accommodation for an admin and information area and a library.

"The L-shaped university building was carefully restored and the administration area placed within it as a sensitive series of new elements, juxtaposed against the rustic fabric of the original building.  The new two storey rectangular library wing completes the courtyard and has a sense of continuity with its context.  But it is the conversion of the chapel that is most relevant.  The remodelling takes the form of an insertion that appears to be floating up from inside the chapel; it is very effective because the original building and the new element display their own character and still develop an intense relationship.  The insertion is completely dependant upon the original building for its scale, mass, size and position and yet the style and materials are obviously 20th century.  Ass in all good insertions, the tension between the two heightens both."  GRAEME BROOKER and SALLY STONE (2004) Rereadings, Interior Architecture and the design principals of remodelling existing buildings. pp. 121.

The roof of the chapel appears to soar from the building from the top of the building, allowing light to penetrate to ground level.  

The new insertion clearly takes its cues from the existing building.GRAEME BROOKER and SALLY STONE (2004) Rereadings, Interior Architecture and the design principals of remodelling existing buildings. pp. 121.