Now, now… What do we have here? Looks like another cracker example of a resuscitation and surgical enhancement of an old building. Hooray! [More examples of this sort of stuff in Australia please.] Located in Santiago, Chile, an abandoned salt factory was transformed into a creative workplace for an advertising agency Pullpo. The project was designed by a local architect  and completed in 2008.

That top image of the vista through a partially demolitioned wall… wow! What a gutsy move. It’s just superb. There is also a lovely meeting of an existing robust industrial aesthetic with a clean, contemporary structures in moody tones. I love the approach of using freestanding self-contained boxes to house various activities within the larger volume – this gesture often ensures a more human scale is achieved in an otherwise vast space.

 

 

The only thing I’m just not sure about… I mean… I seriously dislike is the choice of furniture in the cafe space. Those chairs… especially those tables. Shame, shame, shame… So pedestrian, they really let the interior down. But let’s just forget about those for the moment and focus on the architecture. Ok? Good.

 

[Photos © Marcelo Cáceres.]



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.