OPERA HOUSE – POSADAS CITY, PROVINCE OF MISIONES Located in the outskirts of the city of Posadas, this cultural complex covers several hectares and has a 600-seat theatre hall for opera performances. Misiones is a land of subtropical forests and has a traditional timber industry, hence the idea of using wood of various kinds, textures and shades. In order to carry out a rigorous acoustic program we were obliged to apply a thorough treatment to walls and ceilings. Diffuse lighting was used to harmonize surfaces and reinforce the warm colors of the wood. As a result the space was enlarged and the visual comfort increased. Zenithal light comes down from the paneled ceiling while the curtains and the carpet in the aisles add a touch of color.
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COLON OPERA HOUSE Buenos Aires´ maximum cultural asset underwent a six- year renovation just as it was turning 100 years of age. It reopened its doors in 2010. The restoration of the interior spaces required the replacement of most of the original textiles for almost identical replicas and the scientific restoration of the rest by specialized personnel in the theatre´s laboratories. The acoustic standards guided the whole process. The recovery of the original surfaces, hiding for decades under thick layers of paint, summoned international restoration experts who had to recognize the original colors and exact textures. The restoration jobs included the stuccos, the floors, the patrimonial furniture and the original curtain. The scope of the task required the participation and coordination of many teams in each area.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES- PROVINCE OF MISIONES, POSADAS CITY We tackled the complete renovation of this old institutional building by emptying it and enlarging its interior space. The Hall of Representatives remained in its original central site but its ceiling was raised by a few meters, the traces of its previous rectangular floor were erased and the new oval shaped floor was oriented cross wise to the big hall. As a result the dramatic aspect of the empty space was enhanced. As the hall was isolated from the outer space, windows were opened on all floors to allow for natural light from the perimeter corridors to come in. Also, backlit panels passing as windows were opened on the side walls. The lighting project subtly emphasizes the interior architecture and, high above, a nine meter long specially designed oval lighting fixture provides the zenithal light needed for the sessions. The design of the wall cladding respects the acoustic constraints of the project by using big wooden strips in different colors and textures to go with the sound absorption joints. Textured wood and big leather panels in matching hues, and only the carpets add a touch of bright color.
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HIERARCHIC OFFICES- HEADQUARTERS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF BUENOS AIRES The offices for the Mayor of Buenos Aires, his Deputy Head of Government and the Chef de Cabinet, as well as their respective working and meeting rooms are the only closed spaces in the new Headquarters of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires. The premise was to assimilate the materials and palette of the architectural project, therefore light- colored woods such as oak and ash tree were used for the equipment. The smooth curves of the oak rods in the ceilings added flexibility to the space and gave a special quality to the light. Straight lines predominated in the furniture and soft textiles in a light-colored palette were used for the upholstery.
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