Abstract

This paper presents the results obtained from a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) study conducted in an old fabric building called “La Violeta ”. This structure has been recently converted into a contemporary art gallery. La Violeta is located in Puebla City, Mexico. The building dates from the beginning of the 19th century, it was built and used as a textile factory until the first decades of the 20th century. This POE study aims to assess the new use of the building from the users׳ point of view. Methodology involves historical research of the building, analysis of the conversion strategy, walkthrough investigation, and a user survey. Questions regarding the re-utilization strategy used in the building and its current use are included in the survey, such as “How do people perceive the space regarding its functionality, accessibility, and comfort?” Although the re-utilization process destroyed several historic elements, the re-use of old industrial spaces that otherwise would be obsolete and disused seems pertinent. Developing small renovation projects as part of an integral and wider project seems feasible. Users perceive the building as comfortable but not properly advertised as an art gallery, and its location is difficult to find.

Abstract

This paper will explore an early reinforced concrete warehouse, constructed from 1906 till 1909, which is the most impressive warehouse in Rijeka Port – with ground floor dimensions equal to 45x100 m, consisting of a basement, high ground floor and three storeys, designed to sustain 15 kN/m2 floor loading. This warehouse is the first building in Rijeka Port constructed entirely as a reinforced concrete structure and demonstrates significant technical achievements, which have not been sufficiently valorised so far. Besides obtaining information about the structural design of early reinforced concrete structures special attention will be given to better understanding of early 20th century construction techniques and particularly to reinforcement detailing, since original plans and construction drawings with detailed information about the reinforcement have been preserved.