A Case Study in Preservation and Sustainability
Antiguo Palacio del Ayuntamiento
Eduardo
01.14.20
Interview with Eduardo, an architect who works in the building.
Press to listen to the interview or scroll down to read the translated transcript.
Transcript
Q: What is your name, and what is your job?
A: I’m working...we are here because we have an appointment with a person who is managing a project for the city. We are waiting for that person to arrive.
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Q: And what is the project?
A: Construction.
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Q: Oh, cool! I understand. What is your opinion regarding the renovation of this building?
A: Well, it was necessary, given the history after the earthquake of 85, the building was very weakened and part of the building was destroyed. So it was necessary to re-enforce it so that it would withstand the passage of time. In my opinion it is quite well now, maybe it wasn’t the best planning with regard to the preservation of the architectural characteristics of the original building, but also, it was a question of meeting the demands of time-pressure of the city management - who needed to execute this work as quickly as possible so that people could continue working. At that time.
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Q: Any improvements you think are noteworthy?
A: Well, yes, in the few years I’ve been living here in the city, it’s been basically well taken care of. Some administrations have chosen to add or remove certain elements but those changes have only been made in order to the meet the work demands of those particular administrations. But structural changes - those have not been made.
Q: What is what you most enjoy about your job in this building?
A: Well, all the history found here, it is an important representation of the history of this country. And if it could speak it could say so many things… like all the visits of all the presidents…
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Q: Is there anything else we should know about this building?
A: Well, basically, a lot of the history that one can find in the internet and other sources is incomplete, and devoid of much detail. And maybe, if we want to be honest in the re-telling of this history we need to pay attention to some of the details that to this date have received little attention -- not only for visitors, but also for the residents who live here.
Q: Many thanks!