Fernando

Transcript

Q: What is your name and what is your work?

A: My name is Fernando Navarrete Vega, I’m a historian and I work here in the museum.

Q: What do you think of the renovation of this building?

A: Of the renovation of this building… Well, in reality, the building was not renovated. Its has undergone a series of modifications but --  the original building dates from the 16th century. It was re-built during the 18th century, following fires during revolutionary protests in the city. The original was completely destroyed and rebuilt as a two-story structure. Nearing the end of the 19th century / beginning of the 20th, a new and total reconstruction is completed, encompassing three levels.  The last floor is added in 1934, and after that only minor improvements have been executed...some flooring and walls…

Q: We are specifically interested in how you decided to build a sustainable structure…

A: Well, you mean because of the earthquakes? 

Q: Yes.

A: Well, yes, it has not suffered much in terms of damage during the earthquakes.  It withstood fairly well during 57. 85, and the last one of 2017. The other building they did have to re-support  with beams, but this one still stands as is.

Q: Okay. Any improvements in the building you think are noteworthy?

A: Improvement to this building? Well, no, you know the maintenance and upkeep is excellent, it retains its beauty well.  The only significant thing we have done is to roof it in order to prevent the rains from affecting special events that take place on the patios, and the flooring which we changed a few years ago. But the maintenance is very good.

Q: What else do you enjoy about working in this building?

A: It is all the history within the building; the architecture, that is what I enjoy.

Is there anything else that you think we should know about this building?

Well, that it’s been the seat of the city government since 1524 until today.