Urban Alchemy: The Art of Transforming Spaces for the Better
The regeneration of urban spaces achieves exquisite, alchemic results.
I think that the ideal space must contain elements of magic, serenity, sorcery and mystery.
Luis Barragan
Following World War II and the devastation it caused in dozens of cities, the concept of urban renewal was born. This term, which is now broadly used, refers to the practice of recovering spaces that have been abandoned, demolished or simply marginalized by the development of a large city.
Over time, this practice became more refined and sophisticated new philosophies emerged such as urban alchemy, which refers to the artful transmutation of spaces in order to create neighborhoods that redefine how we live.
This field has notable examples, such as the area that the Faena District in Miami now occupies, with buildings such as Versailles Classic and Versailles Contemporary, among others.
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