Ricardo Tlatelpa Sánchez 

What problem have you wanted to work with / find a solution for?

The development and uncertain future of Kjøpmannsgata has been a controversial issue for years. Different organizations and authorities have developed plans to rescue this historic area from the abandonment, through several proposals and measures. All of them have the same purpose: to reactivate the forgotten street of Kjøpmannsgata. I want to make a small contribution to this immense collective effort by transforming and refurbishing an old warehouse from 1867 as an attempt to activate this area.

What did you want to find out?

An idea of transformation that could reintegrate an old warehouse from 1867 to the city of Trondheim and retain its historic integrity while meeting the needs of modern occupants.

How has the process been?

During these two years of research and practice, I got involved in a field of architecture I didn’t know. Through field work, investigations, interviews, books, documents and experimental works I became familiar with the terms of restoration, conservation, cultural heritage policies, and adaptive reuse. It was very tough to apply all these concepts into a single project, due to the wide gap between the rules that the government imposes and the attempts and wishes to vitalize an area in decay. Working with the project of KMG-27 provided me with new tools and knowledge that has enriched my development as a designer/interior architect and amplified my visions in a new branch of architecture.

What has inspired you?

The unique vernacular architecture the building of KMG-27 has and the history behind it.

Since the beginning, I knew I wanted to develop this project with a realistic approach by maintaining the building’s original architecture and adapt it respectfully into a modern context. The design solution was based on the concept of “adaptive reuse” which refers to the use of an existing building for a new function that differs from the purpose for which the building was originally erected.

How have you chosen to solve this task?

What could this mean for society?

The Trondheim wharf warehouses along Kjøpmannsgata represent the history of the first settlements of the city and their importance is a reason for national pride. The maintenance and refurbishing of these unique structures are of vital importance so that in the future people can continue being proud of their buildings, but also be proud of having them in use and restored.

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