Reuse of Spanish Industrial Architecture From Tobacco Factories to Cultural and Public Spaces

Abstract

The interest of the buildings analysed lies in the possibility of reusing and adapting them for other uses, as versatile examples that can be transformed into public, social and cultural centres. The time frame in which the study is framed is from the 17th century, with the creation of the first Tobacco Factory in Seville in 1620, to the present day, when the old factories and the urban environments in which they are located continue to be transformed. The enormous versatility of industrial architecture has allowed these factories to survive the passage of time and to adapt to changes in use. The reasons why they have been preserved are due to their dimensional characteristics and the fact that many of them were included in the historic city centres. These buildings can be considered as astute infrastructures because they are useful, sustainable, and functional.