Geoarquitecto. Francisco Javier de Luque. Recover memory of architects, geologists or mining engineers work always seemed to me very rewarding and enriching. Begin with a good architect, with great craft, perhaps overshadowed by other figures of the time, or historical events he lived, or perhaps a little of everything. Her figure, currently ignored, does not occupy the place it deserves in view of their work.
Francisco Javier de Luque (Sevilla, 1871-Madrid, 1941) architect whose work was little known and virtually ignored by historians, obtained the master's degrees in Physics and Mathematics in Seville (1893) and an architect in Madrid (1899). Although he started his professional career as a professor of Industrial Engineering School of Bilbao, the fact of being a member of the winning team nacionald Competition for construction projects of the New Cathedral of Vitoria, was to devote himself entirely to architecture. He moved to Victoria and began construction of the New Cathedral with his partner and friend Julian Apraiz (1876-1962). In that city lived from 1909 to 1914, bringing the works of the cathedral and constructing buildings both to the bishop as to the bourgeoisie Alava.
built public buildings like the Ministry of the Navy, the third flag-School Institute Isabella Institute today, "the Cajal Institute, School of Public Works today, and the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain. Clarified his biography and framed him in the time he lived, a period of great change both from the standpoint of social history and the history of English architecture, it is difficult to frame it in a particular style.
Some specialists integrate the work of Luque between traditional architectures with survival conservative. We believe his career led him to use different styles in the most radical eclectic current to suit the tastes of their customers and, above all, the imperatives of self-administration for which he worked all his life and that given time, replaced by architects and attached to the Modern Movement, which he did not understand.
Geological Survey.
The most important innovation introduced in the design of Luque was the design of a large rectangular room collections, which occupies the full height the building, which was installed by the museum. Luque designed the building into three clearly defined and differentiated. The front appears well structured, providing more relevant and packaging at the entrance and staircase as a piece that is separate from the rest that was intended for offices and offices. Also adjust the position of the front yards. The area of \u200b\u200bthe museum collections, appears clearly separated by two courtyards twins give way to the big room collections and development in the middle, separating Bordiú Christopher Street with a large patio across the width of the building.
the building.
The detailed study of the various component parts of the building or
indicates that Luque was a good architect, with craft and knowledge of the needs of a public building and representative. However, the changes introduced during the long period lasting works, produced a loss of overall design and the end result is a hybrid character building, at first glance, it may cause misunderstandings. Facades
The main facade is the building that was built later. During the period lasting works great changes artistic, social and, above all, political. These changes are detected in this facade. Presents many differences from the original design, which respected the basic composition axis. The facade of the project was an image that is reminiscent of the School of Mines; image Luque chosen as a tribute to his friend and teammate Ricardo Velázquez Bosco.
The main staircase is one of the most unique pieces together for his Monum
ental and rare beauty. Communications articulates the front of the building and is noted for spatial processing. Is a staircase that starts with a single central section with landing, to then be divided into two sections at the top.
The impression is that we are in a large opaque white box, completely clad in white marble Macael giving access to the main floor gallery.
Bibliography
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