Copper... a naturally changing surface and an air of permanence ...

Since 1999 we have been working on a
lengthy process of study, research, consolidation
and retrieval of the remains
of Ribadavia Castle. The remains are extremely
fragile due to their abandonment
and the neglect of local government in the
past. Ribadavia Castle is located within the
historic area of the village and was built incorporating
the old wall and supported by
a series of circular and square towers on
a large rock outcrop. There is no record of
the earliest human settlement, apart from
the fact that a necropolis and a temple existed
in the upper part of the town, where
the castle now stands.
34
Timeless
BRASS
A gradual regeneration is taking place to the ancient Ribadavia Castle in the Ourense
area of north-west Spain, heralded by new brass elements transforming the
entrances to the castle. Architect Miguel Angel Calvo Salve describes his approach
to these interventions, which add an ageless simplicity and sense of permanence.
COPPER ARCHITECTURE FORUM 32/2012
Castle entrance approached via the straight staircase bridge with curved brass handrail.
establishing a Methodology
We believe that maintaining, transforming
or reusing this historic building requires at
least that we understand its physical and
emotional realities, in its present state
and throughout its history. Through very
careful observation and systematic documentation,
intensive research of historical
sources, technical analysis, study of
pathologies, identification of traces and
memories, and finally a reflective intuition,
we have established a methodology expressed
in a “Master Plan” for this castle
that will substantiate the basis for future
interventions in the monument, thus creating
the potential for its transformation and
reuse.
Architect: Miguel Angel Calvo Salve
Copper Specialist: Aceros Argimiro
Photos: Miguel Angel Calvo Salve
Strength and Malleability
A part of the intervention was to design
the entrances to the ruins of the Castle.
It was decided to make various individual
elements in brass, and also bronze, to give
a jewel-like quality amongst the ancient
building fabric. These included access
bridges with stairs, gateway doors and
exhibition display elements. The choice
of brass was based on its qualities as a
material that ages with time, developing a
patina – just as the stone walls have done.
Its strength and malleability was essential
in the creation of these disparate elements.