A future full of life: developments continue in the construction of Pabellón de la Victoria (Victoria Pavilion)
The rehabilitation of the modernist facade has been completed; now starts the integral transformation of the building.
The Pabellón de la Victoria (Victoria Pavilion), emblematic project of the Villavecchia Foundation, continues to be transformed step by step. The restoration of the modernist facade being complete, which came to be through the company Recop, is leading to the interior restorations of the historic building starting, which will convert the building into the pioneering first children’s hospice in our country.
The facade has been restored and only needs the installation of some windows
A thorough restoration
The restoration realized by expert renovators at Recop has followed criteria for a conservative operation, taking into account the compatibility with materials, and having minimal drastic changes that holds a respect for the original, achieving an authentic and loyal final restoration of the pabellon. These are the following steps that have been taken:
- An initial cleaning using a controlled pressured water system, completed through manual brushing, guaranteeing the elimination of the surficial deposits without compromising neither the texture or the integrity of the building’s original material.
- Application of a biotic agent with the goal to eliminate the biological attack that has been suffered by the building, additionally serving as a conservational method against future aggressions.
- The elimination of inappropriate elements. The removal of cement buildup, inadequate metallic pieces and mortars alien to the original building's construction.
- A volumetric reformation and reconstruction: punctual reintegration with mortar, in volumes of rock and brick, using traditional and reversible techniques.
- For the repositioning of mortars, the use of lime-based mortars has taken place, the same as the originals, adjusting the particle-size distribution and pigmentation according to the zone to be reconstructed.
- Mosaic restoration: consolidation, cleaning, chromatic and volumetric regrouting and reintegration of clay mosaics and venetian glass, differentiating the original from what has been added.
- Final chromatic adjustment: Visual integration of intervened zones, moderate controlled chromatic adjustment, maintaining the historicity of the building.
- Restoration of the exterior wood-work, granting them their original appearance.
With these implementations, not only has there been pathological corrections and the removal of inadequate architectural elements, the building has also been given material stability and aesthetic coherence, ensuring its conservation for an extended period of time.
The first phase of developments have been possible thanks to the support of organizations like the Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, the Department of Culture from the Generalitat de Catalunya, the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation, and many other institutions, companies, and donors.
The fundraising campaign ¨Una Victoria de todos¨ (¨A Victory for all¨) remains ongoing
A project that will help 400 families each year.
The second phase of developments, which will consist of the construction of distinct therapy spaces, rooms for respite care, and apartments and offices in the building’s interior will be led by the company Natur System.
The standouts in these previewed spaces are the six rooms for families, guaranteeing a comfortable and intimate space; the water zones and therapy room where stimulation activities will take place, like physiotherapy and creative workshops; the two apartments for situations of final days of life; the coordinating room for healthcare professionals and volunteers; open communal areas, like the dining room; spaces for moments of hurt and vulnerability, and the zones for play and the exterior garden, designed for children to enjoy a natural and safe environment.
With all of this, the Pabellon de la Victoria will be much more than a center specialized in pediatric palliative care: it has the capacity to turn into a temporary home and a safe space where physical and emotional care for children and families will be provided.
► Thanks to the campaign “Una Victoria de todos” (“A Victory for all”, www.unavictoriadetodos.com) the project has gathered the support of hundreds of donors, entities and institutions committed to helping out. Each and every contribution helps this pioneering care center become a reality, ensuring that no family will have to face the most difficult moments for their sick children alone.
