El Musical

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Source: Own Photo

Source: Own Photo

Source: Own Photo

Situated in Plaza del Rosario, El Musical is an exposed concrete structure that takes the form of a U-shape. Due to its nature being a musical theatre, acoustic properties of the structural component is vital. Concrete walls and floors have the mass needed to effectively reduce the transmission of sound, which is important when different events are happening at the same time. Wood is also a material seen throughout the building, which is good for sound absorption as it prevents echo and house.

The interior juxtaposes the buildings around that area and even its original retained facade. With it being completely separated from the exterior, perhaps, the only communication between the two is light that is filtered through the narrow timber slats on the wall and roof. The aggregates below the concrete wall are exposed as the smooth surface layer is removed, which gives a more durable finish and can extend the material’s life cycle. The interior floor in the atrium is made of white marble tiles, which reflects the light that seeps through the perforations on the roof whilst also keeping the building cool. However, it is prone to slippage, which is why the exterior marble floor has a honed finish as suppose to a polished one.

Source: Own Photo

The concrete shows no signs of deterioration as it is not exposed to the exterior. Similarly, the marble tiles and timber slats have not deteriorated or aged either.

At the end of Building Life Cycle, concrete can be recycled by being crushed into gravel and reused as an aggregate in the making of new concrete. Wood, being a natural resource, is renewable and can be recycled and reused. It also has low embodied energy and sequests carbon, meaning less carbon dioxide is given off during the manufacturing process whilst storing the carbon from the atmosphere, reducing the effect of greenhouse gases. However, to decide whether it is a sustainable material, other considerations such as whether it is locally grown or transported from other countries must be taken into account. Furthermore, wood is combustible and is likely that the timber used is coated with flame-retardant paints. To extend its life cycle, a resin or paint can be coated to protect it.