An Imprint of Spain in Shanghai // China
The maps show the Shanghai Historic Spanish Architecture from the only Spanish architect in China 100 years ago: Abelardo Lafuente and some interesting Spanish related places and secrets still hidden in the city. Based on our Lafuente Research Project, they can be already acquired by anyone contacting: info@polifactory.com and info@vi-sh.com, the two companies associated to organize the “Lafuente Tours” since August 2012 in Shanghai.
In media:
elviajero.elpais.com
babelia.elpais.com
elmundo.es
creativehunt.com
shanghailander.net
The maps show the Shanghai Historic Spanish Architecture from the only Spanish architect in China 100 years ago: Abelardo Lafuente and some interesting Spanish related places and secrets still hidden in the city. Based on our Lafuente Research Project, they can be already acquired by anyone contacting: info@polifactory.com and info@vi-sh.com, the two companies associated to organize the “Lafuente Tours” since August 2012 in Shanghai.
In media:
elviajero.elpais.com
babelia.elpais.com
elmundo.es
creativehunt.com
shanghailander.net
An Imprint of Spain in China. Exhibition // Shanghai - China
The exhibition, featuring the hidden story of Spanish architecture in China, was the result of the research about Abelardo Lafuente, the first Spanish architect in China, who introduced the moorish spanish style in Shanghai, and was responsible for the design of some of the most luxurious ballrooms in Asia.
The concept design was based on using a common element of people’s daily life in China: paper lamps. The layout was designed in such a way that the information would be unveiled piece-by-piece as the public enveloped itself in the spaces created by the three square-shaped lamps. Each lamp presented a part of the work, life and legacy of Abelardo Lafuente, while together they organized the space and provided smooth light to guide visitors and illuminate the old factory space inside the South Bund 22 building.
Photos by Pili Moya © and Polifactory
The exhibition, featuring the hidden story of Spanish architecture in China, was the result of the research about Abelardo Lafuente, the first Spanish architect in China, who introduced the moorish spanish style in Shanghai, and was responsible for the design of some of the most luxurious ballrooms in Asia.
The concept design was based on using a common element of people’s daily life in China: paper lamps. The layout was designed in such a way that the information would be unveiled piece-by-piece as the public enveloped itself in the spaces created by the three square-shaped lamps. Each lamp presented a part of the work, life and legacy of Abelardo Lafuente, while together they organized the space and provided smooth light to guide visitors and illuminate the old factory space inside the South Bund 22 building.
Photos by Pili Moya © and Polifactory
Abelardo Lafuente Research Project // China
In August 2009, Polifactory Founder and China Director Alvaro Leonardo discovered the first clues about the presence of Spanish architect Abelardo Lafuente, who lived in Shanghai during one of Shanghai’s golden ages during the early 20th Century. Since then Leonardo has continued to shed light not just on Lafuente’s life and works in Shanghai but also the cultural ties between China and Spain during that era. The research is part of an on-going project that is constantly growing through the discovery of new information and greater interaction with those eager to learn more. With the support of the Cervantes Institute, Leonardo leads monthly tours around the city to show and explain the history of Lafuente’s buildings. The plan is to continue the research and ultimately build a transmedia experience linking the Spanish and Chinese cultures.
SEE THE VIDEO
In August 2009, Polifactory Founder and China Director Alvaro Leonardo discovered the first clues about the presence of Spanish architect Abelardo Lafuente, who lived in Shanghai during one of Shanghai’s golden ages during the early 20th Century. Since then Leonardo has continued to shed light not just on Lafuente’s life and works in Shanghai but also the cultural ties between China and Spain during that era. The research is part of an on-going project that is constantly growing through the discovery of new information and greater interaction with those eager to learn more. With the support of the Cervantes Institute, Leonardo leads monthly tours around the city to show and explain the history of Lafuente’s buildings. The plan is to continue the research and ultimately build a transmedia experience linking the Spanish and Chinese cultures.
SEE THE VIDEO
Shanghai Transforming // China
As professionals living Shanghai’s Transformation day-by-day in all of our fields, we decided to join one of the fastest urban developments, cooperating with an interactive online project writing guest posts for MAS STUDIO in Chicago, USA. Their project is one of the most interesting ways to be involved in Shanghai’s ever-changing urban landscape, following the initial publication of Iker Gil’s book about the city, Transforming Shanghai.
Since summer 2010 we have been participating as guests, providing the “local” point of view through our daily experiences as Shanghainese.
Visit Shanghai Transforming
As professionals living Shanghai’s Transformation day-by-day in all of our fields, we decided to join one of the fastest urban developments, cooperating with an interactive online project writing guest posts for MAS STUDIO in Chicago, USA. Their project is one of the most interesting ways to be involved in Shanghai’s ever-changing urban landscape, following the initial publication of Iker Gil’s book about the city, Transforming Shanghai.
Since summer 2010 we have been participating as guests, providing the “local” point of view through our daily experiences as Shanghainese.
Visit Shanghai Transforming
Lagoa Pampulha Exhibition & Lecture. Water Sessions in The Nut // China
In February 2010 at the Water Sessions Experience, Polifactory founder Alvaro Leonardo presented an exhibition on Lagoa Pampulha, Oscar Niemeyer’s urban lake project in Belo Horizonte. Supported by stylistic photos of the area taken by A.Leonardo on location and material gained through the founders’ studies in Brazil, the exhibition gave a fresh perspective on Niemeyer’s work and provided all Water Sessions attendees with a complete overview of the project.
In February 2010 at the Water Sessions Experience, Polifactory founder Alvaro Leonardo presented an exhibition on Lagoa Pampulha, Oscar Niemeyer’s urban lake project in Belo Horizonte. Supported by stylistic photos of the area taken by A.Leonardo on location and material gained through the founders’ studies in Brazil, the exhibition gave a fresh perspective on Niemeyer’s work and provided all Water Sessions attendees with a complete overview of the project.
Libraries Exhibition // Spain
As part of the celebration of the "Dia del Libro" (Book Day) in Spain and in conjunction with events organized by the Polytechnic University of Valencia’s Library, Polifactory Spain organized an exhibit called “World Libraries” taking attendees through a tour of the most famous libraries around the world from an architecture and artistic point of view. Coordinated by our founders Veronica Llopis and Javier Sorli, the exhibit showed how designers on different continents portray shared spaces of words, knowledge and culture.
Photos by Alfonso Calza
As part of the celebration of the "Dia del Libro" (Book Day) in Spain and in conjunction with events organized by the Polytechnic University of Valencia’s Library, Polifactory Spain organized an exhibit called “World Libraries” taking attendees through a tour of the most famous libraries around the world from an architecture and artistic point of view. Coordinated by our founders Veronica Llopis and Javier Sorli, the exhibit showed how designers on different continents portray shared spaces of words, knowledge and culture.
Photos by Alfonso Calza
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