The heritage consideration of the Virgen del Carmen Group (Valencia): a historical reinterpretation

Abstract

The conservation of Modern Movement architecture as a built architectural heritage requires also its renovation to reach today's standards of comfort and efficiency. It is even more necessary when it is still in use, as in the case of residential architecture. Moreover, it is a living heritage that, to be understood holistically, requires consideration of the experiences of its inhabitants. The Virgen del Carmen Group in Valencia is a residential complex designed and built by GO-DB Arquitectos between 1958 and 1963, and included in the DOCOMOMO Ibérico database. This architectural complex has been taken as an object of study to analyse the interpretation of its past based on exhaustive historical and archival research. This is the necessary first step towards its heritage consideration on which its future revitalisation and energy upgrading will be supported. This paper will detail the main results of the historical and archival research carried out. The changes and transformations, that the Virgen del Carmen Group has undergone over the years, have been evidenced by comparing the original project, the renovation projects, and its current state.To this end, the documents kept in the main national archives and those of the Valencian Community and the city of Valencia were consulted, as well as various historical photographic, newspaper and video sources.