La Belleza Tobacco Factory

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Industrial architecture · Year: 1930 · Authors: Miguel Martín-Fernández de la Torre

This factory, now in a ruinous state, is one of the first rationalist style buildings erected not only in the Canary Islands but throughout Spain. It was designed by architect Miguel Martín-Fernández de la Torre in 1929 for the tobacco entrepreneur Ángel Carrillo, on a plot located at the top of Pérez de Rozas street, a route that at that time was almost undeveloped. The building was completed in September 1930. 

The idea proposed by the architect was revolutionary. He combined technical feats (use of reinforced concrete and glass) with an aesthetic concept totally different from what had been seen until then in the city. The use of decorative elements on the façade was abandoned and only the surfaces of the openings were emphasised, which respond to the practical purpose of the interior, seeking natural light for the tasks to be performed.   

The building still maintains a very modern sense today, although it is in the utmost abandonment, almost threatening ruin.

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