The Amira de la Rosa will be more than just a theater; it will be a cultural center. The designs for the restoration of this iconic and heritage building of the arts in Barranquilla have been made public.
Diego Restrepo Álvarez, manager of the Banco de la República in Barranquilla, stated that the design project has already been submitted by the consortium to the Ministry of Culture for subsequent approval, licensing, and finally, proceeding with the construction of the project.
“The Bank has never stopped in its task of restoring the Amira, and the great achievement we have now is that the theater’s design project has been submitted to the Ministry of Culture. For this, the Bank chose one of Colombia’s best architects to develop the designs,” he emphasized.
The architect is Daniel Bermúdez, the legal representative of the TAR Consortium, who has also led projects of great national recognition such as the Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo in Bogotá, the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, the Universidad de los Andes, among others.
What sections of the theater are going to be renovated?
Regarding the project being carried out at the Amira de la Rosa theater, the expert architect stated that there is already a diagnosis of the building and the areas that will be intervened in this restoration process. He mentioned that the original structure, which he described as excellent architecture, will remain practically the same.
“We need to reinforce the structure, replace all the electrical and plumbing systems, and replace all the pipes. Additionally, we need to add more evacuation stairs, adapt it to current bioclimatic and sustainability standards, improve acoustics and visibility,” Bermúdez explained.
In the designs, the lateral part of the Amira building will feature windows and entrance doors, as well as awnings to protect from the sun in the plaza of the Banco de la República’s cultural center. On the other hand, in the front area, vertical windows that were part of the building’s original design will be restored and covered with stained glass in a triple-height space in the theater’s lobby.
The architect explained that the entire external space of the Amira will be surrounded by squares and parks so patrons can carry out outdoor activities. Additionally, it will have a large green area integrated into the 11 de Noviembre Park, with a small parking area and an outdoor theater within gardens.
When will the project be approved?
It is expected that by the end of 2023, the design project will be approved by the Ministry of Culture, and by mid-2024, the construction license will be obtained to open the bidding process for awarding and executing the project.
The entire space will feature a main hall, an alternate hall with a capacity for 240 people, an exhibition hall showcasing paintings, sculptures, and original works, spaces for cultural services with the loan of educational material, and a lobby for exhibitions without originals.
Likewise, it will have an administrative area where the offices of the cultural center and the Bank’s staff will be located, as well as commercial concessions.
Who was Amira de la Rosa?
Amira de la Rosa, born Amira Hortensia Arrieta MacGregor, in 1895, was a Colombian playwright, poet, journalist, and writer. She is the author of the lyrics of the anthem of Barranquilla. The current municipal theater built in her honor, opened in 1982.
What other theaters have performances?
The Amira de la Rosa theater is located around the corner from the Teatro Jose Consuegra Higgins, where Russian ballet dancers will be doing a performance of Swan Lake on September 8th. Be sure to check back for other performances throughout the year.
