When I went to Seville, I got food poisoning. If only I had been out sitting under this magnificent homage to simple beauty, and not eating that pasta with the blue cheese sauce, I would have felt much better the next day. Sadly for my stomach, it was not yet built. Designed by J. Mayer H. architects, the Metropol Parasol is the winner of the competition for the redevelopment of the Plaza de la Encarnacion, and opened in April of 2011. The scheme offers an archeological museum, elevated plaza, farmers market, multiple bars and restaurants, as well as a panoramic view from a terrace atop the parasol.
The bonded timber parasol is cunningly constructed as a structurally ribbed volume. It rises from an archeological excavation site to create a contemporary icon for city, tying together past, present and a hint of the future. Its mixed-use persona acts as a precedent for future cultural and commercial development in the heart of Europe’s most fascinating cultural destinations.
photography by © J. Mayer H. Architects
Drawings @ J. Mayer H. architects – [email protected]
