By Olivia Graf, Designer II

Time to make a Starbucks run and settle into your ‘comfy’ Aeron chair for this week’s Rant & Rave design editorial on the Metropol Parasol in Sevilla, Spain.

When I came across the competition renderings and early construction photos of this project, by Jürgen Mayer Architects, I was immediately hooked—mainly because Sevilla is one of my favorite cities. The laid back attitude of the inhabitants, the walkability of the city, and the beauty of its many historic buildings all hold a special place in my heart. Integrating this imposing structure into the historic core of the city would truly be a challenge. Now that it has opened in March of this year, it’s time to see if the redevelopment of this plaza is inspirational or just another crazy form for form’s sake, á la Zaha mode?

Jürgen Mayer Architects

Thumbs Up:  Soaring over the Plaza de la Encarnacion, this almost Gaudi-esque structure houses an observation deck for views of the city, a restaurant, shops, and archeological ruins. At first glance, the beauty and elegance of the project lies in the purity of the structure; how it twists and turns in plan and in section and cantilevers to create both shaded and solid programmatic elements, all the while remaining a sculptural work of art. The openness of the form allows views through the plaza with a clear boundary between old and new.

© Javier Orive

© David Franck

Thumbs Down:  But why should there be a boundary? This bold and modern statement, receiving much criticism by the locals, might as well have gone a step further. A closer look at the site plan and aerial view leaves me wanting more: an integral form to the urban fabric. How interesting could it have been to have these forms extend and weave into the alleys and over the rooftops of other buildings, truly integrating old and new? The stark austerity of the structure is almost its downfall, with no greenery on the observation level to add any warmth, relaxation or comfort. The roofscape could have been further taken advantage of by locating the walkways farther out on the edge of the structure so that visitors could experience a more tactile and integrated response to the existing historic buildings—I want to be able to almost lean over and touch them.

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Still, I can’t help but want to go straight to the airport and buy a ticket for the first plane to Sevilla to visit once again, i.e., a very inspirational outcome! What an awesome architectural feat and such progressive foresight from the city to have built something this bold, smack dab in the middle of an urban city known for its historic sights and Moorish architecture. Then again, I didn’t grow up there and my balcony doesn’t look out onto a massive steel structure, ready to fry my breakfast scramble. However, this sculptural project is poetic and definitely something to admire; a great place for gathering and observing the city. I don’t feel that it detracts from its surroundings, but rather invigorates the city, and brings new life to an otherwise somewhat mundane plaza. I think it makes you appreciate the historic buildings around you even more.

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More info and sources:

Architizer: New Photos of Metropol Parasol

ArchDaily: In Progress Metropol Parasol Jürgen Mayer Architects

ArchDaily: J. Mayer H. Architects’ Metropol Parasol new photos