J. Mayer H. architects - Metropol Parasol, Sevilla, Spain

Features

J. Mayer H. Architects
Metropol Parasol
Sevilla, Spain

Photo © Fernando Alda

"Metropol Parasol" explores the potential of the Plaza de la Encarnacion to become the new contemporary urban center. Its role as a unique urban space within the dense fabric of the medieval inner city of Seville allows for a great variety of activities such as memory, leisure and commerce. A highly developed infrastructure helps to activate the square, making it an attractive destination for tourists and locals alike.

Photo © Fernando Alda

The "Metropol Parasol" scheme, with its impressive timber structures, offers an archaeological museum, Antiquarium, with Roman and Moorish ruins discovered when the area was being excavated to build a car park, a farmers market, an elevated plaza, multiple bars and restaurants underneath and inside the parasols, as well as an open-air shaded concert space on the first floor, and a panorama terrace on the very top of the parasols offering views of the city from 30 meters up.
The columns become prominent points of access to the plaza and panorama deck above, as well to the museum below.

Photo © Fernando Alda

In the archaeological museum below, designed by Felipe Palomino Arquitectos, sections of ruins are visible through glass partitions, and underfoot along walkways.

Photo © Fernando Alda

Realized as one of the largest and most innovative bonded timber-constructions with a polyurethane coating, the parasols grow out of the archaeological excavation site into a contemporary landmark, defining a unique relationship between the historical and the contemporary city.

Model photo: Uwe Walter
Plexi-Model

Drawing courtesy J. Mayer H. Architects
Antiquarium Level Plan

Drawing courtesy J. Mayer H. Architects
Plaza Level Plan

Drawing courtesy J. Mayer H. Architects
Second Level Plan

Drawing courtesy J. Mayer H. Architects
Third Level Plan

Drawing courtesy J. Mayer H. Architects
Sky Walk Level

Site area: 18,000 square meters
Building area: 5,000 square meters
Total floor Area: 12,670 square meters
Completed: 2011

Client: Ayuntamiento de Sevilla und SACYR
Architects: J. Mayer H. Architects
Project Architects:
Jürgen Mayer H.
Andre Santer
Marta Ramírez Iglesias
Technical Consultant/Multidisciplinary Engineers: Arup
Project Manager: Jose de la Peña, Jan-Peter Koppitz
Timber Construction: Finnforest-Merk GmbH, Aichach

Photographed by Fernando Alda

August 1, 2011