Metropol Parasol, Seville

To redevelop part of the Plaza de la Encarnacion, Seville, architect J Mayer H designed a huge timber pavilion. To make a lasting mark on the city, the structure is home to an archaeological museum, farmers market, an elevated panoramic terrace, bars, and restaurants drawing plenty of buzz and attention to it. The architects aimed to 'activate the square' for both tourists and locals.  

The structure is lattice timber and is thought to be the 'largest and most innovative bonded timber construction with a polyurethane coating'. The 6 massive parasols seemingly grow out of the archaeological excavation site, creating a unique blend of contemporty and hisotry.

The locals were at first sceptical about how the modern, or arguably futuristic, pavillion would suit the area as they felt it disregarded the mediveval feel of the square. However, accordining to an article in Architizer, the locals have changed their mind, saying the 'Metropol Parasol is a shinning success stroy'. The central market is now a 'triving destination' as both locals and tourists flood to the centre. 

Lattice: An open framework of criss-cross wood/ metal, to form a regular pattern. 

Bonded Timber: timber worked into a wall to tie or strengthen it longitudinally.

Polyurethane Coating: a layer applied to the surface of something to protect it from corrosion, weathering, etc. 

 

The project was completed in 2011 after J Mayer H architects won 1st prize in the internation design competition for the plaza's redevelopment in 2004. 

Site: 18,000m2

Structure: 5,000m2

Number of floors: 4 

Building height: 28.5m

Structure: concrete, timber, steel

Design between 2004 - 2005

Constructed between 2005 - 2011

Cost: 90million euro

We chose this as a precedent as it is quite similar to our exhibition design. Both have the same timber, lattice structure and material base. Seeing the Metropol Parasol as a real, and much larger example of our design, gives us the confidence that it will work structurally, as well as gives us a better undestanding of what it will look like and the feel it will give in real life.

Sources:

- https://bustler.net/news/2182/j-mayer-h-completes-metropol-parasol-in-seville

- https://www.dezeen.com/2011/04/26/metropol-parasol-by-j-mayer-h/

- https://www.jmayerh.de/19-0-Metropol-Parasol.html

- https://www.completedesign.cc/client-resources/dictionary-of-construction-terminology/427-lattice

- file:///C:/Users/emily/Downloads/Vol%202%201633-1654%20Hurst%20(2).pdf

- https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/5777/polyurethane-coating#:~:text=A%20polyurethane%20coating%20is%20a,abrasion%20and%20other%20deteriorating%20processes.

- https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/industry/metropol-parasol-a-public-space-success-story/