Jurgen Mayer H: 'Metropol Parasol' Project in Seville

via Designboom - Weblog on 6/5/09


the redevelopment of plaza de la encarnacion in seville, spain redefines the potential 
of a previously unused plaza to become the contemporary urban centre of seville.

in 2004 jürgen mayer h, one of germany's leading, young architects was awarded 
first prize in the competition to redevelop the plaza de la encarnacion in seville, spain.
'metropol parasol' explores the potential of the plaza de la encarnacion to become the
new contemporary urban centre.the scheme with its large mushroom like structures offers 
an archeological site, a farmers market, an elevated plaza, multiple bars and restaurants 
underneath and inside the parasols, as well as a panorama terrace on the very top of
the parasols. the construction is planned to be completed at end of year 2009.

roof structure
conceived as a roof structure that provides precious shade during the day, 
creating a comfortable microclimate and a place for relaxation


market
the organisation of the floor plan allows for most areas of the market to be closed at 
night while keeping the bars on the north and south edge of the complex open


the parasols
the columns become prominent points of access to the museum below as well as to the 
plaza above, connecting the elements and defining a unique relationship between the
historical and the contemporary. accessibility to one of the umbrellas provides visitors
with a spectacular view of the city and it’s monuments.


elevated plaza
the architectural proposal doubles the original area and creates an additional 
4.500 sqm of space. water bassins located in selected areas of the surface further 
enhance the microclimate and offer attractive locations for sitting and lingering.

archeological museum
several years ago, during the excavation works for an underground car park, 
archaeological remains were discovered on the site. the city of seville decided then 
to convert the area into museum and a square to attract locals and tourists. 
the archeological museum is located underneath the market and visually marked
by an entrance inside the thickest column of the parasol.

these parasols are made from timber plates covering an area of 150 m x 70 m.
it will be one of the largest architectural timber structures ever built.
developed in collaboration with engineers at arup. 

the general contractor for the project is sacyr, who are based in spain and ayuntamiento 
de sevilla. 50 % of the project is funded by the city of seville, and the other 50% by 
the leading contractor of advanced wooden structures and timber & glass facades 
in europe, finnforest-merk (FFM) from aichach in germany. 

FFM's kerto-Q light timber beams with a polyurethane coating

the polyurethane coating protects the wood and allows it to breathe and the wood itself 
doesn't give off hazardous fumes in case it burns. it is sustainably planted, with a 
certificate PEFC (program for the endorsement of forest certification schemes), 
granted by the finnish forest council of certification.

the coat of the structure is self cleaning, and only needs repainting every 20 to 25 years.


six timber parasols will shade the plaza

see google maps street view images here