Metropol Parasol

The Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure in the historic center of the Spanish city of Seville. It was built from 2005 to April 2011, on the square " Plaza de la Encarnación ", on the site of a former market hall built in 1842. The building with organic structures was designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer H.. The new landmark of Seville has a length of 150 meters, a width of 70 meters and a height of 26 meters and is the largest wooden structure in the world. In Seville, the design is also called Las Setas (translated: The fungi ) or referred to as Las Setas de la Encarnación. His appearance, the location, construction delays and cost overruns in the construction led to public controversy.

For the design of the Metropol Parasol Architect Mayer was awarded the prize Best of the best 2012 red dot design award and the building was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2013.

Description

The structure consists of six umbrella - like structures with mushroom- like shape that are partially connected to a sun protection. The building was inspired by the columns of the Cathedral of Seville and by the ficus trees on the nearby Plaza del Cristo de Burgos.

Under the Metropol Parasol are shops, a market, bars, restaurants and an archaeological museum, the Antiquarium, where remains from Roman and Moorish times are. Also, are the building with the increased Plaza's ability to hold public meetings in the open air. On the roof there are passages that are accessible as a viewing platform, allowing an unobstructed view of the city.

For the construction of 3,500 cubic meters of laminated veneer lumber and 700 tons of steel were used. It consists of 3400 different components.

History

Since the 19th century, a market is held in an indoor market in the square. 1948 was a part of the Market Hall, demolished in 1973 and the remaining part of the market hall. The idea for a redesign of the Plaza de la Encarnación was created during the 1980s. First, the construction of an office building was planned with garages. During construction, it was discovered ancient ruins and the construction was stopped. 2004, the city called an international competition to redesign the square. Of the 800 participants of the Berlin Jürgen Mayer won with his design.

Construction

Construction began on 26 June 2005. Was estimated to cost 50 million euros and forecast completion in June 2007. But soon there was trouble. In May 2007, the engineering firm Arup informed the City Council that the implementation of technical reasons can not be realized. Then, alternatives have been developed. Finally, the structure was reinforced in 2009. Because of delays, construction costs increased. In April 2011, the project was completed.