METROPOL PARASOL AND THE URBAN POLARIZATION PHENOMENON IN

SEVILLE

· INTRODUCTION

1. WORK OBJECTIVES

In this work, I will emphasize on one of the most distinctive architectural-urbanistic projects, a
structure that endorses interaction between the communities – “Metropol Parasol”

The main goal of the work is to focus on the redevelopment of "Plaza de la Encarnación" and
the influence of Metropol Parasol on the polarization phenomenon in this area of Seville. To
understand the uniqueness of the given project from the urbanistic-architectural side, in the given
work will be discussed transnational and national aspects of urban change and socio-spacial
dynamics change caused by the Metropol Parasol project. I will also look at how this project’s
mobility intertwines with the urban regeneration of the “Plaza de la Encarnación”, which not
only develops the transnational polarization (tourists attraction) but also national polarization
(Spanish residents). The given themes will help in comprehension of polarizatio n phenomena,
why it is so important in urbanism and in overall city development. Finally the problems and
potential improvements of the project will be analyzed.

2. FRAMEWORK

2.1. BRIEF HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION OF THE METROPOL PARASOL AREA

Before analyzing the polarization phenomena caused by the Metropol Parasol project, the
cartographical area should be analyzed. Metropol Parasol structure is displaced in one of the
most historical squares of Seville,Spain - " Plaza de la Encarnación ". The history of the Plaza de
la Encarnación goes back to the Roman Empire. It was designed by an architect of Seville,
Melchor Cano. Plaza de la Encarnación is an open square set between Plaza de Oriente and Plaza
de Isabel II is in the historical center of the city. Because of the rectangular shape, due to
continuous urban planning operations to which it has been subjected from the 16th century, the
site has had a similar use as a marketplace for 200 years.
The demolition of the block of the Encarnación convent in 1810 integrated several adjoining
areas into the same space, such as the access to Regina Street, a section of José Gestoso or the
Plaza de Don Pedro Ponce. This large area was merged in the general street reform of 1845 and
was renamed Plaza de la Encarnación.
So, as we can see even in the 19th century, the square was the “attractor” of the citizens, the area
of targeting and national and international polarization point. Then in 1948 as part of the project
was to create a large communication axis from Osario to La Campana, the southern third of the
market was demolished, and the resulting land was used to put Laraña and Imagen streets in
direct communication, and the square was urbanized.

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The new chapter for the square starts in 1990 when the city decided to construct underground
parking with space for a market on top. However, during construction, ruins dating to the Roman
and Al-Andalus eras were discovered, and construction was frozen after an expenditure of 14
million Euros.
In 2004, the city decided to attempt to develop the area again and opened an international
competition to redesign the Plaza de la Encarnación in such as way that the ruins underneath are
preserved.

So as the result, we see 3 main phases of the square use:

1. Market place
2. Parking Lot
3. Market place, parking lot, historical heritage museum

Pic 1. Location of Plaza de la Encarnación and neighborhoods. 1899.

Pic. 2 Land- use historical depicture through years of Plaza de la Encarnación

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After the geographical and cartographical analysis we can state that it was necessary to use the
land for the marketplace, parking lot and historical heritage purposes, that’s why they decided to
stage an international competition for the future development of the square. This was won in the
summer of 2004 by Jürgen Mayer H. and his Berlin-based office J MAYER H. The construction
based on his design began in 2005, and ended in April 2011. Metropol Parasol’s function as a
unique organic urban space within the crowded and dense fabric of the medieval city center of
Seville allows for a variety of activities to be performed. In this way, the main goal of the
competition was to increase polarization capacity and “reincarnate” this historical center.

Pic 3.Construction stage of Metropol Parasol

Pic 4.Image dated 1/2011 Pic 5.Image dated 6/2018

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2.2 INTERVENTION AREA AND TARGET CARTOGRAPHY

Speaking of any architectural project, it is important to take into account geographical area,
neighborhood channels, and transportation facilities. All of these are tightly connected to the
urban activity of the Plaza de la Encarnación and speak of the importance of the Metropol
Parasol project. From the previous information it was stated that the target geographical area is
the center of the Seville, but the limits should be defined more precisely. The area of a point of
polarization that is studied in this work is referred to Encarnacion Regina and Alfalfa
neighborhoods. Those part of Seville are displaced from the old town and was used as the
marketplace. Plaza de la Encarnación, which has a more or less rectangular shape, is
approximately 150 meters in length and 80 meters in width. With a privileged location, the new
Seville icon is crossed by the east/west axis – Imagen street, which later extends to Alfonso XII
street – and it is implanted in the geometric center of this enclosure. Our cartographical target -
Plaza de la Encarnación is connected to the “Guggenheim effect”, that's why the disposition of
the Metropol Parasol structure from the geographical side is effective in the polarization aspect.
This effect will be more scrupulously discussed in the 3rd part (PEOPLE POLARIZATION IN
SEVILLE'S URBAN SPACES).

Pic 6. “Guggenheim effect “in Spanish cities. Pic 7. Metropol Parasol location and relation
to the Seville dimensions.

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Pic 8. Target Cartography of Metrapol Parasol
2.3. THE METROPOL PARASOL PROJECT
2.3.1. BACKGROUND, STRUCTURE AND MATERIALS USED.

The structure has four intertwined permeable levels: a basement with a platform to view the
archaeology, a 2,155m² marketplace with a raised square for performances and shows, a
restaurant, and a public balcony with panoramic views of Seville’s old quarter.

Pic 9. Metrapol Parasol waffle structure

Pic 10. 4 Floors of Metropol Parasol

The initial airframe structure proposed by the company appeared to be unworkable, because of
the lack of testing techniques. It was reviewed and corrected. The metal parts of the structure
were replaced by timber and the bearing loads of the structure were recalculated. Thus, the final
structure consisted of six large umbrellas (Parasols) resting on reinforced concrete piles. The
calculation showed that the structure needed the synergy of timber and metal materials. The
wooden structure of the Metropol Parasol has the behavior of a laminar bidirectional network. In
the structure were used only six columns because of the archeological museum under the
structure. Two of the central parasols, built with concrete and metallic beams, bear the elevated
program – a restaurant and panoramic balcony –, and house the elevators. The six wood parasols
rise between 20-26 meters in height, it is slightly exceeds the height of the building around them.
The height was chosen to not have a feeling of “Gigantism” and not interrupt the old architecture
of the Sevilla.

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 Pic 11. Avoiding of over-towering in Metropol Parasol.

Pic 12. “Right Height” of Metropol Parasol.

There are more than 3000 free- formed timber elements with different height and variable width.
The dimensions of the Metropol Parasol are about 150 m long, 75m wide and 28m high. It
consists of laminated veneer lumber Kerto-Q panels which are arranged on an orthogonal grid of
1.50 m x 1.50 m.

Talking about structural analysis of the Metropol Parasol, it is needed to be mentioned the 3D
and simulations software’s which specially computed the different thickness of the timber
connections (Ranging between 7cm and 22cm) depending on loads.

The restaurant terrace needed the additional strengthening that’s why engineers decided to add
the steel diagonals. Thermal analysis revealed that the hot climate of southern Spain would be a
challenge for the connection detail; engineers had to develop a new bonding process, specifically
for use in this climate. More than 3000 different wood elements were made in Aichac h near
Munich (Germany), and together for a total volume of 2500 m³ laminated veneer lumber were
transferred to Sevilla,Spain.

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 Pic 13. Computer-aided design of Metropol Parasol (Rhino).

Continuing with the materials usage, it is important to point out the Metropol Parasol’s
environmental friendly attitude and energoefficiency. The Metrapol Parasol structure has no
roof, that’s why it must be protected from the weather conditions. For this exact reason the
architects developed timber preservation technology - the timber is directly coated with a
waterproof but vapor-permeable 2-3mm thick 2-component polyurethane coating. Aligned with
the colored coating comes new protection of the timber surface. The material that was used is
plywood Kerto, which is composed of layers of 3mm thickness obtained by peeling and glued to
form big panels that will overdue mechanical and load-bearing stresses.

Moreover, besides the frame coating, it was important to look at the connections bond. The
engineers at Arup and FFM then developed a new bonding process, especially for use in hot
Seville. This development was supported by the WEVO-Chemie and the glue specialist Borimir
Radovic. Experiments carried out on the connection detail at the University of Augsburg and the
University of Stuttgart confirmed the proposed design. Besides timber materials and coating
technology there should be pointed out the usage of steel material which was mainly used for the
joints. Many pieces were made by glued steel bars, thus easy optimization for fast assembly on
site was achieved. Also the changing membrane glass was used in the lower floor of the
Metropol Parasol structure, to imitate the life of the inhabitant’s lot of years ago. Finally but not
less importantly, the lightning system should be mentioned. The top level of the Metropol
Parasol has been illuminated with white LED technology and optical media. The Museum was
also installed this technology in RGB version and cool white.

Pic 14. Construction Process and connections adjustment.

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Pic 15. Metropol Parasol lighted with RGB
Pic 16. Glued connections of Metrapol Parasol

Pic 17. Reduced embodied energy by choosing a timber structure

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2.3.1.2 MODELS USED IN THE CREATURE OF METROPOL PARASOL PROJECT.

Metropol Parasol is one of the biggest projects of J. MAYER H. As the inspiration for the project
was the nature and architecture of the Seville. The architect took the inspiration from local
vegetation (tree-shaded squares, olive trees) and architecture (undulating roofs of the cathedral).
The general feel of the designs were inspired by vaulted church interiors, Moorish ornaments,
such as Andalusian grilles, and rubber plants of the Cristo de Burgos square. When viewed from
different angles, the Parasol structures have a non-repetitive geometric pattern. The shape of the
structure is the liquid-like curves of the design are very much in the tradition of avant- garde
artists, from Gaudi’s Parc Guell in Barcelona to architect Santiago Calatrava’s Planetarium in
Valencia.
Behind every distinctive project and architect there is always an inspiration. J.Mayer is not
exemption. Mayer’s architectural language is heavily influenced by art and sculpture, as well as
the small details in life. The architect also finds inspiration in the relationship between man and
technology, stating that his “buildings are a contemporary reflection on the relations between
body, space, technology and communication.”From my perspective, the main idea of Mayer’s
architectural style is “interactive sculpturism”, he believes that the nature and human should
interact, the architectural project is a part of the surrounding nature. That’s why his project
Metropol Parasol has unordinary shape, which is actually the form of the cracked egg,
ununiformly distributed, without exact shape, out of the box. Exactly, the idea of interaction of
human and nature, airness of the structure was the main reason of the polarization effect caused
by Metropol Parasol project. Metropol Parasol is a nucleus of the easy-going casualness; a place
that feels as welcoming as any lounge or park on a sunny day.
It is important to point out inspiration sources from other architects such as Zaha Hadid and
Amanda Levette. The examples of the style similarities can be observed in the project – MAAT,
Lisbon, Portugal.The MAAT project in Lisbon is also the polarizing point with the hints of
ununiform reflexives,modernism and usage of city’s history. Amanda Lavette used the ceramic
tiles as the cultural feature of Lisbon and also took into account the “play” of ocean and sky,
which will be reflected by the ceramic tiles of the structure.

Pic 19. Inspiration of nature of Zaha Hadid.

Pic 18. MAAT project.(Amanda Lavette).

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A similar move towards fluid forms has revealed itself in the work of other architects, most
notably Zaha Hadid. It’s sometimes referred to as “blob” architecture or “blobism,” but for the
most part the style of our decade has not yet been assigned a name. She oftenly uses the
inspiration of the nature.Futuristic style of the Eero Saarinen and Spanish modernism of Santiago
Calatrava also played a big role in the implementation of Metropol Parasol project. Synergy of
Structurism and Architectural Creativity of Calatrava was the main inspiration for the project.

Pic 20. One of the works of Santiago Calatrava

When we mention the works and the style of Mayer, we need to mention his projects in Georgia.
When I was searching for the interesting projects around the world from urbanism perspective,
Metropol Parasol caught my vision because of the similarity to one of the Georgian projects-
Tbilisi Public Service Hall. After the research I found out that Mayer did a lot of projects in
Georgia, including the above mentioned. The fungal shape of the building was similar in both
projects, airness, the freedom of form and shape and also modernism. We have figured out what
and who inspired the Mayer to build Metrapol Parasol, but on the other hand we can observe
another projects inspired by Metrapol Parasol, and one of them is Tbilisi Public Service Hall.

Pic 22. Metrapol Parasol –Fungi structure

Pic 21.Tbilisi Public Service Hall- Fungi
Structure
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Eliel Saarinen, born in Finland 1873, was arguably the northern nation’s “most noted early
modernist architect” and worked at the forefront of the Finnish offshoot of National
Romanticism. This movement “expressed progressive social and political ideals, through
reformed domestic architecture” and contributed to several international styles.

Pic 23. David S. Ingalls Rink

Casually known as the Yale Whale, the 1958 David S. Ingalls Rink is a quintessential Saarinen
design with an arching humpbacked roof and swooping lines that suggest the speed and grace of
ice skaters. Here we can see the similarity with the Mayer, in the liberty of form, shape and
mentality out of the box.

Eero's designs, on the other hand, have a significantly wider impact than merely his colleagues.
Zaha Hadid is the most well-known proponent of Neo-Futurism, a style that Saarinen
popularized. When comparing the flowing expanses of Hadid's interiors to those of Saarinen, a
strong aesthetic (if not cognitive) link emerges. Santiago Calatrava is another important figure in
the Neo-Futurist revival. Calatrava builds jaw-dropping buildings that illustrate the independence
of form and function, bringing Eero's ideals into the modern day with his unusual blends of
organic form and structural technology. We can depict the chain of the influences : Starting from
Eliel Saarinen going to Calatrava then to Zaha Hadid and finally Mayer, who incorporated the
work spirit of all architects and created the Metrapol Parasol.

Pic 24. Calatravas works – Famous bridge on the scketches of “Moving Torso”

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2.3.2. DESCRIPTION SYNTHESIS – DETAILED PLANNING

Metropol Parasol is divided in 4 floors as we have mentioned before. Below we will discuss the
detailed planning of the Metropol Parasol and will find key answer in architectural planning –
Why Metapol Parasol is great polarization point of Sevilla.

Starting from the initial schemes and shapes, the Metrapol Parasol had a metallic elements as we
have discussed in the previous chapter, and was made by metallic tubes.

Pic 26. Metal Tubes forming the upper

enclosure

Pic 25. Radial and orthogonal plan

Those drawings are first hand-sketches of the Metrapol Parasol. As it was discussed in the
previous chapter, the concept and structural side of the project was renovated.

To describe the architectural plans of the Metropol Parasol, we should get familiar with the word
–Parametrism. Patrik Schumacher, a Zaha Hadid architectural collaborator, created the word
"parametricism" in 2008. The previous boxes and straight lines have been replaced. We no
longer feel comfortable inside spaces divided into isolated square-shaped compartments,
connected by empty corridors, and sitting on square-shaped chairs, because architecture should
increase interaction and information exchange, and cannot insist on physical separation as it did
until now, as Schumacher calls "primitive shapes." They are being replaced by a new language
of non- linear shapes, or "morphic" language, which is used to describe difficult solids and
liquids. Some specialists, ranging from "signature" architects to environmental and organic
designers (We will discuss about this in the next chapters), are major supporters of free- flowing
curvilinear shapes in the world of architecture. In the same way, Mayer decided that Metropol
Parasol should be the project of democracy, free in shape and ideology.

With the proper understanding of the idea behind, we can move to the architectural planning
discussion.

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 Pic 27. Floor purposes in Metrapol Parasol

Here is the representation of the floor purposes, from metaphysical side of the project we have
analyzed that Mayer incorporated 4 main aspects of human interaction.

1. Physical activities
2. Business and marketing –trading activities
3. Social activities- place for gatherings
4. Gastronomical activities

All 4 activities are closely related to the polarization phenomenon, because Mayer decided to
incorporate all possible people interaction scenarios, which would increase the overall
“attractiveness” of the Metrapol Parasol. Moreover, Metrapol Parasol was created for the
purpose of the “New Bilbao” of the Spain, that’s’ why the architectural planning is tightly
connected with socialization in all its forms and interpretations.

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 Pic 28 0 floor plan of Metropol Parasol

0 Level – So called Antiquarium is covered with a membrane with changeable properties, which
helps modify the perception, and may be transparent or translucent, show or reflect picture, pass
or reflect light, depending on the scenario. Qualities that, when coupled with hanging walls and
light lanterns, assist to recreate the sensations of our ancestors' living places. The public may
witness the 4,879 m2 diaphanous subterranean underground preserve archaeological remains
through a business platform journey that joins the remnants of a Roman city at elevation -5.45,
with a height of 3.95 meters, with the remainder of the ruins.

Pic 29. 0 floor plan of Metropol Parasol another representation

When ancient remains were uncovered during an excavation at the site a few years ago with the
goal of establishing an underground car park, the city's intentions to transform the area into a
museum and public space were changed. Architect Felipe Palomino and archaeologist Fernando
Amores collaborated on the museum's interior design.

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Level 1 is at street or square level. It includes the entire Plaza de la Encarnaciòn including the
side squares and access to a subway station that is still to be planned. Above the archaeological
field is the new market hall, from which the archaeological finds can be viewed through glass
construction elements in the floor.The market, which is fully linked with the Plaza de la
Encarnación market of the same name, is located on the second floor, along with retail and
dining outlets. The surface area of the market is 2.155m2. Plaza Mayor, a covered pedestrian
plaza structure, is also located on this level.

Pic 30. 1st floor plan of Metropol Parasol

Pic 31. 1st floor plan of Metropol Parasol by Mayers vision

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Level 2 -Place dedicated to cultural events is located 5 meters above market level and covers an
area of 3,000 m2. Level 2, the Plaza Elevada, is intended to be a large urban meeting place for
leisure and recreation as well as for chance encounters, but also beco me a site for large-scale
events such as flamenco festivals or concerts.

Pic 32. 2nd floor plan of Metropol Parasol

The Plaza Elevada is accessed via three large staircases and a ramp. A special infrastructure in
the parasols and on the floor of the plaza enables the division and use of vario us event areas. The
infrastructure components can be controlled via a separate control room with a view of the
scenery.

Pic 33. 2nd floor plan of Metropol Parasol by Mayers vision

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Level 3- In the third level as the dominant element umbrellas with their fungal forms appear.
Traveling most of these platforms has developed a curved scenic drive to a height of 21-28
meters, with views over the old town of Seville and a viewing balcony. Also on level 3 is a
restaurant with approx. 300 seats. It is hollowed out of the parasol structure, which opens in the
form of panoramic windows in exposed places. Finally, on the roof of the Parasols, at a height of
28 meters, a 600 meter long, winding, ascending and descending circular path (the Paseos) with
viewing platforms offers a wide and imposing view of the entire city.

Pic 34. 3rd floor plan of Metropol Parasol

Pic 35. 3rd floor plan of Metropol Parasol by Mayers vision

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Metropol Parasol in sections and Elevations :

Pic 36. Section East-West of Metropol Parasol

Pic 37. East Elevation

Pic 38. West Elevation

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2.3.3. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH OTHER WORKS BY THE AUTHOR J.
MAYER H. ARCHITECTS

Breaking boundaries through the design of elaborate forms is nothing new to the Mayers office,
as witnessed by projects such as the Danfoss Universe (2007), DUPLI CASA (2008), and the
Mensa Karlsruhe (2006).All the works of the Mayer is related to interrelation of human and
space. Below, we will discuss the similarities and compare to the Metropol Parasol. Frroming a
strong cultural identity that is another thing that describes all works of Mayer. Let’s start
comparison with Danfoss House :

Pic 39. Danfoss house top view

Pic 40. Danfoss house side view

As it can be seen, the freedom of form is not new for the Mayer, the unrestricted forms are very
similar to the Metropol Parasol project.The work of Jürgen Mayer H. is greatly inspired by the
Austrian-American architect, and furniture and set designer Friedrich Kiesler, who in the ’40s
and ’50s already envisioned the house as “an organism with a highly refined nervous system.”.
In his “Correalism,” circles embedded in a seemingly arbitrary amorphous form, add up to a
trapezoid or a square. This is neomonumentalism and we will see it in the next works on Mayer.

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Dupli Casa – Unrepetitive form, geometrical unstability is again key of the Mayers Project

Pic 41. Dupli Casa

Mensa Karlsruhe - The “Mensa Karlsruhe” is an elastic space, sitting in the centre of the
Karlsruhe University Campus. The conceptual approach to the project started from the sculptural
idea of taking the largest buildable plot of land, cleaving it from the ground and organizing the
functions of the canteen inside the rift created. From this came the mass of stringy stem- like
supports that form between the the two plates as they are pulled apart, as a logical conclusion of
the idea of the separation of the two horizontal planes. In this way, the roof of the building is also
covered with grass, to follow the concept of a cleft plot of land lifted into the air, as well as to
help create a sustainable building. Alike in Metrapol Parasol project, Mayer uses the technique
“play with form”, the building has high interaction rate, as it leaves the sense of breathing and
airness.

Pic 42. Mensa Karlsruhe side views Pic 43. Mensa Karlsruhe after completion

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Continuing the analysis and comparing the work of Mayer with Metrapol Parasol Project, below
will be showed the similarities of Mayers projects in Georgia and in Sevilla,Spain.

Pic 44. Mestia Airport , Georgia.

The building incorporates the European modern ar chitectural style and also Svan culture
(Region in Georgia). The towering effect is because of the worldwide known towns in Mestia
region. Like in Metrapol Parasol, Mayer decided to save the spirit of the past and add the hint of
21st century.
Sarpi border checkpoint is one of the best
representations of branding effect. With
this project Mayer showed the modernistic
mood of Georgia and progress after USSR
regime.

The curved form of the structure is

Pic 45. Sarpi boarder checkpoint (Turkey boarder)
inspired by the scenery and the winding
route between the hills and the Black Sea.
Aside from the necessary customs and
passport control facilities, the border
crossing has a restaurant and a small
meeting room. Its most distinguishing
feature is a 40- meter-high undulating
white tower with cantilevered terraces.
The building's unusual design expresses
its desire to be the country's showcase and
symbolises its fast progress.

Similar to the Metrapol Parasol, we can

see uneven forms and shapes and most
importantly – Building are the brand
philosophy.
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3. PEOPLE POLARIZATION IN SEVILLE'S URBAN SPACES

There is two main evaluation criteria’s of polarization phenomena in urbanism :

1. National polarization – (Attraction of local and temporary based citizens of the city)
2. Transnational polarization – (Attraction of the international or national tourists)

Each of them plays a big role in the polarizing capacity of the city. In this part of the work we
will dive into polarization phenomena in Sevilla, Spain, discuss and analyze places with
polarizing characteristics and compare them with our main polarization study topic- Metropol
Parasol project.

Phenomenon of attraction of people is not new to the urbanism, the most interesting fact is that
nowadays it is getting harder to increase the polarizing capacity of any city, because of the
plethora existing projects with background histories ( Big- Ban, Eiffel Tower and etc.). That’s
why the right choose of the polarization point in the whole city is very important. From my
perspective in the study geographical area of Sevilla there is very good interchange between
history and modern architecture and planning.

Pic 46. Polarization type segregation in Metrapol Parasol

This is the Metrapol Parasol in section cut, according to the polarization types on each of the
floors. Below is the representation of transnational polarization in Metrapol Parasol, depicting
the density of activities by the tourists in each floor. It is obvious that the highest percentage of
activities is done on the 0 level and 3rd level. The mentioned levels provide tourists the historical
heritage of Sevilla and also the spectacular view from the highest point. It is notable that socio-
spacial segregation on the 1st and 2nd level is not that much , because of the touristic intentions
and limited time.

Pic 47. Transnational Polarization in 0 and 3 rd level 24

 Pic 48. National Polarization in 1st and 2nd level

As we have mentioned before the Metrapol Parasol was not only intended for attraction of
tourists, but mainly for the polarization of locals of Sevilla. As it is seen from the image above,
local polarization segregation flows to the 1 st and 2nd level, where the concerts, local leisure
activities and restaurants are provided.

Pic 49. National Polarization – Shopping habits

The national polarization is also propagates to the marketing s ide, which means that additional
attraction reason for the locals are shopping facilities. The tendency in the picture shows the
socio-spacial segregation after the shopping activities of the local Sevillianos.

Pic 50. People Polarization according to intellectual activities

Here is the representation of the people segregation through the floors on the basis of intellectual
leisure time. The image shows that highest concentration of intellectually determined “leisurers “
are tend to spend time in the –0 level , where architectural museum is displaced and also in the
3rd level.

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 Pic 51. Mixture of stratums, preferences of stayings

The interference of all socio-spatial segregation gives this, very interesting image in the sense of
the polarization capacity of the Metrapol Parasol. In this wsy, all floors are predominantly
equally filled with the different kinds of people, creating the clear image of the polarization
intensity in the Metrapol Parasol.

Pic 52. Local effect = activation developement in the neighbouring areas

The works done for the increasing of polarization capacity in Seville from 2000 th is very
effective according to statistics. It is necessary to analyze a little bit of statistics to study the
polarization phenomena and socio-spatial segregation in the city of Sevilla. After the crisis in the
2011, the transnational polarization rate in Sevilla, decreased dramatically, but after hard work
on the overall infrastructure in the city, in 2018 the visitor numbers increased by 35%. Seville’s
old town is full of atmospheric streets and squares, but it’s easily overcrowded. That’s why it is
important to provide even distribution of the tourists in the whole city. Below we will discuss the
spaces with polarizing habits in Seville and compare them to the Metropol Parasol. (Part 5).

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 Pic 53. Polarization spaces to study

There were selected 4 points (not counting Metropol Parasol). First point space for analisation is
Alcazar and Catedral de Santa María de la Sede. Placed in the historical center of Seville, was
always an attraction point of visitors. Alcazar, the royal palace of the Eastern culture segregation
in Spain. This places are reached by the bridge Puente San Telmo and are the first things to pass
when crossing the river. Because of the authentical history and unusual architecture, these places
were the symbols of the city even few centuries ago. Though, the polarizing capacity of those
places is caused by the historical background.

Pic 54. Alcazar, Sevilla,Spain.

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 Pic 55. Catedral de Santa Maria, Sevilla,Spain

The second polarization place is Plaza de España. The most famous square in Sevilla, located in
the Maria Luisa park. It was created in 1929 to symbolize the peace with former colonies. This
square is the symbol of artificial polarization in Sevilla. It is located in the North-East in the
Sevilla and also is reachable from other side of the river from one of the 3 bridges. We can say
that the dislocation of this place and reaching capacity from the other side of the river was pre-
calculated in the terms of polarization capacity.

Pic 56. Plaza de España, Sevilla, Spain

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The third place is the Plaza de Torros. It is the bullfighting arena and is also one of the signatures
of Sevilla. The square is located South-North from the Alcazar and is reachable with one of the
bridges from another side of the river. The unique and authentic part of the Andalusian region
attracts millions of peoples around the world. That’s’ why it is also a big polarizing point.

Pic 57. Plaza de Torres, Sevilla , Spain

The last but not least is Plaza Nueva (New square). Plaza Nueva is a public square in the city
center of Seville, Spain, which contains Seville city hall. The previous places were more
transnational polarization points, while Plaza Nueva is the gathering place of the Sevilla
habitants. Its location, green areas and cozy square is the great attractor of people.

Pic 58. Plaza Nueva, Sevilla,Spain.

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4. METROPOL PARASOL: ARCHITECTURE IN THE NETWORK OF PUBLIC
SPACES – GREEN SPACES/HOUSING/MONUMENTS/PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

4.1. THE BIG IMPACT OF THE NEW SQUARE

Plaza Nueva or New square, not a new but the old historical place that was reurbanised and
redirected its potential. In this part of the work the socio-spatial transformation and its influence
on the Metropol Parasol project will be discussed. We will deliberate through the reactivation of
economics in this place, which is the part of the polarization causes in the Alfalfa (Where
Metrapol Parasol is displaced) and Arenal places.

History of the Plaza Nueva goes back to the Middle Ages and was known as the Laguna de la
Pajería. The area was drained during the Visigoth era, and centuries later the Almoravids used it
as a cemetery Then, throughout the remainder of the nineteenth century and well into the
twentieth century, buildings were demolished and replaced in order to link the square with some
of the city’s main arteries, in particular, the Avenida de la Constitución. Eventually, the
reconstruction work resulted in the Plaza Nueva as we know it today.

Plaza Nueva is one of the clearest illustrations of Seville’s love to open spaces. Which by itself
means that people of the Sevilla are tend to create a big polarization rate in the city. Plaza Nueva
is a good representation of transnational polarization phenomena, but why?

1. 500-metre perimeter and occupies the area of 14,000 square meters – huge area for social
gatherings, stages its celebrations, both public and private.

2. The public buildings around the Plaza Nueva- The Bank of Bilbao in Seville building is
located on one of its corners. Moreover, there is a Town Hall – home of the city
government. The Town Hall building is located on the eastern side of the square and has
an eighteenth-century façade.Also Hotel Inglaterra- has been here since the mid-
nineteenth century, its construction coinciding with the renovation of the square itself.
The building’s façade, however, is more recent. All these places are the polarizing point
for the habitants and tourists of Sevilla.

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 Pic 59. Bank of Bilbao Pic 60. Town Hall

3. Religion –destined buildings - Capilla de San Onofre: this chapel is one of the few
surviving remains of the Casa Grande de San Francisco. It dates from the sixteenth
century, and is built in the Baroque manner. Is the place of attraction of Christians, that’s’
why we can say that this square is also surrounded by religion –based polarizing objects.

4. Monumentalism- The sides of the pedestal are surrounded by the figures of four
characters who accompanied the Holy King in the conquest of Seville: the figure of
Alfonso X is the work of Enrique Pérez Comendador. At the top, the equestrian statue of
San Fernando is by Joaquín Bilbao Martínez. So the Monumentalism plays a big role in
the polarization phenomena, attracting thousands of people to the square.

5. Main shopping streets and Metro Centro tram line makes the Plaza Nueva very attracting
to the habitants of Sevilla, along with the transportation systems, which makes the
reaching more easier, the Sevillians and tourists have a place to shopping and then to
walk through the beautiful square

Pic 61. Saint Ferdinand Monument

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Plaza Nueva is the intersection of two historic neighborhoods –Arenal and Alfalfa. That’s why it
is interesting subject to discuss, as it is incorporated in our geographical limit of studies.The tram
line “Metro Center” is very useful in the term of integration of public transport for economic
reactivation. From my perspective the Nueva Plaza is very good decision in the meaning of
socio-spatial segregation of Sevilla. It belongs to the Old Quarter district and serves as dividing
line between two neighborhoods. Square itself is located in the Arenal neighborhood,with blocks
on its north and east sides within the Alfalfa neighborhood. Connection with Alfalfa
neighborhood is very important, as the Metropol Parasol is located on its side. This squares have
a lot in common, firstly both of them were renovated for the polarization purposes. Secondly,
Museumification and Monumentalism is the similar feature of both squares and also the
polarization causes in given areas. More detailed comparison and similarities will be drawn out
in the part 5.

4.2. OUTDOOR CIRCULATION SPACES

In this part of the work we will emphasize on the people circulation characteristics in our limited
geographical region of Sevilla- Encarnacion Regina neighborhood and Alfalfa neighborhood. To
draw the right image of outdoor people circulation near Metropol Parasol areas, we need to
define urban activity history of Sevilla itself first. In this part the transportation lines will be
analysed (Pathways, Bicycle roads) their intersection with polarizing phenomena near Metropol
Parasol.

To analyze polarizing rate near Metropol Parasol caused by transportation facilities, we need to
define the historical background of transportation systems in Sevilla. The city does not have old
transportation system. The nowadays transportation systems in Sevilla is only 12 years old. Also,
statistically the transnational polarization rate is starting exponentially increasing from 2011,
though we can define that improvement in transportation systems played a big role in the
increasing rate of polarization.

Pic 62.Cycling routes in Sevilla through years. 32

Pedestrian system of the study neighborhoods is well defined and quite sophisticated, as far as it
is easy to reach all the places quite easily. Talking about the characteristics of outdoor spaces we
should mention the bicycle routes in Sevilla. The city itself renovated also the transportation
system of the town and added the cycling routes in Sevilla and its neighborhoods. The cycling
became omnipresent in the urban landscape and that’s why we should count it as a significant
urban activity aspect.

Next what we will analyze is the outdoor living spaces like – squares, green areas, churches,
zone of recreations and spaces for children’s. All of these are predominantly discussed subjects
when analyzing the polarization phenomena. There is one simple reason – Polarization of people
is not caused by one monument or building, it is caused by the whole frame network of
urbanistical systems around the area.

In the same meaning Metrapol Parasol is not only by itself the polarization area, but the
surrounding spaces, neighborgoods, transportation system chain, green are as –those are the vital
part of the chain of polarization phenomena.

To analyze the polarization phenomena, I have narrowed the geographical area around Metropol
Parasol, searched for the green places, churches, recreation zones and etc. that imply on the
Metrapol Parasol the most.

Pic 63.Green spaces near Metrapol Parasol

Squares indicated on the map:

1. Plaza de Encarnacion
2. Near 19 – Plaza del Salvador
3. Near 59- Plaza de Cordoba and Plaza de Gavidia
4. Near 46-Plaza de Quintin
5. Near 45- Green zone for kids

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 This is the map after narrowing the area to the Encarnacion-Regina and Alfalfa
neighborhoods. As it can be seen Metrapol Parasol is the nucleus of the polarizing places
around it. It almost surrounded in the closed loop by the people attracting places. The main
streets that go through all these attractions are Alfonso 12 street and Imagen street. Going
through Alfalfa directly to the Encarnacion-Regina neighborhood it connects all the places to
each other. Green stars here are the Plazas (Squares) or in other words green places. As we
have discussed in the previous part of the work, Sevilla is city of open-air activities and has a
lifestyle “al fresco” which already means the high concentration of green places. Green
spaces are very important for the national polarization. As they are mainly made for the
people gatherings, social connections and recreation. Also they are tightly connected with
increasing of economic capacity of the city, as there are always bars, cafes and restaurants
near them.

4.3. MONUMENTS AS ELEMENTS TO REINFORCE URBAN POLARIZATION

From the ancient times, monuments were the attraction points of the people. Starting from social
gatherings and national holidays and ending by political or other kinds of manifestations. Sevilla
is the historical city and is full of landmarks in all neighborhoods. In this part of the work we
will discuss the monuments, sculptures, landmarks and other forms of urban structures in the
term of their polarization capacity and we will connect it with their logic of location.

In the previous chapter we have discussed the displacement of green areas near Metropol Parasol
project, here we will pay attention to the monumental structures near Metrapol Parasol.
Museumification is one of the oldest tool for people polarization, often the monuments are of a
huge scales and here comes the new term – Gigantism. These two aspects have been used wisely
in the Encarnacion –Regina and Alfalfa neighborhoods. Starting with our main topic – Metropol
Parasol, which is the symbol of Neomonumentalism and Gigantism in Sevilla and ending by
Square of Spain.

Below there is the map from previous chapters, but with adding of urban landmarks. After the
visualization, I have pointed out the pattern, according to which Metropol Parasol is in the
middle of green areas and is the focal point of the study geographical and nearby area. Yellow
line represents the chain of Churches, palaces and other distinctive buildings that are attractors
of people. The map itself is the official touristic destinations map. The product of the wise use of
historical heritages and city lands resulted in the high polarization capacity of the study
geographical limit area.

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 Pic 64.Urban monuments near Metropol Parasol

Pic 65.Polarization spaces near Metropol Parasol by their nature

16. Church of Saint Magdalena 17. Town Hall 18. Chapel of Saint Jose 19. Church of
Salvador

20. Flamenco dance museum 24. Palace of Lebrija 25. Chruch of Anuncion 26. Metropol
Parasol

27. Antiquarium 29. Convent of Saint Ines 42. Palace of dueñas 45. Church of Saint Juan de la
Palma

46. Convent of Espiritu Santo

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5. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN PLAZA DE ENCARNACION AND OTHER
POLARIZING AREAS

Alcazar and Catedral de Santa María de la Sede comparison with Metropol Parasol –
Alcazar is one of the oldest royal palace in use in Europe. Moreover, it has one of the biggest
gardens in Sevilla. Also this place was participating in the filming of worldwide known series
and films. From polarization point, this place is historically rich, which means the polarization
phenomena is predetermined.

Polarization main causes:

1. Historical Background
2. Green Places
3. Photogenic
4. Location in the heart of Seville

On the contrary to the historical background and unaltered face of the Alcazar, the Metropol
Parasol is the artificially made polarization point. Neomonumentalism of the Metropol Parasol
speaks about the new urbanistic goals of the Sevilla, it shows a novel face of the city to the world
and Sevillians.

Plaza de España comparison with Metrpol Parasol – With an area of 340,000 m2, in addition
to its great botanical value due to the different plant species living in it, this park has an
extraordinary historical interest. Moreover it is emblematic monument of the city.

Polarization main causes:

1. Historical Background
2. Green Places
3. City Emblem
4. Museumification

Plaza de España has one thing in common with Metropol Parasol – Artificial Polarization.
Moreover, Metropol Parasol has dual polarization –National and Transnational, while Plaza de
España attracts mainly tourists. Polarization aspect with case of Plaza de España is caused by
Museumification, while Metrapol Parasol polarization phenomena is based on creating
employment in neighborhood and providing a long-awaited premises for local market.

Plaza de Torres comparison with Metropol Parasol – Plaza de Torres is authentic place of
Andaluzian culture. That’s why the polarization phenomena of this place is of transnational
character.

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Polarization main causes:

1. Authenticity
2. Show
3. Emblem of region

Metropol Parasol has different types of people attraction spaces, according to their interests.
Touristic, leisure, historical , recreation (Restaurants) and etc. , while the Plaza de Torres is
causing polarization phenomena only by one significant cause –Leisure time.

Plaza Nueva comparison with Metrapol Parasol – Plaza Nueva differs from the previous
polarization points by vast amount of reasons. This square is also part of the reurbanisatio n and
reanimation of the polarization capacity and socio-spacial segregation of city.

Polarization main causes:

1. Integration of public transport for economic reactivation

2. Green Area
3. Leisure facilities

To analyze polarization phenomena in Sevilla, it is very crucial to study the phenomenon of

Plaza Nueva, because it differs dramatically with other polarization points and have a lot of in
common with Metrapol Parasol. Metrapol Parasol creates employment in neighborhood because
of the restaurants, museum and etc and also improves the transportation network of the city.

6. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The Metropol Parasol certainly thrusts itself into and above the traditional and well established
architectural character of this age-old city as something totally unique and almost totally foreign.
Unlike Calatrava’s pure expression of compression and tension in La Puente del Alamillo,
the concrete and steel design of which reveals an immutable honesty of material intent and
timeless integrity, J. Mayer H. Architects' Metropol Parasol somewhat disguises its structural
integrity with its biomimicry-influenced mushroom shape, which evokes the idea of the growth
of something natural and organic. Although the Metropol Parasol manifests a sense of splendor
as a force of nature, from my perspective i am a little bit suspect of the project’s survivability
through Seville’s next 2,000 years.

The Metropol Parasol’s design drawings and construction photos show that its true (and
uninspired) structure is hidden by the imposition of wooden truss work that isn’t quite a veneer
and isn't quite structural. Although its sculptural impact makes it a success in the now, I worry
that in 200-300 years the Metropol Parasol may see its demise: it may become an easily
deconstructed symbol of some political or social upheaval or wear of or damage to its
polyurethane protective coating may leave its compressed wood fibers vulnerable to real forces
of nature. Moreover, the mentality and architectural visions change by the time, and that’s’why I
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think that Metropol Parasol can lose its actuality or on contrary, become the most popular
urbanistic project of the Spain or Europe.

I propose that the success of the Metropol Parasol, unlike that of Calatrava’s Puente del
Alamillo, may derive only from its artistic place in the world, surrendering its ultimate success to
the impermanence of its materials. One of the indisputable laws of successful urban development
over time relates to the evolution of human settlements from temporary to permanent. As towns
planted their roots by virtue of their useful locations, historically (and currently) their habitats
grow from cloth to canvas to wood to stucco to brick to stone, steel, and concrete. So when the
culinarily-conscious sevillanos call the beautifully sculpted wooden Metropol Parasol "las setas"
(“the mushrooms”), perhaps they’re not far from wro ng.

The Metropol Parasol is a wonderful product of the biomorphic design school that was
popularized with the onset of sophisticated computer-driven algorithms that allow CAD/CAM
software to render and fabricate the wildly voluptuous forms found in nature. Visually disparate
from the Mudéjar, or Moorish, architecture found in Seville’s famous Alcazar, the Metropol
Parasol’s sinuous, flowing character and its physical breadth provide prominence but, just like
the fleeting life of a fragile mushroom, perhaps not permanence. A lot of allegories, yes, but as
an urbanistic project we should consider them.

Perhaps Sevillanos will need to enjoy the success as a civic folly, acknowledging that the
Metropol Parasol should be enjoyed as a carpe-diem celebration of urban intention. Urban
architecture can only be judged to be timeless and ultimately successful if its inherent ability to
become an ancient ruin is apparent in its present. One can only imagine the suppositions of
future archaeologists who unearth the remains of this playful testament to civic pride.

Other aspect of the future route of the Metropol Parasol is the dispersing abilities of the locals
and tourists in the city of Sevilla. The problems of excessive polarization can also be damaging
for the social, cultural, political parts of life. Other problem related to the dispercing of the
people in Sevilla is – Gentrification. Gentrification is the process of displacing residents in a
certain area with people of greater status and money. As a result of the lo gic inherent in the way
the market functions in the capitalist metropolis, the process is usually followed by speculation,
reinvestment, and enhancements to the built environment. The areas in Sevilla shoud be
urbanized wisely according to the gentrification indexes in different neighborhoods.
Construction of Metropol Parasol increased the density of the people in the Encarnacion-Regina
neighborhood and also gave an area for the prosperous and active future. But the world is not
stopping, the urbanization mentality and city population increases day by day, for this reason the
urbanistic habits should be pointed to maintain the polarization capacity by the renovation works
and improvements in the neighborhood. There is not much information about Metrapol Parasol
nowadays changes, by what we can logically assume that in the next hundreds of years this
neighborhood is in the danger of defective polarization, if the proper actions will not be taken
into account.

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 Pic 66. Distribution of people in Sevilla’s neighborhoods

As we can see from the picture, the results are not promising in the sense of the polarization
“Golden Ratio” and gentrification capacity. There was a large outflow of inhabitants from the
historic area, however in its southern portion; this loss – primarily of the upper and middle
classes – was replaced by extensive tertiarisation and specialisation in tourism. The northern
half, on the other hand, remained residential and uninteresting to visitors, suffering from
depopulation, abandonment, and devaluation due to its working-class population.

Pic 67. Distribution of holiday apartments in Sevilla

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In this picture the distribution of the apartments in Sevilla is depicted. The highest density is in
the historic region of the Sevilla and moreover in the area of Alfalfa and Encarnacion-Regina
which we were studying in this work. From my perspective, for the stable economy, even
distribution of the people in the city and social comfort of the citizens it is important to pay
attention to the other neighborhoods of Seville. Metropol Parasol is a good example of
rejuvenation of the Encarnacion-Regina neighborhood. In this way for proper improvement and
proper socio-spacial segregation the urbanistic works should go further.

7. CONCLUSIONS

Sevilla is relatively new cosmopolitan city, after the hard work on infrastructure and urbanism in
2018 it was number one city to visit in Europe. Sevilla wants to be recognized internationally.
All the works that have been done for the “reincarnation” of Plaza de Encarnacion was logically
pre-calculated. A jump was necessary for this, because we have to imagine: the Plaza de la
Encarnaciòn was a kind of black hole for thirty years. Now it's a matter of upgrading the place
with the help of cultural and commercial uses and the right architecture and reintegrating it into
city life. After the development of the Metropol Parasol and its opening in 2011, the Sevilla
turned into Cosmopolitan city, from city of history to the urbanistic piece of art.
Plaza de Encarnacion delivered the goal that it was aiming before the final construction.
Metropol Parasol is the good example of reincarnation of polarization capacity of neighborhood
and near areas, because of the architectural and urbanistic works. Seville competes with other
Spanish cities such as Bilbao, Valencia, Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
The sense of Gigantism, Museumification and Monumentalism delivered by Calatrava, Hadid
and others inspired the Mayer for creation of Metrapol Parasol. These urbanistic tools implied on
the polarization phenomena in the Encarnacion-Regina. In a kind of sporting competition for
attention and reputation, they all want to stage their ability for urban renewal and wit h the help
of the appropriate architecture.
In Seville, the historical heritage and new innovative attractions, such as international
architecture, should be shown and offered at the same time. Ultimately, it's about attracting not
only tourists but also young professionals and with them the economy to the city.
The coherence of the old and new was the main aspect of success for the Metrapol Parasol.
According to statistics, the cities with only historical heritage and monuments are less polarized
than cities with improved urbanistic features. City of monuments is not already today’s main
letter. City should incorporate infrastructure, modernism, urbanistic features that faces todays
hope and vision of the future. Sevilla is on the boarder of urbanistic changes since mid 2000, and
the first step to this development was Metrapol Parasol project.

Metrapol Parasol re-defines the complete dependence on the square of the fabric of the city
(effect, action, space), the separation of below (matter, function) and abo ve (manner, vision), of
tectonics and textures, of movement and stasis, of knotting and folding, of light and shadow, of
thick and thin, of topologies (multiplicities of geometry and methods) and infinity (convolutions
and illusion). The Metropol Parasol is an example of viscosity using continuous, flexible
systems. This is an ambitious project of ordering social processes in space because of each space
is in fact a communication. All city spaces should resonate with each other because within
network society all activities need to be networked and stay in continuous communication with
each other.
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We came to the main point – Metrapol Parasol is one of the best examples of continuous
communications between different groups of people and the right communicatio n is the key to
the increased polarization capacity, which was the initial goal of this project. Metrapol Parasol is
the new Rome of the Sevilla. “All roads are lead to Metrapol Parasol”.

Pic 68. “Rome phenomena” of Metrapol Parasol.

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