Metropol Parasol in Seville

Designed by J. MAYER H. architects, this Metropol Parasol is a central courtyard that becomes the new contemporary urban centre. 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. It looks crazy out-of-place in this ancient city of Seville, but Im in awe of their sense of adventure to build something cool and modern like this instead of a fake antiquity.

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 jrgen mayer h, one of Germanys 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 organization 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 its monuments.

Elevated plaza The architectural proposal doubles the original area and creates an additional 4.500 sqm of space. Water basins 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 Seville.

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, finnforestmerk (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.