METROPOL PARASOL

Redesign of the Plaza de la Encarnacion in Seville

Location: Seville, Spain
Client: Ayuntamiento de Sevilla and SACYR
Competition: 1st Prize — open, international competition. CMC involved from 2nd phase (10 participants).
Year: Competition 2004, Completion 2011
Service Phases: Preparation / Brief, Concept Design (HOAI 1–2)
Area: ca. 15.000 m²
Construction costs: approx. 3.2 Mio. €
Architecture: Jürgen Mayer H. Architekten
Awards: Global Holcim Award for Sustainable Development: Bronze (2005), Wallpaper Design Award: Nominated (2007), Red Dot Design Award: Best of the Best (2012), DAM Preis für Architektur: Award as one of the 22 best buildings in /from Germany (2012/13), Mies van der Rohe Award: Nominated/Finalist (2013), Urban Intervention Award: Nominated, category “Built” (2013), Civic Trust Award (2014)

The square area itself is deliberately developed as a ground for the umbrellas. The elements shaping the ground are a modern interpretation of the elements of Islamic gardens that are characteristic of this region. Forming the space, orange trees are set in a dissolved grid in reference to the fruit and olive gardens surrounding Seville.

The decorative, geometric flooring is made of typical local brick in iridescent beige tones. The element of water comes into its own in the form of basins, cascades and gutters with its multiple functions to improve the urban climate, as a decorative as well as playful moment.

Concept grid inspired by Sigmar Polke’s art

© Smart & Green Design
Part of the competition realised after 20 years (see hand-drawn sketch, square planting referring to olive gardens in the region)

© Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction
After 19 years, the umbrella structures are illuminated with a light installation, in the same place where climbing plants in the colours of flamenco were designed in the competition.