ACM Arquitectura’s Contemporary Canopy Protects Ancient Roman Ruins in Cartagena, Spain

A unique canopy covering a Roman ruin Le Molinete in the city of Cartagena, Spain adds contemporary vibrancy to the ancient site. Lightly hovering above the stone walls, <a href="http://www.amann-canovas-maruri.es/">Amann, Cánovas and Maruri</a>’s steel and polycarbonate enclosure makes sure to protect the ruins with minimal disturbance, and it helps to integrate the site with the surrounding city.

Like an illuminated steel lined cloud the canopy rolls across the ruins and billows on a neighboring building. Rain and daytime sun is shed to preserve the crumbling stone walls.

Perforated steel panels at top reduce the intense sun.

In the evening the corrugated<a href="http://inhabitat.com/magnificent-open-skate-park-by-selgascano-brings-cool-and-healthy-playfulness-to-a-spanish-city/"> polycarbonate is illuminated </a>from below, becoming a beacon over the old portion of the city.

Acting almost as a kind of public <a href="http://inhabitat.com/curvaceious-wood-pavilion-at-chicagos-lincoln-park-zoo/">pavilion</a> the fence is dramatically lit in green lights at night, making for a natural gathering space.

The steel frame features a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/cantilevered-office-anchors-green-campus-in-mexico">significant cantilever </a>and minimal supporting posts to reduce the constructions impact on the site.

A floating boardwalk gives visitors an up close look at the site. The geometric interest of the canopy is a playful interpretation of the weathered site, providing a thoroughly modern acumen to the history of Spain’s built environment.