Gigantic Wooden Parasols Are Popping Up in Seville

An incredible set of massive wooden parasols is currently springing up in Seville, and when they're completed next Spring they're expected to form the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/29/worlds-tallest-treehouse-came-in-a-vision/" target="_blank">largest wooden structure</a> in the world. The urban project, called Metropol Parasols, will create a sheltered plaza that hosts a museum, a farmers market, and a cultural center. Residents and visitors will flock under the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/27/giant-rainbow-hued-umbrellas-pop-up-in-spain/" target="_blank">giant umbrellas</a> to take refuge in the microclimate while socializing and taking in the city.

Construction is underway on the massive urban project in the center of Seville, Spain. It is expected to be complete in Spring of 2011.

Designed by German firm, J. Mayer H., along with consulting from Arup, the massive shade structure is built out of wood and is expected to be the largest wooden structure in the world.

Back in the early 2000s, work was underway to build a new parking garage on the same spot, but workers uncovered an archaeological site.

A decision was made to scrap the garage and instead build a community center over the archaeological site.

J. Mayer H. was chosen in 2004 to design the urban plaza, which will eventually include a museum for the archaeological site, a farmer's market, restaurants, bars, and a promenade on top.

"Metropol Parasol explores the potential of the Plaza de la Encarnacion to become 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."

The giant umbrellas will provide shade to the courtyard below and create a microclimate that will encourage activitiy.

The archaeological site is located underground and facilities have been built to assist with the excavation work.

The street level will contain an area for a farmer's market as well as spots for multiple restaurants and bars.

The plaza can also serve as a place for public functions like rallies or concerts.

Visitors will be able to access the top of the structure through the columns and walk on the promenade for views of the city.

The side cuts show the various levels of the plaza - archaeological on the bottom; restaurants, bars and farmer's market on the street level; and then the wooden canopy with promenade.

From above, the structure will provide a large shaded area to protect visitors from the hot sun and even reduce solar heat gain and the urban heat island effect.