Metropol Parasol: The World’s Largest Wooden Structure Opens in Seville

Posted By Lori Zimmer On April 24, 2011 @ 2:33 pm In Architecture,carousel showcase,gallery,Green Materials,Sustainable Building,Sustainable Materials | 22 Comments

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The Metropol Parasol ^[6] in Seville, Spain, by Jurgen Mayer H. Architects, is the world's largest wooden structure. We've been following this amazing design ^[6] since its planning phase, and now the fantastic project is finally complete! Located at Plaza de la Encarnacion, the beautiful series of undulating parasols comprise the world's largest wooden structure. Metropol’s interlocking honeycomb of wooden panels rise from concrete bases, which are positioned to form canopies and walkways below the parasols.

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^[7]Photo © Fernando Alda ^[8]

Jurgen Mayer H. Architects goal with Metropol Parasol’s neutral tone was to help harmonize the stark contrast ^[9] of the ultra-modern structure with the medieval surroundings of Seville. Stairways and storefronts sit below the wooden parasols, which form the largest wooden structure ^[10] in the world. The innovative structure is made from bonded timber with a polyurethane coating.

The actual site was originally slated to become a parking garage, but after excavations revealed archeological findings, the city of Seville decided to make the site a museum and community center. Metropol Parasol now houses said museum, a farmers market, an elevated plaza, and a restaurant, most of which are open-air. The elevated rooftop promenades located on top of the parasols, offer visitors amazing views of the city.

Seville is a city with rich history and a unique medieval inner city. Metropol Parasol defines Seville’s iconic cultural role, meshing a historic archeological destination with a sleek contemporary landmark.

+ Jürgen Mayer H. Architects ^[11]

Additional Photographs + Fernando Alda ^[12]

Lead photo © Ignacio Ysasi

Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com

URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/metropol-parasol-the-worlds-largest-wooden-structure-opens-in-seville/

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[3] Email: mailto:?subject=http://inhabitat.com/metropol-parasol-the-worlds-largest-wooden-structure-opens-in-seville/

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[5]  : http://inhabitat.com/metropol-parasol-the-worlds-largest-wooden-structure-opens-in-seville/metropolparasol2/?extend=1

[6] Metropol Parasol: http://inhabitat.com/gigantic-parasols-rise-to-shield-seville-from-sun/

[7] Image: http://inhabitat.com/metropol-parasol-the-worlds-largest-wooden-structure-opens-in-seville/metropolparasolalda/

[8] Fernando Alda: http://www.fernandoalda.com

[9] stark contrast: http://inhabitat.com/vertical-bamboo-towers-are-high-tech-and-primitive-at-the-same-time/

[10] wooden structure: http://inhabitat.com/the-nest-a-wild-wood-tree-house-that-sways-23-ft-off-the-ground/

[11] + Jürgen Mayer H. Architects: http://www.jmayerh.de/home.htm

[12] + Fernando Alda: http://www.fernandoalda.com/index.php?Opc=106&Lng=2&Par1=388

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