Giant Rainbow Hued Umbrellas Pop Up in Spain!

Residents of Spain no longer have to travel all the way to its beaches to sit under colorful umbrellas. <a href="http://www.paredespino.com/">ParedesPino Arquitectos</a> were commissioned by the city of Cordoba to create a unique installation that would provide an incredible public space for play and local commerce, while creating a more concise connection between the neighborhoods, the central railway station and urban areas. Designed as a beautiful array of multi-colored sunshades set across a 128,000 sq ft space, the Centro Abierto de Actividades Ciudadanas (CAAC) project not only provides ample shade during the day, but also an enchanting light at night. And in true umbrella form, each aids in helping the city to cope with <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/water">water issues</a>, allowing for drainage inside.

The beautiful colors provide a stunning contrast against the gray banality of the city.

While it's doubtful that the public is allowed to climb on top of the parasols, these two men demonstrate the sheer size of each shade.

The installation was completed just April of this year and cost €3.26 million to construct.

Circulation through the space is superior, despite the number of umbrellas that dominate the area.

The umbrellas create an incredible array of shadows leading the installation to be called an "urban forest of shadows"

By foregoing a typical enclosed structure, this new space capitalizes on ample natural light, blue skies, and best of all, the fresh Spanish air.

Each umbrella has been prefabricated and varies in both height and diameter.

By equipping each umbrella with a<a href="http://inhabitat.com/lighting"> light</a>, the space can be occupied at all hours, above all avoiding the plight that often comes with parks of this size when night falls.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lighting">illumination</a> activates a completely different experience as compared to the day, but remains equally as charming and secure.

Stunning at night, there is a unique almost alien expression generated by the ambient light.

Each umbrella is equipped with a water drainage system to aid the city with its water issues.

The plaza hosts a local market twice a week. The rest of the time the space is open for other activities.

Opened just a few months, this new square has become a major draw to both locals and tourists alike.