Have you seen this? “Metropol Parasol” is the world’s largest wooded structure. A new urban space in Seville [by artist, architect Jurgen Mayer] – a place of identification and to articulate Seville’s role as one of the world´s most fascinating cultural destinations.
"Metropol Parasol", the Redevelopment of the Plaza de la Encarnacíon in Seville, designed by J. MAYER H. architects.
The fantastic project is complete! A 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.
Realized as one of the largest and most innovative bonded timber-constructions with a polyurethane coating, the parasols grow out of the archaeological excavation site into a contemporary landmark, defining a unique relationship between the historical and the contemporary city.
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.
The idea of the Parasol was to make shade, a valuable commodity in a city as hot as Seville, and so make the square more habitable. To avoid disturbing the Roman ruins, columns supporting the roof could only come down in a few places, requiring ambitious structure – designed with the help of the engineers – to span the gaps between them. From these conditions came the trunk-like uprights, big enough to contain lifts and stairs, and a structural system using laminated timber and steel, held together with high-performing glue, tested to ensure it would withstand the highest imaginable temperatures in this spot. Among the project's boasts is that it is the world's biggest building to be held together by glue.
