A huge wooden structure - Metropol Parasol in Seville

Considered the largest wooden structure in the world, Metropol Parasol in the Plaza de la Encarnacion in Seville, Spain, is a stunning building. It has four levels and a height of 28.5 m, and has a total surface area of 18000 m² of which the building itself occupies 5000 m². The total surface of the levels is 12670 m². The wood, steel and concrete structure was built between 2005 and 2011 and cost €90 million. The architectural firm's project J.Mayer H. Architects has thus become a representative image with which Seville identifies.

A huge waffle in the Plaza de la Encarnacion

Looking like a giant vault, the huge wooden structure forms canopies and passageways that give the medieval city of Seville a modern look, without taking away from its charm. Metropol Parasol functions as a unique organic urban space, with bars and restaurants, promenade spaces, local farmers' market, archaeological museum. The building creates a unique connection between the historic centre and the contemporary city.

The idea of the project was to book shade to a city in dire need of such spaces. It was also intended that the Roman ruins in the area would not be affected at all, and the project included them without disturbing them. The columns supporting the entire wooden structure were positioned at several points that bypass the ruins. The mushroom-shaped columns are, however, large enough to have staircases and lifts inside for access to the upper levels.

The entire wooden structure is bonded with a polyurethane resin that is highly resistant to the high temperatures specific to the area. In fact, this is also the pride of the project's creators - a huge wooden structure bonded with polyurethane resin foam.

Before being an architect Yurgen Mayer H. is an artist so all his architectural works include artistic sculptural elements. Metropol Parasol is such a combination of architecture and art. In addition, the project is realized by modern non-repetitive computerized techniques so that no two parts are identical inside the construction.

On the top level Metropol Parasol has sheltered walkways that offer views of Seville from high above.

Metropol Parasol is a huge wooden structure that offers Seville residents shade, light and shadow play and a modern meeting and relaxation space in a historic site. It is both admired and detested, like any work of genius. Yurgen Mayer says he is aware that many of the city's residents hate his work, but recalls that in the beginning Parisians also hated the Eiffel Tower which is now the symbol of Paris. He hopes the same will happen with the Metropol Parasol.

(source: yatzer.com)