Tuesday, July 26, 2011

A different kind of Tour

Maybe it's because I've been watching the Tour de France every evening 
and, now that it's over, I want more of the excitement of new scenery... 

Whatever it is, I have itchy feet... I really want to set off on an adventure; 
explore a new city....


So I guess it's rather timely that I web-hopped upon this architectural 
wonder in Seville, Spain, completed in April 2011... Metropol Parasol.


Don't you just love the way it pops out from all the 
box shapes of the city's architect? 



 Designed by J.Mayer H Architects, it's part of  a re-development project for the 
Plaza de la Encarnacion, formerly an archeological site.


I just love it's organic form... 
As an entity in itself I find it so incredibly inspiring and uplifting.


Luckily for the locals it also has some functions with an archeological 
museum, a farmers market and bars and restaurants included in the mix ;)


Can't you just see yourself strolling through, or coming upon 
the parasols when wandering down a narrow laneway?


I haven't been to Seville since 1994... it's on the list now.


Have you travelled there recently? Have you seen the Parasols?
I'd love to hear what you think.


via

5 comments:

Mia said...

Wow! just goes to show how inspired architecture can lift the collective spirit. Great example Kylie - love it.

Tania said...

Wow. The Grand Tour we are forever plotting in our heads just keeps getting bigger and bigger and you're not helping to keep things manageable!

Christina Lowry said...

What a fantastic building. How inspired indeed. I'm sure exploring it would be a lovely adventure. :)

Maia said...

I would love to see this in person! Thanks for sharing.

Celia Hart said...

Oh wooo! I love the gutsy exuberance of modern Spanish architecture and Seville is definitely going to be next on my list of must see Spanish cities!

The new buildings in Valencia are amazing too, and there's somethings extraordinary being constructed on a hill outside Santiago de Compostela.

They have a skill in taking ideas from their great historic buildings and reinventing them for the 21st century.

Celia