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You can have any colour, as long as it’s black!

And so began mass production and the Ford Model T. Whether Henry Ford actually uttered the famous quote is a matter of debate. What’s not in question, however, is the process behind it – Fordism.

In the early 1900’s, an industrial revolution in manufacturing began. A system designed, literally, to spew out low cost, standardised products, offering workers better pay and working conditions.

The ripple effect grew into a tidal wave, crossing countries and continents. From North America to Stalin’s Russian, leading into war production and then onto Japan’s post-war electronic boom.

Design and manufacture from the people for the people, an endless conveyer belt of identical products. The choice was yours, as long as your choice was the same choice.

Designers and architects are now, more then ever, facing their greatest challenge – the future of the city. With recent statistics showing that 41% of Europe’s energy consumption accounts solely for heating and cooling buildings. It’s apparent, by continuing our current model of fossil fuel reliance the demand for consumption is unsustainable. If we examine our constructed environment, it’s clear that the buildings where we work and co-habit are actually working against us. A typical 21^st century city consists mainly of inert architecture that consumes enormous quantities of resources. Should we therefore fear the cities of tomorrow?

Designers and architects are now, more then ever, facing their greatest challenge – the future of the city.

With the launch this month of a new store in 5^th Avenue, New York. The Camper brand continues to push the boundaries and defy the convention in retail design.

So how exactly did a Mallorcan family business grow to the dizzy heights of downtown Manhattan, with 52 stores based in 4 continents & an expanding hospitality sector of hotels & restaurants?

The story is one of duel contrasting philosophies. Since the birth of it’s first sales outlet in Barcelona in 1981, the product has maintained it’s strong identity. It’s sole firmly entrenched in Mallorcan soil, speaking the same visual language whichever continent it crossed.

‘We have no need or desire to take on projects of this nature.’ Xavier Trias – the mayor of Barcelona.

So started the debate last week over the proposed ‘Barcelona Island’ project. A 300 meter hotel on a Dubai style artificial island off Barcelona’s coast.

Like a megalomaniac playing Sim City, the proposed project, the tallest European hotel, literally towers over the continent. Incorporating a zero gravity spa, vertical wind tunnel and space theme.

So, does outlandish spectacle architecture have a place in a modern cultural city? Buildings designed solely to attract attention. Non-conformist structures at odds with their character and surroundings, like circus big-tops shouting for our attention.

The Barcelona Island proposal is undoubtedly the extreme, however, Barcelona since the Olympics in 1992 have experienced a number of renowned and acclaimed architects all putting their own mark on this city. The latest being, the Barcelona born, Ricardo Bofill. His W hotel drew obvious comparisons to Dubai and the architectural philosophies of the ‘new’ Middle East.

Another controversial proposal at the time, it has know been generally accepted but somewhat begrudgingly by many. With it’s position now established on the new entrance of Barcelona’s port.

Mercat de Santa Caterina

Over the next few months Studio P10 will be blogging about the iconic buildings, designs, architects & designers who have splashed their colourful imprint on this Mediterranean city.

We start the series with Mercat de Santa Caterina. During the 7 year process from commission the architects experienced a multitude of set backs including the discovery of a Dominican monastery from 1835, ruins of a late Roman necropolis and what is thought to be the first Gothic church in the city dating from 1241.

This backstory, entwined in the fabric of the architecture, and the tragic death of the visionary and partner architect, Enric Miralles, who died suddenly in 2000. Before he could walk the floor & taste the fruits of his labour, make the Santa Caterina market a truly iconic and defining landmark in Barcelona.