‘Architecture’ blog category archive

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.

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.

Walking up Passeig de Gracia it’s clear that Gaudí certainly left his footprint on this famous design city.

With the landmark buildings of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera focusing attention, some may fail to notice that the streets here are literally paved with (design) gold.

Since 1596 when the Talavera potter Lorenzo de Madrid first produced ceramic tiles for the Government Palace. Catalan tile design & production grew to reach a peak in the Modernista era in the late 19th century.

In recent years Barcelona has fallen back in love with the famous ‘baldosa’. In 1996 Escofet, a historical Barcelona company specialising in urban design, re-introduced ‘Panot Gaudí’ – the original tile designed for the interior of La Pedrera. Using their original molds Escofet manufactured the tiles to pave Passeig de Gracia and the surrounding areas.

Anyone who has walked this famous boulevard will have felt the sense of prestige and historical grandeur, following the footsteps of Gaudí on these dark green hexagonal aquatic mosaics.