‘Architecture’ blog category archive

‘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.

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.

With property prices down approximately 30% in Barcelona and the coastal areas, opportunistic buyers are now starting to turn the pain into a gain.

It’s been common news that since the heady days of the Spanish boom, peaking in late 2006. The property market has fallen on difficult times, hit by the perfect storm created by the global financial crisis. Spain has suffered accordingly. But some say crisis and opportunity walk hand in hand.

City living is still thriving and Barcelona is buzzing. Catalonia unlike the rest of Spain has fortunately been spared the worst.

Whether you’re in search of a gothic ‘atico’ in the old town or a luxury penthouse on Passage de Gracia. Barcelona now has the availability with the bargain prices to match.

And with it’s enviable Mediterranean location, beaches, architecture and nightlife. There’s some factors even a ‘crisis’ can’t effect. Barcelona will never be down for long.

So if you are searching for that perfect weekend escape or long term life change. One tip, the advertised property prices are nearly always over-inflated. So negotiate well!

Studio P10 is a creative residential design studio based in Barcelona, specialising in property consultancy and interior renovations.With property prices down approximately 30% in Barcelona and the coastal areas, opportunistic buyers are now starting to turn the pain into a gain.

It’s been common news that since the heady days of the Spanish boom, peaking in late 2006. The property market has fallen on difficult times, hit by the perfect storm created by the global financial crisis. Spain has suffered accordingly. But some say crisis and opportunity walk hand in hand.

City living is still thriving and Barcelona is buzzing. Catalonia unlike the rest of Spain has fortunately been spared the worst.

Whether you’re in search of a gothic ‘atico’ in the old town or a luxury penthouse on Passage de Gracia. Barcelona now has the availability with the bargain prices to match.

And with it’s enviable Mediterranean location, beaches, architecture and nightlife. There’s some factors even a ‘crisis’ can’t effect. Barcelona will never be down for long.

So if you are searching for that perfect weekend escape or long term life change. One tip, the advertised property prices are nearly always over-inflated. So negotiate well!

Studio P10 is a creative residential design studio based in Barcelona, specialising in property consultancy and interior renovations.