Metropol Parasol

Berlin based Jurgen Mayer H. demonstrated in their design of the Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain that while plywood, metal and glue go a long way back in the building industry, they can always be pushed further. When it comes to how laminated wood pieces are shaped, coated, and how large a structure they can create, the possibilities open up.

With its 40,000 connection points between conjoined segments of the structure, the spatial configuration and sectional layering make it not just a shading canopy and elevated plaza, but also a farmer's market, restaurant, shopping center, roof promenade and archeological museum. Ultimately, this is a machine for revitalizing public space in the heart of an old city.

The Arganzuela Footbridge

Paris based architect, Dominique Perrault, recently opened the Arganzuela Footbridge to the public in Madrid, Spain which stretches over the Manzanares River into the park. The project stands out as an iconic element in the city by a pair of conic structures that are wrapped in interlocking metallic ribbons.

Providing direct access to both pedestians and cyclists, the porous design takes advantage of the natural light that breaks through the park's exisiting vegetation while establishing viewsheds throughout its 250 meter long span.

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The Truffle House: A Unique Building Process

At first glance, this small living space on a Spanish sea-side cliff looks like a hollowed-out boulder with a window. Perhaps the most interesting part of the Truffle House is the unique process through which it was constructed, showcased in this video. To build it, the Ensamble Studio group began by digging a hole in the ground and pouring concrete into it. To create the hollow interior that would be the living space, they incorporated hay in the middle of the concrete. They then covered the whole structure with earth and let moss grow on it to give it an aged, natural look before uncovering it. The two ends were sliced off to create two openings and, finally, a cow named Paulina ate away the hay, opening up the space to fit a bed, kitchenette and sink.

Faustino Winery in Spain by Foster + Partners

London architects Foster + Partners have finished their newest creation, the Faustino Winery in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. The building is the firm's first winery. It is made up of three arms that each house a different stage of wine production. The structure is made out of Corten steel shingles. The interior of the winery is designed so that people on the mezzanine level can view the processes from above. The 12,500 square-metre facility is designed to produce about one million bottles per year. The project began in 2007, and was finished recently this year.