Las Setas de Sevilla is also known as the Metropol Parasol project by architect Jürgen Mayer. Mayer is famous for his artistic sculptures, but many of his works are complex because he blends construction with computerized designs. The unique geometric plan gives Seville a modern twist. The monument sits as the largest wooden structure globally to redevelop the Plaza de la Encarnacion in Seville and attract more visitors.
Structure
The structure has four different levels, and the entire height of the building is 28.50 meters high. The area of the total floor is 12,670 square meters and cost 90 Million Euros to build. On the four levels, there is an archaeological museum and an Antiquarium on the first floor. The second floor has a farmers market and restaurants, and the third has an elevated plaza for visitors to socialize. The fourth floor has catwalks, bars, and a stadium area underneath the parasols. The roof serves as a lookout area for visitors to enjoy views of the city.
The mega parasol’s construction includes concrete, timber, and steel, and the exterior uses wood and granite. The wooden panels use a micro-laminated wood called Kerto. The structure uses beige and white tones, almost looking like a honeycomb or mushroom from a bird’s eye view. The wooden panels interweave with each other and rise from a concrete base reinforced with steel. This architectural design creates natural canopies and walkways below the parasols. The coating of the whole structure is waterproof to ensure no fading happens.
Because the community wants the Plaza de la Encarnacion to become a modern-day urban center, the plaza incorporates unique elements. The stunning design makes the Las Setas Seville a contemporary landmark and a fun place to hang out for visitors. The lattice’s design at the entrance where the concrete steps are looks like the parasol is leaning. Because the ceiling of the parasols reaches outwards horizontally, the apartments next to the building have the luxury of sharing the shade against the Seville heat.
The unique part about the Las Setas Seville is that you can go directly inside the parasol and view the structure from the inside. There are black granite walls and arches inside the structure and lead the visitors around with concrete steps.
The Las Setas Seville is truly a work of art and is a must-visit for those visiting Seville.
