Site introduction
The project is a pavilion conceived for the Plaça Reial (Royal Square) in Barcelona, Spain, which is a renowned, sophisticated square adorned with porticos, located just off Las Ramblas in the Gothic Quarter. This square is celebrated for its palm trees, fountain, lively nightlife featuring bars and restaurants, and serves as a central gathering place in the city, particularly bustling in the evenings.https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/1248/placa-reial.html#:~:text=This%20square%20is%20so%20beautiful,Barcelona’s%20best%2Dloved%20porticoed%20square.
Objective
The objective of the project is to devise an intervention that enlivens the plaza during the day, mirroring the vibrancy of its well-known evenings and nights. To accomplish this aim, a form was inspired by the central fountain and the dispersed palm trees, generating shade over the core of the plaza while weaving between the trees without intersecting them.
The resulting structure integrates a bending-active system with a woven design that filters and interacts with the changing light and shadow. To enhance the plaza’s distinctive sense of place, ribbons crafted from palm leaves are shaped into twisting Mobius-like forms. Additionally, triangular segments are interconnected and maintained in a state of active tension, creating eye-like openings that allow visibility while preventing a complete obstruction of the plaza’s surroundings. The proposed material for these segments reflects sunlight and is semi-transparent, further enhancing this effect.
