A fusion of tradition and gastronomic innovation. This is the keystone of the Spanish pavilion project in the Milan Expo of 2015.
Signed by 720 architects, this window to the world tries to subtly associate architecture with key product of Spanish cuisine, facing the challenge of giving a recognisable identity to the country in an universal exhibition.
For this the team of architects, sought to dignify the construction of large geometrical clarity optimal in economic use of resources and at the same time outstanding in technological development, as is the greenhouse.
The pavilion stretches to give the impression of a open area with a open zone leading to the patio. This patio is completed with citrus fruits and shadow areas achieved thanks to the cultivation of strawberries that grow above the head of visitors in the form of green pergola and bushy.
The main structure rises next to courtyard through a succession of wooden ribs that creates an effect of repetition and reinforces the sense of uniqueness. This primary structure of laminated wooden porches is braced by a series of boxes formed from laminated wooden panels. This is an advanced construction technology, which allows a greater efficiency due to a low weight of the components, their great manoeuvrability and ease of assembly.
The volumetric simplicity is enriched by the play of transparencies and textures that hide inside the greenhouse and coating materials such us corks of wine bottles, barrels or wicker brings the traditional factor. At the same time an enclosure coated in stainless steel and plaster of different colours represents the country’s gastronomic innovation.
But the greatest achievement of this proposal is its environmental efficiency and care of materials. The prefabricated nature of construction elements allows the meeting of environmental and time requirements including cost and quality.
We will have to wait four years to see what Spain makes in the next world exhibition, but undoubtedly the architectural challenge for the Milan Expo 2015 has been achieved.
Photos from Adrià Goula
