March the 27th will see the first official opening of 'Metropol Parasol'; an innovative structure which forms part of an initiative to redevelop the Plaza de la Encarnacíon in Seville.

Designed by German office J. Mayer H. architects, this project is set to become a new icon for Seville - a place of identification and to articulate Seville's role as one of the world´s most fascinating cultural destinations.

J. Mayer H.'s 'Metropol Parasol' explores the potential of the Plaza de la Encarnacion to become a new contemporary urban centre within the dense fabric of the medieval inner city of Seville, and will allow for a great variety of activities; such as memory, leisure and commerce to take place there.

The 'Metropol Parasol' scheme, characterised by its impressive timber structures, offers an archaeological museum, a farmers market, an elevated plaza, multiple bars and restaurants underneath and inside the parasols, as well as a panorama terrace on the very top.

Realized on a large scale using bonded timber constructions with a polyurethane coating, the parasols grow out of an archaeological excavation site into a contemporary landmark, defining a unique relationship between the historical and the contemporary city.

The final completion of the project is scheduled for a few weeks time in April.

Photography Fernando Alda, Ignacio Ysasi, Angel Vilches.