The City Of Arts And Sciences in Valencia-Spain is one of the largest culture and science complex in Europe and designed by famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. In this area you can see 7 different contemporary architecture example but one in particular; The Opera House. Unfortunatly the particular importance of Opera House is not only coming from its extraordinary design but the wrong choice of material. It is hard to believe but Valencian Architect Calatrava was sued by his home town because the ceramic facade of the Opera House cracked and started to fell off only 8 years after its instillation but all this happenings doesn't change the fact that the city of arts and sciences is a well know example of contemporary architecture.
If you want to know more here is the details.
1. The Hemispheric
I wanted to start with my personal favorite The Hemispheric. I really like the metaphore in designing a planetarium with the inspiration from the eye. Sphere inside is the planetarium by itself and the outside facade can open and close just like the eyelid to the create a better public space in hot summer of Valencia.The bottom of the pool is glass, creating the illusion of the eye as a whole.
2. The Opera House
It must be really dissapointing for an architect to design such a section and build it and damage the reputation by the choice of material. Anyway The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía has three different halls: including a main performance space that can host a symphony orchestra concert or a ballet and theatre stage as well as opera venue. Unfortunatly when I visited the Opera House was closed due to the incidents about the facade falling down so I couldn't see inside but I can say this massive building being your point of interest even before you arrive the project site.
3. The Science Museum
The science museum is worth to see for both its structure and the programme of the project. It really is a good example for a science museum.It is an interactive museum of science that resembles the skeleton of a whale. It occupies around 40,000 m² on three floors. The programme of exhibits is designed more for 'entertainment value' than for science education.
5. L'agora
The building has 5000m2 elliptical multifunctional area for different kind of events such as concerts, performances, exhibitions, conventions, staging of congresses, and international sports meetings.
6.L'umbracle
L'umbracle is a landscaped walk with a surrounding structure where you can see lots of sculpture and an open air contemporary art exhibition area.
To conclude The City Of Arts And Sciences has a lot to offer so if you happen to be in Valencia do not leave without visiting! What is your opinion about this project? Which building is your favorite? Let me know from the comment botton bellow!
