We watched the first half of the game in a bar on Plaza De La Encarnacion, along with what seemed to be most of Seville's population. The plaza used to be a blighted car park lot but last year was transformed into a beautiful public square with an iconic and stunning building (Metropol Parasol). The Metropol, which is acclaimed to be the world's largest wooden structure, incorporates a ramp leading up to panoramic views of the city. But the central function of the building is to provide much-needed shade in a city that gets up to 110ºF in the summer. I had a hard time capturing the structure with my camera. Some better pictures are on this site.
Seville is incorporating other innovative types of shade as well, beyond just trees, such as the awnings in the picture below, which we have been finding covering many of the main pedestrian corridors in the central city. The addition of shade can help convert otherwise inaccessible areas of a city into lively plazas, parks, streets, and other gathering spots.
Since it is still so hot here, we cherish any respite we can get from the sun so that we can be out enjoying the city. Our trip here has really hit home for me how important shade is for creating active public spaces in a hot climate, and that there are lots of creative ways to provide for shade in addition to trees.
4 more days of Spain, and 5 more days until the Euro Cup Finals! Coming soon: more on plazas, Seville biking, and what makes for a child-friendly museum.
 |
| Before the soccer game in front of the Metropol Parasol |
 |
| View of the Metropol from above |
 |
| Part of the ramp at the Metropol leading to panoramic views of city |
 |
| Gotta love these awnings that provide shade in this shopping corridor. |
No comments:
Post a Comment