'Jewel of 21st century architecture' abandoned in Torrevieja

'Jewel of 21st century architecture' abandoned in Torrevieja
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By h.b. - Apr 1, 2010 - 1:13 PM
The building, designed by Japanese architect, Toyo Ito, was abandoned in 2006

Photo - www.luxuryculture.com

A dramatically designed building from the Japanese architect, Toyo Ito, remains partially built in Torrevieja, with construction halted because of possible infractions of the Coastal Law.

The building, el Parque de la Relajación, is planned to be a spa and is located next to the Lagunas de Torrevieja y la Mata nature park. Three buildings are planned but only one has actually been constructed, completed in 2006, but paralysed since then.
The coastal authority ordered the immediate halt to construction in 2004, but El País reports the local Town Hall took no immediate action.

The situation has now been highlighted in an exhibition by architect, Nathalie Gidrón, in an Alicante pub, which shows ‘the ruinous state of the current building’ built in the shape of a snail from wood and then covered in copper,

Photo - Japanese embassy

although the copper has since vanished and the wood below is now warped from damp. Gidrón considers the building ‘one of the jewels of 21st century architecture.

The Torrevieja Town Hall modified the plans after the order to halt construction was received, and have denied that the project has been abandoned. Other political groups are calling for the land to be returned to its natural state.

More photos of the building here
More on Toyo Ito here

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