Seville, Spain has opened the Metropol Parasol for business. This combination museum/shopping center, design by j. mayer h. architects, goes down in history as the largest wooden structure to date. Ironically, as happens far to often - the city simply wanted to place a parking garage in this location, but a few archaeological finds below the site thwarted those plans.
The playful organic form and vivid natural colors create quite a contrast when compared to its neighboring structures which make use of a muted color palette.
The museum has become an instant icon within the city. Thanks to the help of the archaeological finds the designer had a chance to create something within the city that is now seen as a cultural wonder as well.
And yes, I see the giant Goldfish too! It's okay to laugh.
-Raleigh