Savouring Lleida
Savouring Lleida
LLEIDA (ES) - The Catalan city of Lleida is located in a hilly landscape dominated by the gothic hilltop cathedral of Seu Vella and the River Segre. The surrounding region is known for its agriculture, in particular its fruit production – pears, peaches, apples, plums, cherries…
Mecanoo architecten took this natural decor as the starting point for its design for the new la Llotja theatre/conference centre. The sculptural stone complex appears as a regional landmark between hill and river. The building is firmly anchored in this landscape by means of deep cantilevers, a planted roof and a central light court.
The interior is a theatrical interpretation of the ambience of the Lleida region, in which colour and light play a central role. By way of contrast with the copious white stucco, and the stone and wood floor, the architects used 'fruity' colour accents – yellow, orange, red, green and purple. The same colours reappear in the lighting in the foyer. The main theatre, the traditional highpoint of such buildings, manages to combine this sense of being in Lleida and in a theatre in a truly sublime way. The light here emanates from openings in the shape of fruit trees and leaves carved respectively in the walls and ceiling. Mecanoo offers visitors a fairy tale experience, even when there is no performance. (Kirsten Hannema)
Colour, Interior, Light |
Spain
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