We recently returned from an inspiring visit to Valencia, Spain, where we explored some of the city’s most remarkable architecture and design landmarks. From the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the vibrant historic quarters, Valencia is a city that brilliantly merges tradition with innovation. We’re excited to share highlights and fresh design insights from our journey in this edition!
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía - Valencia, Spain
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía - Valencia, Spain
The Queen Sofia Palace of Arts, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is an architectural marvel in Valencia, Spain, known for its futuristic, sculptural form that resembles a sleek ship or bird. Its dynamic curves and white concrete exterior are complemented by expansive glass and steel elements, creating a sense of movement and fluidity. Part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex, the building houses several performance venues and reflects Calatrava's signature style, combining organic shapes with innovative engineering to create a landmark that integrates art, culture, and architecture.
Hemisfèric - Valencia, Spain
The Hemisfèric building, also designed by Santiago Calatrava, is an iconic, eye-catching structure shaped like a giant eye, symbolizing vision and knowledge. Located within the City of Arts and Sciences complex, its design features a glass-covered, elliptical dome surrounded by a water-filled pool that creates a stunning reflection, enhancing its optical illusion. The building’s "eyelid" opens and closes via steel and glass structures, making it both a dynamic architectural statement and a fitting home for an IMAX cinema and planetarium.
Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe - Valencia, Spain
The Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe in Valencia, designed by Santiago Calatrava, resembles the skeletal structure of a whale, embodying both science and nature. This elongated, futuristic building features a striking white framework, extensive use of glass, and vast interior spaces flooded with natural light. As part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex, the museum’s unique design emphasizes openness and exploration, inviting visitors to interact with science and technology in an inspiring, immersive environment.
Our thoughts go out to those impacted by the devasting floods that occurred shortly after our visit.
Check out our website to see how inspiration from wandering shows up in our designs.