Seville's Most Modern Architecture: Metropol Parasol
Like a giant irregular sun umbrella, the Metropol Parasol.








Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Seville’s most modern building is undoubtedly the Metropol Parasol, resembling a giant, irregular sun umbrella. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer H., it was completed in 2011. Rising more than ten stories high, nearly one hundred meters wide, and 250 meters long, it is neither a monument, art gallery, museum, or market, nor a modern commercial office building or residential tower. It serves no specific practical function; it is nothing in particular. So, what do you guess? Is it a work of art? It is an observation deck offering a magnificent panoramic view of Seville. The building features abstract, amorphous curved forms, supported by five massive, rugged reinforced concrete pillars. Constructed from steel assemblies with interlocking geometric structures, its organic shapes evoke musical rhythm. A winding skywalk with undulating elevations covers the top, providing viewing platforms where curved lines loop through the structure. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Seville’s grand panorama. (The entrance is located in the basement.)