Located in the “Albufera de Valencia”, one of the national territory´s most singular natural areas, the winning proposal for the Inspiration Hotel is formed as a huge ring shaped wooden pier 160 meters in diameter that rises above the Albufera´s water surface. Designed by Paul Dieterlen Architecture, the building is resolved with two main rings, one with an eight meter section which contains the architectural program and the public areas, and another one, with a three meters section turn to the interior that works a continuous circular path. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Since the beginning of time, nature has been a continuous source of inspiration, from the simplest of forms to the most complex ones, it has been a reference for all the artistic disciplines that have tried to imitate it, abstract it or simply tried to freely interpret it. The littoral lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a thin stretch of sand which allows a continuous exchange of fresh water with the sea. Therefore coexist, bordering ecosystems with very different structures that generate areas of great richness and ecological interest.
Beyond the ecological value, the Albufera has been and is of vital importance for the Valencian territory, because of its economical sustenance as well for its cultural heritage, being the scenery for numerous writings of novelist Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. The site constitutes a unique place, it´s a “senses enhancer”: daybreaks, sunsets, storms, flora and fauna diversity, smells, sounds, textures, tastes, changing colors… are all factors that evoke inspiration and concentration, finding ourselves, our essence with our own nature.
Architects: Paul Dieterlen Architecture Location: Albufera de Valencia, Spain Team: Jorge Ruiz Boluda, architect; Agustín Durá Herrero, architect; Paul Dieterlen, architect Collaborator: José Asensio, photograph Project: Ideas competition Inspiration Hotel Status: International competition. 1st price Date: August 2012
