L'Umbracle
Santiago Calatrava · Valencia, Spain · 2001
L'Umbracle turns a car-park roof and pedestrian route into a long garden at Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences. Santiago Calatrava used a repeated sequence of white arches to define a permeable enclosure rather than a fully roofed hall. Completed in 2001, the promenade combines planting, sculpture and elevated views across the surrounding ensemble. The rhythm of the arches changes as visitors walk through, giving an otherwise simple linear route a strong spatial character. It offers a useful counterpoint to the larger enclosed attractions nearby and shows how circulation infrastructure can support a public landscape. Visiting: The landscaped public promenade has free access when open. Separately operated venues may charge.