AV 181 Fernando Menis

Comprising three texts, twelve works, and six projects, this instalment’s focus on Spanish architect Fernando Menis brings to the forefront his idiosyncratic style, with works characterised by their adaptability and sustainability, combining strong material expression and the inherent elements of the urban or natural landscape with architecture. Barry Bergdoll describes the geological character of the architect’s work and its relevance in a globalised world, while Víctor Lledó, a collaborator at the studio, explains the working methods used there. Featured built works include La Orotava Botanical Garden, Alisios Social Housing, and the Jordanki Cultural and Congress Centre.

Three Texts

• Barry Bergdoll, Geological Architecture in the Global Age
• Fernando Menis, Strength of Matter and Genius Loci
• Víctor Lledó, Reason and Emotion: A Work Process

Twelve Works

• MM House, 1995-1999, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain)
• The Tank: a Cultural Space, 1997-2009, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain)
• Magma Art & Congress, 1998-2005, Adeje, Tenerife (Spain)
• Cuchillitos de Tristán Park, 1998-2007, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain)
• La Orotava Botanical Garden, 1999-, La Orotava, Tenerife (Spain)
• Floating Pool on the Spree River, 2002-2004, Berlin (Germany)
• Insular Athletics Stadium, 2004-2007, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain)
• Holy Redeemer Church, 2005-2008, La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain)
• Sacred Museum and Plaza, 2006-2010, Adeje, Tenerife (Spain)
• Alisios Social Housing, 2007-2009, La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain)
• Jordanki Cultural and Congress Center, 2008-2015, Toruń (Poland)
• Hotel Complex and Square, 2013-, Bürchen (Switzerland)

Six Projects

• Morro Jable Auditorium, 2008-, Pájara, Fuerteventura (Spain)
• Agora Garden Tower, 2010-, Taipei (Taiwan)
• Cool Box, 2011-, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí (Costa Rica)
• Uppa Winery, 2013-, Crimea (Russia)
• ZIM Area Development, 2013-, Samara (Russia)
• Seafront Regeneration, 2015-, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife (Spain)