In yesterday's post we looked at how real architectures (often developed as creative spaces and studios for artists or architects) can be used to maximum effect in a fantasy film.
As highlighted in that post, one of the buildings featured in the film we analysed ("Paradise Hills" by Alice Waddington) was designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. There is actually another building that he designed that wouldn't look out of place in a fantasy film (or in a fashion shoot) – La Muralla Roja (The Red Wall).
Located in Calpe, Alicante (Spain), the building was completed in 1973, but its unique shape and visually striking colour combinations have turned it into an architectural pop culture icon for a younger generation of architecture (and of Instagram…) fans.
The Red Wall is a sort of fortress characterised by a vertical silhouette: located on a rocky cliff, from a distance the building looks like a sharp block of pink quartz with irregular crystals shining under the hot Mediterranean sun, emerging right from the rocks supporting them.
Yet, an aerial view reveals the complex secrets of the internal structure: inspired by the architecture of the Arab Mediterranean, and in particular the adobe towers of North Africa, the imaginative Modernist structure features in its centre a cross-shaped swimming pool.
The geometric plan of the building is actually based on a Greek cross with 5 meters-long arms. Service towers (kitchens and bathrooms) are located at the point of intersection of the crosses and inside the structure there are several interconnected elements, such as interlocking stairs, platforms, courtyards and roof terraces, leading to 50 60 sqm apartments/studios, and two and three-bedroom apartments (of 80 and 120 sqm).
The labyrinthine structure evokes in its intersection of public and private spaces the Kasbah, but the zigzagging staircases will make design fans with some knowledge of Italian fashion history, instantly think about Cinzia Ruggeri's ziggurat dresses.
Colours were applied to bring forth some of the architectural elements and create a juxtaposition between external and internal spaces. So while most of the building is covered in red, purple and shocking pink paint, patios and stairs come in sky-blue and indigo, shades that generate a continuity or a contrast when the sky is serene or cloudy. The colours are also employed to create mesmerising optical illusions.
The backdrop for photographic projects and videos such as Martin Solveig's "Do It Right", the building hasn't been used yet for any specific fashion events. But you can bet that, at some point, we will see lookbooks for a Spring/Summer collection (by Loewe maybe?) being shot there, or maybe runway shows for a peculiar resort collection (by Louis Vuitton? Chanel? Gucci?) taking place at the iconic muralla.
Image credits for this post
All images in this post copyright Taller de Arquitectura/Ricardo Bofill