Last class before Christmas, we went for a cultural visit to Veles e Vents, an ultramodern structure known as Edificio Copa de América offering leisure commerce, restaurants and views of the port of Valencia, built after Valencia being selected for the 32nd America’s Cup in 2007 due to the good weather and constants winds.
The building was designed by the britain architect David Chipperfield and other spanish architects as Fermín Vazquez. The white and four floors impressive pavillon has a big architectural power, with a great set of angles and lights, it projects an impressive structure in the Port of Valencia.
When I was younger, this architectural building usually surprised me for its modern form and yet simplicity. It was until the visit I found out interesting facts that move me in other senses. The spectacular terraces flown into the sea, the long ramp that connect to the first floor and the big platforms are made out of three principal materials which are normally used in ports and marine life, in slabs of veneer material, the kind of wood that is usually used in dock for the floors and with glass. Moreover, it is interesting how the name ‘Veles e Vents’ comes from a poem by Ausiàs March wrtitten in valencian language.
The design has won lots of architecture awards, including the 2006 Emirates Glass LEAF Award and the Royal Institute of British Architects European Awards in 2007. It was also nominated for the Stirling Prize in 2007.
Veles e Vents stands out on the horizon of La Marina de Valencia. Nowadays, it has became an emblem, a symbol of the city of Valencia such as the City of Arts and Sciences.
