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Writer's pictureSOY ERASMUS VALENCIA

ARCHITECTURE IN BASQUE COUNTRY



Some of the structures that stand in the Basque Country are evidence that it has always been a model of development and modernism. The best examples of architecture of their time can be seen in each of the three provinces.


Let's begin this journey by traveling through Euskadi's modernist architecture in Bizkaia. Bizkaia is home to one of Spain's most international cities, Bilbao. Along with the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao's own metro system has emerged as a pioneer in the new architectural style. As they were designed by British architect Norman Foster, the suburban entrances are known as Fosteritos. He created the stations between 1988 and 1995 with the aim of providing the city with an innovative and contemporary environment.







The Fosteritos are glass awnings that resemble biological themes. The sloping tunnels made of steel, glass, and semi-transparent glass make you feel a sense of fluid movement. The Y-shaped metro line circles the city on both sides.





The New House of Culture is located in Ortuella, a former mining region of Bizkaia, about 15 kilometers from Bilbao. The structure tries to retain the legacy of the rapidly disappearing mining era. The set's rusted steel lid gives the impression that it has always been there.





Gipuzkoa is where we may also see instances of Euskadi's avant-garde architecture. The Sanctuary of Arantzazu may be found in this province, a short distance from Oati, after going up a winding road that climbs the mountain. Because of its striking avant-garde architectural designs and towering facades, sculptures, and doors, it is known as the "sanctuary of contemporary art."



The remarkable modernist shapes of the "Real Club Nautico de San SebastiƔn," a leading rationalist structure, can be seen in the city of Donostia. On the left side of the harbour, the structure looks like a ship that has become stranded. The San Sebastian Aquarium, one of the most significant in Europe and a must-see, is on the other side.



The Plaza de Europa holds the Musikene's new headquarters, which opened in 2001. It highlights maximising available space and natural light as well as emphasising the seamless integration of the building with its surroundings. The Basque Culinary Center's building, which appears to look like piled dishes, is also located in Donostia.





Finally, we view the best modernist construction in Euskadi. We reach Araba-lava, specifically the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Three contemporary churches are displayed here. The Spanish architect, urban planner, and painter Miguel Fisac created the Church of Our Lady of the Coronation, which was constructed between 1957 and 1960. The design of this temple is a crucial response to two concerns the architect had: the utilisation of light and the layout inside the church. The Church of Santa Maria de Los Angeles, designed by Javier Carvajal, is also here. Its materials include brick, slate, iron beams in tribute to the Alava forges, and minimalist concrete. And last but not least, the Church of San Francisco designed by Luis Pea Ganchegui.



Additionally, the Miano Technology Park (lava) has housed creative businesses engaged in activities in cutting-edge and emerging areas since 2011 in the so-called E8 building. The Caja Vital Kutxa building is another another illustration of Euskadi's outstanding modern architecture. Its architecture strives to strengthen Vitoria-fundamental Gasteiz's ideology. Javier Mozas and Eduardo Aguirre created the design. The facade represents the genetic code, while the plant represents a chromosome.


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