This art gallery, located along the northeast coast of Spain, is focused on, not only, displaying art, but connecting the visitor to the landscape through various specifically picked sight lines. Not only when inside the building, that is modeled to blend in with the various ruins on the sight and is build from locally sourced rocks, but from the very entrance of the plateau on which the gallery is located. From the entrance there are several pathways that lead to the gallery, the second plateau and back. When entering the gallery, the ascending wall leading to the entrance deprives the visitor of the view of the Mediterranean sea in the distance to open up their minds for the art displayed at this spectacular location. Inside the gallery there are two spaces, connected via a hallway that passes the terrace, where art can be admired. In both spaces there is a possibility to enjoy the art displayed while still having the connection to the surrounding landmarkt of Desierto de las Palmas. To accentuate this connection the art is placed inside an edged out archway that symbolizes a 'gruta', which is a Spanish word for a shrine that can be found in the surrounding area and belonged to the monastery which ruins mark the landscape. The gallery is designed to constantly divert the visitors attention from the surroundings to the art displayed and back. To show them the remarkable history and views this location has to offer and at the same time provide a place to sit and enjoy art. The alternation between art and surroundings is what makes the visit to this gallery a coherent and mellow experience. 

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Initiator: Universitat Politècnica València

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Date of publication: 21st December 2021

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Software used: Archicad, SketchUp, Vray

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