Explore Ricardo Bofill’s Stunning “La Muralla Roja” Through the Lens of Sebastian Weiss

La Muralla Roja, Spanish for ‘The Red Wall,’ was inspired by the bold colors and distinctive vernacular of the Mediterranean region.

Paul Keskeys Paul Keskeys

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Architect Ricardo Bofill turned 80 years old in December 2019. This major cause for celebration gave architectural photographer Sebastian Weiss the impetus to travel to one of Bofill’s most well known and distinctive buildings, “La Muralla Roja” in Calp, Spain. Weiss describes the housing complex as “a place on the border to the surreal,” and his abstract photographs bring this kaleidoscopic project to life in all its colorful glory.

ricardo bofill sebastian weiss ricardo bofill sebastian weiss ricardo bofill sebastian weiss

La Muralla Roja, Spanish for ‘The Red Wall,’ was inspired by the bold colors and distinctive vernacular of the Mediterranean region, referencing the architectural language of alcazabas (old forts or medinas). The bold colors were chosen by Bofill to strike a contrast with the natural surroundings, while simultaneously sitting in harmony with its context.

“The strict geometry and the juxtaposition of ocher, red to pink, blue and the turquoise of the sea impressed me very much,” said Weiss of his visit to the complex. “This surreal place is a feast for the senses and fascinates with its perfect tuning of colors, geometrical shapes, public and private areas, as well as light and shadow plays. It feels like moving through the set construction of a movie production.”

ricardo bofill sebastian weiss ricardo bofill sebastian weiss

Weiss’ series won Gold at the PX3, Prix de la Photographie de Paris 2020 in the Category Architecture / Buildings – Professional. For more stunning photography by Weiss, check out his Instagram page. For more beautiful architecture by Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, explore the architect’s stunning home inside a ruined cement factory.

Sebastian Weiss lives and works as an architectural photographer in Hamburg, Germany. He is “Professional Member” of the Professional Association of Freelance Photographers and Film Creators (BFF) and also a member of the Bundesverband Architekturfotografie e.V. (BVAF).

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Paul Keskeys Author: Paul Keskeys
Paul Keskeys is Editor in Chief at Architizer. An architect-trained editor, writer and content creator, Paul graduated from UCL and the University of Edinburgh, gaining an MArch in Architectural Design with distinction. Paul has spoken about the art of architecture and storytelling at many national industry events, including AIANY, NeoCon, KBIS, the Future NOW Symposium, the Young Architect Conference and NYCxDesign. As well as hundreds of editorial publications on Architizer, Paul has also had features published in Architectural Digest, PIN—UP Magazine, Archinect, Aesthetica Magazine and PUBLIC Journal.
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