Rationalist curves, frozen waves. Tomás Morales Cafeteria by Romera y Ruiz Arquitectos
07/04/2021.
[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria] Spain
metalocus, MARÍA FERNANDA MORA
metalocus, MARÍA FERNANDA MORA
Description of project by Romera y Ruiz Arquitectos
Not long ago, the geometry of buildings relied heavily on water levels. Wall elevations and the verticality of pillars had to be checked by way of water “levels”. Water hoses were used to take a specific height reference from one place to another by applying the principle of communicating vessels.
The horizon line has always been the natural contrast to the verticality of humans and man-made constructions. Geometry, as we know it today, stems from the physical nature of water in its many dispositions. Flat lines in nature can only be found in water, such as the sea surface. So, movement, and therefore time, are parties to this uninterrupted flow that permeates through the architectural design of this unique corner of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Arbitrary organic shapes lead us into the analysis of one of the most prominent trends of the Modern Movement in architecture. Architects such as Fermín Suárez Valido laid down the foundations of this so-called organic architecture, based on formal and material traditions that have been inherited from their ancestors. The renovation and expansion project by Romera and Ruiz Architects aims at promoting a greater integration with nature, from where it emerged.
Pedro Romera García. Professor of Architectural Design at the School of Architecture of Las Palmas since 1999. Member of the Research Heritage and Landscape Project.
Ángela Ruiz Martínez. Professor of Landscape Architecture from 2004 to 2008, and Architectural Projects (academic years 2009/2010, 2011/2012) at the School of Architecture of Las Palmas. General coordinator of the Second Biennial of Art, Architecture and Landscape of the Canary Islands, and member of the Island Historical Heritage Commissions of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, from 2001 to 2005.
Togehther they founded in 1999 the architecture office ROMERA Y RUIZ ARCHITECTS SLP in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria after having worked separetly in professional offices at both national and local level. They have developed different projects, planning documents, and participated in numerous cultural activities.