Brick Pavilion in Barcelona
An international architectural studio Map13 has used a skillful combination of traditional construction techniques and digital design tools to vault this brick pavilion in Barcelona.
Unconventional Brick Pavilion in Barcelona
Bricktopia, a brick pavilion in Barcelona
In the courtyard of an old factory Fabra i Coats an unusual pavilion called Bricktopia has appeared. Designed by a team of Spanish architects from Map13, Bricktopia was built during the International Festival of Architecture Eme3, which was conducted in June of this year in Barcelona. The Bricktopia project became the winning design in the nomination “BUILD-it” and served as a place for the program of summer activities. In further its sundecks were used as a bar and a stage for summer events.
Brick pavilion for summer activities
The framing of the construction consists of smooth, low arches and has a soft curved shape. Vaulted pavilion is made of bricks with traditional Spanish building techniques called “Catalan vault”, when the bricks are stacked along the gently curved construction. This is the way how smooth vaulted spaces are created.
The structure was designed with the three-dimensional modeling software program Rhino, Rhinovault plugin. The pavilion was built mainly by architecture students and volunteers. It consists of four vaulted spaces with arched holes forming doors and windows.
Bricktopia in the evening
Bricktopia enters into a “respectful dialogue” with the stylistic factory of the nineteenth century, which is also built of brick, providing an open space for outdoor activities on hot summer days in Barcelona.
Prior to construction, there have been many studies whose aim was to explore the possibility of combining traditional construction techniques with modern digital design techniques. The architects say that in contrast to the buildings that are seen nowadays, this project aims at restoration and rethinking of the traditional methods of construction.
Bricktopia during its construction
The completed structure is a four vaulted space, containing a bar, a small stage and a place for rest.
In contrast to the construction projects, which can be seen today, this project aims at preserving national building traditions and the development of imagination,” the architects explained.

Alicia Kim


Latest posts by Alicia Kim (see all)
- Living Room Bar Ideas - August 29, 2014
- Bar in Living Room Interior - August 29, 2014
- Color Selection Ideas - August 28, 2014
Leave a Reply