IN SHORT
As Calatrava's immense City of Arts and Sciences has taken shape, it became evident that the complex needs a multi-functional space, capable of accommodating large amount of audience and versatile enough to host various different types of events and activities. Calatrava therefore proposed the construction of a Agora on a site between the Sawmill Bridge and the City of Arts and Sciences' Oceanographic building.
A diaphanous large hall, built of steel arches and a roof with glass will be crowned with a movable structure that controls the natural light and endows the otherwise horizontal building with a vertical component. The Agora's form is geometric and abstract on drawing plan, whilst anthropomorphic and concrete in section. The building is designed in such a way that these two readings are distinct and yet complementary.