| . |
architect and urbanist, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain |
© photo: Torben Eskerod
The up-and-coming architect displays his abilities not only in large and smaller-scale constructions, he is also intensely involved in urban planning, e.g. the competition he won in 2004 for "Litoral/Seaboard Puerto de la Cruz". The planned interventions enable the extension and revitalisation of an important part of Puerto de la Cruz’ harbour. Fernando Menis’ projects on La Gomera are realised on a smaller scale, and based on the foundations of eco-tourism: on Agulo, a series of historic houses are being renovated, added to and transformed into small hotels, thus creating a neighbourhood which forges new links between inhabitants and visitors. His unique formal vocabulary is sculptural and powerful, yet committed to international modernism. In late 2005, the MAGMA Arts and Convention Centre opened on Tenerife: Fernando Menis succeeded in creating a grandiose building which can hold its own against any of the recent large-scale structures worldwide in terms of quality, design and function. Shortly after completion, the heavy concrete body’s unusual shape has become a striking landmark of the Southern part of the island, while fitting in the landscape’s volcanic topography as a matter of course. For this project, Fernando Menis did not only shoulder the role of the architect, but is also highly involved in its successful implementation. He wants MAGMA to fully exhaust its potential as a local institution which is accepted and used by locals rather than a mere tourist attraction. >>> more
Valid as of 27.5.2008