New European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) Headquarters in Seville (ES)

This proposal was considered outstanding by the Jury on a number of levels, deserving the first prize.

First of all, its strong statement in terms of architecture being energetically self-sufficient by producing the energy it requires to function, channelling the solar power of Andalucía was a major attraction of the proposal, - an aspect which is reinforced by the current energy context and in line with the e-City Seville programme. It was considered a specific architecture proposal, adapted to the local conditions.

Jury members especially appreciated the monumental, institutional image of the “solar energy shading dome”, which the proposal projects, producing an extremely appealing integration with the adjacent open surrounding space. The white plate-based “dome” creates attractive urban spaces, a strong Andalusian identity, and a clever building shading mechanism at the same time. It translates the New European Bauhaus values of transparency, inclusion and energy efficiency thanks to the shading solutions, which also generate electricity.

Additionally, the mineral quality of the plaza creates a welcoming and flexible ground for public domain and openness, thus fulfilling the clients’ objectives.

It was deemed that the strong experimental element of harvesting the power of solar energy passes a strong message to citizens about the Commission’s commitment to transition and the goals of the European Green Deal.

The presence of this canopy across the Guadalquivir river was particularly appreciated by the Jury, as well as the clearly added value to the public accessible, and shaded urban space that this project offers to Cartuja.