La Muralla Roja

On this dreary wet day in England I thought we'd take a trip to the dazzling sunshine of Alicante in Spain. Back in time too, to the 1970s and to the riot of colour that is architect Ricardo Bofill's La Muralla Roja. 

Translated as 'The Red Wall' this renowned urban architect took his inspiration from the higgledy-piggledy walled North African cities and kasbahs. There is order though, with varying heights in complementary shades. The deep blues remind me of Essaouira in Morocco, the earthy pinks of the villages on the edge of the Sahara. Views are framed, sliced in slithers showing the cool blue sea.    

Photographed here for Vogue by Nacho Alegre in slightly faded glamour, the chalky paint changes shade as the light moves throughout the day.

Often modern architecture is all about the view in a location like this, La Muralla Roia is not that humble! This building takes the focus away from the sea, holding your gaze and your imagination.  

Originally found at B22 Design