Menis Arquitectos, Santa Cruz, Teneriffa
The formal language of Fernando Menis' buildings is sculptural and powerful, yet committed to International Modernism. Their materiality allows them to blend organically into the topography of the Canary Islands, making them striking landmarks. A revitalisation project for the port of Puerto de la Cruz, two projects for sustainable tourism on La Gomera, a church in la Laguna, several private houses and the recently opened MAGMA congress centre by architects Artengo Menis Pastrana (AMP) will be presented. Fernando M. Menis became known in Berlin with the bathing ship at the Arena in Berlin-Treptow, which was realised with AMP and Gil Wilk in 2004. The works shown in the exhibition and catalogue make it clear that the Tenerife-born architect not only demonstrates his skills in large-scale buildings, but also deals intensively with urban planning projects. An example of this is the 'Litoral/ Seaboard Puerto de la Cruz' competition won by Menis in 2004. The planned interventions allow for the expansion and revitalisation of a significant part of the harbour of Puerto de la Cruz. On a smaller scale and based on the principles of ecotourism are Meni's projects on La Gomera: the design for part of the village of Vallehermoso focuses on tourism, health and nature. In Agulo, a number of historic houses are being renovated, added to and converted into small hotels, creating a neighbourhood that establishes a new connection between residents and visitors.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition:
Kristin Feireiss Aedes
Counsellor Itziar Taboada Head of the Cultural Department of the Embassy of Spain
Lucas Young Berlin
An Aedes catalogue will be published (€ 10.-).
The exhibition is sponsored by: Gobierno de Consejeria de Turismo, CCB Tenerife Sur SA and supported by the sponsors Zumtobel and Carpet Concept.
