Zooco Estudio, a Spanish architecture and design outfit, has recently erected a series of buildings for the arts center in Verin, a city in Galicia (the most northwestern region of Spain.) The center consists of ten separate volumes, each of which are distinct and yet stylistically interconnected thanks to the use of roughly hewn granite facades.
The granite used in Zooco Estudio's design comes from a nearby quarry in Pontevedra province, and the material is widely used around the city of Verin as a whole. Nonetheless, the arts center is unique thanks to the patterning on those slabs: they are unfinished on the surface, with differently angled chunks and slices taken out of them meant to elicit the sense of intense industry.
Granite Galician Arts Centers
Zooco Estudio's Design Features Roughly Hewn Granite Facades
Trend Themes
1. Roughly Hewn Granite Facades in Architecture - The use of roughly hewn granite facades creates an opportunity for architectural designs that blend natural and industrial elements.
2. Distinct Stylistic Elements in Building Design - Stylistically interconnected buildings with distinct elements creates opportunities for a unique and memorable experience.
3. Quarry-sourced Materials in Construction - Using materials sourced from nearby quarries creates opportunities for building designs that blend with the natural surroundings.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Construction - Architects and builders can use this trend to create innovative designs that utilize rough granite materials.
2. Art and Cultural Centers - Art and cultural centers can incorporate unique stone facades like Zooco Estudio’s design to create a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
3. Natural Stone Industry - The use of quarry-sourced granite and other natural materials in unique designs presents innovative opportunities for the natural stone industry.