Dome

North side from inland drive, access stairs (left) to four levels; In collaboration with b720 Architects of Barcelona. Locally known as Veles e Vents (Wind and Sails) named after a poem by Valencian poet Ausiàs March. The building was the centerpiece in the reorganization of the industrial port of Valencia, done for the America's Cup sailing competition in 2007. Four floors the size of half a football field, in reinforced concrete seem to be suspended in the air. The large cantilevered overhangs incorporate viewing terraces with external staircases. The edges of the concrete building are white-painted steel while the ceiling consists of white metal panels. The external floors are solid Brazilian timber decking, and the internal floors are white resin. The two upper floors are reserved for sailing competitors, but the deck and first level is an area for public race viewing. There are also 800 parking spaces for the building. The design has won numerous architectural awards, including the 2006 Emirates Glass LEAF Award and the Royal Institute of British Architects European awards in 2007. It was also nominated for the Stirling Prize in 2007. Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (accessed 8/2/2014)