The Centro Niemeyer is a new cultural complex in Avilés (map), one of the largest towns in the Spanish principality of Asturias, and is part of an ambitious scheme to redevelop the town’s riverfront. World-renowned Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer, designed the complex as a gift to the principality. The result is a mesmerising blend of seductive feminine curves and a science fiction fantasy, reminiscent of Jane Fonda in the iconic 1960’s movie, Barbarella.
The Centro Niemeyer complex consists of four main structures: the tower (with its swirling staircase), the exhibition dome, an auditorium (a sketch of a woman posing seductively graces one wall) and a fourth building that houses a bar and meeting rooms.
A design that stirs the senses
The design of the complex is simple and clean but many aspects of it grab the attention of every visitor. I was constantly drawn by the soft sensual curves. It felt like an invitation to further explore the complex and caress the smooth, gleaming white surfaces. Located in a sea of white, the auditorium, with its brightly coloured sections, forms a stark contrast. The overall effect stirred my senses and I paused for many moments to admire and gently run my hand along the curvy walls. It was easy to feel seduced by the sensuality of this complex.
The Centro Niemeyer has the potential to become a Spanish national icon and transform Avilés into a world-class centre of arts, culture and design. As word spreads about this complex, I’m convinced that an increasing number of people will be drawn to and seduced by this wondrous design by Oscar Niemeyer. I certainly was!
Read about things to do in Asturias.
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Note: my trip to the Centro Niemeyer was part of a blog trip organised by the Tourism Board of Asturias and Tourism Spain.
[…] buildings in Brasilia (the capital of Brazil), the United Nations headquarters in New York and the Centro Niemeyer in Spain. I’m a big fan of his futuristic, curvy designs so I was thrilled to learn that he […]
Estas instalaciones son de lo mas exquisito que hay ahora mismo en España. Los Avilesinos y vecinos de comarca, tenemos el gran privilegio de poder contemplar este espacio libre cuanto queramos, pero también es un espacio libre para todos los ciudadanos del mundo. Es un lugar donde cada uno puede encontrar su espacio vital , que no es poco. Bien venidos a todos.
[…] Visit the Centro Niemeyer in Avilés. The Centro Niemeyer is one of the newest cultural centres in Asturias. Designed by the […]
NIEMEYER
Espalhado pelo mundo, a genialidade de nosso arquiteto é comovente.
@edubuys
[…] feed. Thanks for visiting!Partner blogger Velvet Escape wrote on the new and seductively ambitious Niemeyer Centre in Avilés, Asturias. The town’s riverfront is being redeveloped on the basis of an ambitious plan gifted to the […]
I went to a Niemeyer museum in Curitiba, Brazil and it had a similar vibe. Very cool design!
[…] Read the accompanying post: ‘The Seductive Curves of Centro Niemeyer‘. […]
Thank you Cristina for the suggestions. Calatrava’s Congress Hall in Oviedo is absolutely stunning whilst the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura near Gijon is very impressive. Asturias definitely has a lot to offer in terms of great architecture.
Best regards,
Keith
If you´re interested in architecture dont miss in Asturias, Northen Spain, Calatravas´Congress Hall, Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, and Niemeyer Center.
Really arts & modern looking
yup.. you can really feel the theme going on there.. but it honestly looks like my wine bottle opener.. a corkscrew;)
Spain has become quite the destination for interesting architecture. I have not been to Aviles but the Centro Niemeyer is quite modern and interesting. Along with the Guggenheim in Bilbao and Gaudi in Barcelona, there is definitely some interesting architecture in this area of Spain!