New Frank Gehry building to be opened in Alava (Spain)

[Urederra]

A new Gehry building is being inaugurated in Elciego, Alava (Spain) It is a ribon like roof Hotel/Winery.

I copy and paste the text used in the webpage that advertises the hotel.

Welcome to the new landmark Hotel Marqués De Riscal. Designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, our hotel is his second masterpiece in Spain after driving Bilbao's urban revival with the Guggenheim Museum.

Located in the heart of the Rioja wine region, we will be the perfect place for a relaxing break or small meeting. 43 modern, comfortable suites feature a modern, comfortable atmosphere and unique design by Frank O. Gehry. All are equipped with luxuries such as LCD TV, CD player, Coffee/Tea Maker, Marble Bathrooms and High Speed Internet Access (ADSL and wireless). Enjoy the views of the vineyards and the town of Elciego, while sitting in the bay windows.

The main restaurant is set to become one of Spain's leading centers for fine gastronomy, combining traditional Rioja cuisine with modern influences by the well-known Echaurren Restaurant (1 Michelin star). Furthermore, we will offer a wine bar in a more informal setting, a rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views and open fireplace, a wine tasting corner, cooking school, and an ancient wine cellar, which was converted to a banqueting space.

The Caudalie Vinothérapie® Spa will be the backbone of the leisure facilities, offering an indoor swimming pool, hammam, fitness, and a wide variety of massages and treatments featuring "wine therapy." All products are made using the best that grapes have to offer, designed exclusively for Caudalie Vinothérapie.

Guests will also have access to the Marqués de Riscal vineyards, the Wine Museum & Shop, and the state-of-the-art process and elaboration center.

Additional leisure activities in the area include two golf courses within 35 kilometers, tours of the surrounding nature and hills by foot, bike, or horse, and "Ruta de Vino," an established tour which explores the Rioja wine region by car. If visiting during the winter months, the Valdezcarray ski resort is only 50 kilometers away

Why does it deserve a thread, well, look at a few pics of it.

So, What do you think about the style? Have you visited other Gehry buildings? (I did, I have lived in Bilbao and I have visited the Guggenheim museum over there. There is another small version of it at the University of Minnesota, which I have also visited)

 

[Pyrite]

Wow. That looks like a bombed out building from an acid tripper's perspective.

Inside yes. Outside. Wow. No.

 

[Irish Caesar]

I haven't seen any of his work, but I can't say I'm a fan at this point.

I prefer the orderly classical stuff to new architecture.

 

[Taliesin]

I knew there was a reason Dali never tried architecture... thanks are owed to Gehry for illustrating it so vividly. I'd hate to be the owner of that castle it dwarfs.

Another Gehry abomination:

 

[Perfection]

There is another small version of it at the University of Minnesota, which I have also visited)

I live at the University of Minnesota and walk by the building every day. I have to say that it's actually works. On two sides it's conventional brick and doesn't cause conflicts. The other two perspectives are from across the river where it fits in and from the front where it ties in with the pedestrian bridges and the Washington Ave. bridge. It's not colored like this building but instead stainless steel.

Here's some pics:

 

[Dann]

The fact that he was able to pull it off (i.e. get his outrageous design approved and built) is already testament enough to his ability and success. I for one have only for this architect.

 

[Kosez]

I like O. Gehry. And I've seen pictures of Alava building before. Nice. I'm a bit disappointed about interior though. Not enough out-of-this-world to go with exterior. But it's hard to tell from pictures really.

I think more buildings should be in Gehry style, there is too much boredome in West cities when it comes to buildings. Gehry spices things up a bit. His buildings spark emotions, and it really isn't so important if some of them are negative.