Les Cols Restaurant, Pavilions and Marquee

Olot, Spain

Photo © Eugeni Pons

Photo © Hisao Suzuki

Architects: RCR Arquitectes

Location: Crta. de la Canya, s/n , 17800 Olot, Spain
Year: 2002

“Living a celebration. A gathering for an event which evokes time, outdoor living, the culinary arts, the essential and the future.”

Seeking to evoke family picnics in the countryside or outdoor gatherings with friends, of a bygone time, RCR has created a semi-open event and banqueting space near Le Cols restaurant in Olot, Spain. The terrain was hollowed out to be able to make the structure unobtrusive, but also allow for beautiful views of the surrounding volcanic countryside. The stone that was removed was returned to the site in the form of walls, embankments and pavements. The whole space, which can accommodate hundreds of guests, is covered by a lightweight, transparent roof to protect against the elements. The steel catenaries supporting the roof give it an appearance of “floating”, while the acrylic, almost invisible furniture, allows the people, food and countryside to take center stage.