Felix Candela: A Pioneering Architect in Reinforced Concrete

Felix Candela Valdebebas was a renowned Spanish and Mexican architect who made a significant impact on the development of modern architecture. Born in Madrid, Spain in 1910, he began to develop a keen sense of geometry at an early age, which later became a cornerstone of his architectural style.

Candela's educational background is marked by his enrollment in La Escuela Superior de Arquitectura (Madrid Superior Technical School of Architecture) in 1927. He graduated in 1935 and subsequently traveled to Germany to further hone his skills in architecture. This exposure to European design and engineering principles would later influence his work.

In Mexico, Candela collaborated with other prominent architects, including Fernando Higueras and Emilio Pérez Piñero. Together, they designed innovative structures such as inverted umbrellas with 12-meter cantilevers. Santiago Calatrava, a renowned Spanish architect, has credited Candela as one of his icons, acknowledging the significant influence he had on his work.

Candela's most notable contribution to architecture is the development of thin shells made from reinforced concrete, popularly known as cascarones. These structures have become synonymous with his name and have been used in numerous buildings throughout Mexico City. His innovative use of this material has been instrumental in shaping the architectural landscape of Mexico.

Throughout his career, Candela received several prestigious awards, including the IStructE Gold Medal and the Augusto Perret prize from the Architects International Union. Some of his notable projects include the Pabellón de Rayos Cósmicos ('Pavilion of Cosmic Rays') at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, San Lázaro metro station in Mexico City, and the Restaurant of the Hotel Casino de la Selva in Cuernavaca.

Candela's work has also been recognized internationally. He collaborated with Alberto Domingo and Carlos Lázaro on the design of L'Oceanogràfic (El Oceanográfico) at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain. The Palacio de los Deportes, a sports complex in Mexico City, is another notable example of his work.

In conclusion, Felix Candela Valdebebas was a pioneering architect who made significant contributions to the development of modern architecture. His innovative use of reinforced concrete and thin shells has had a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Mexico and beyond.

Felix candela valdebebas