Barcelona 2014 - Santa Caterina Market

Taking a break from Gaudi - here is an architectural masterpiece by another Catalan Architect Enrique Miralles. The Santa Caterina Market is in the EL Born district, which is just to the East of Barri Gotic. This area used to be considered a slum, and this project was part of an urban renewal plan to revitalize the surrounding neighbourhood.

The design for the market by Miralles is typically flamboyant. It has a waving and soaring roof covered in colourful tiles. From above it looks like a flying carpet - which is great for the apartments surrounding the building.

The roof structure is very complex and interesting. It is a mixture of steel and timber construction, very intricately put together.

At the back of the market are 2 couple of blocks of apartments for senior citizens. The design is simple and yet you can still see Miralles' trademark of timber work and irregular geometries.

Even if you are not interested in the architecture, it is still worth a visit as there are over 60 stalls selling all kinds of culinary goodies.