Pavilion America

Successful participants in the cup include not only Americans but also Australians and New Zealanders, while in recent years, competitors from Switzerland have been thriving. For this reason, the organizers decided that the tournaments and finals for the 2007 season would take place in Europe. The cities of Marseille, Cascais, and Naples were in the running, but the choice fell on the port of Valencia, Spain. Besides the beauty and tourist popularity of the city, the summer stable winds played an important role.
The organizers and the city of Valencia wanted to transform the unused docks into an elegant and solid area that would satisfy both the general public and wealthy VIPs associated with yachting. In June 2005, it was agreed that everything would be ready for the America's Cup held in May 2006.
Surprisingly, the English architect David Chipperfield was chosen as the architect for the main building. His previous realizations of dignified, restrained, and well-serving museums and galleries scattered around the world convinced the organizers. The question remained whether Chipperfield—a thoughtful and calm architect—could withstand the fast-paced environment that had been established.
The resulting four-story structure of white concrete has significant graphic strength. The levitating balconies correspond identically to the bold visualization that came from Chipperfield's studio just 11 months before the pavilion's completion. David Chipperfield's London studio and the collaborating Barcelona studio b720 accomplished admirable work in drastically short time. To be honest, during the same period, a skyscraper could be built in Shanghai, but in Valencia, the architect's task was also to create a master plan for the area and integrate the new building into the context of the city. Chipperfield was responsible for both the pavilion building and the adjoining part filled with parking lots, commercial spaces, and spectator decks connecting to the city beaches.
Chipperfield explains that the only feasible strategy to build a quality structure in such a short time was to reduce the form and construction of the building to a minimum. This purity, complemented by charming cantilevered balconies, ramps winding along the facade, and extensive comfortable observation space for the public, creates an unprecedented experience. At the time of the race, the pavilion was not yet fully completed. However, it met expectations and requirements. The remaining commercial parts of the pavilion were completed in the autumn.
The intent of the city representatives is for the pavilion to be accessible by public transport. Visitors can ascend the ramp to the observation platform and refresh themselves in the restaurant. Besides yacht races, the pavilion serves as a venue for congresses and significant social gatherings. In addition to the restaurant, visitors on the second floor can also take advantage of shops. The exclusive observation terrace is protected from the sun by an upper cantilevered floor. Being in this space is like standing on the deck of an ocean liner.
The third and fourth floors serve the organizers of the America's Cup and the Louis Vuitton company, which sponsors the tournament. This symbiosis of public and private activities greatly benefits the building. The pavilion is a natural part of the complex of surrounding buildings, including a sailing school. The newly established public park transformed unused docks into a sought-after area of Valencia.