MallorcaES
Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearic Islands, unfolds as a layered landscape in which mountains, sea, heritage, contemporary creativity, and urban structures balance each other. Against this backdrop, an architecture has developed that is deeply rooted in local tradition, yet innovative and material-conscious.
The capital, Palma, is the beating heart of the island: a city where Gothic monuments, patio houses, and contemporary interventions blend effortlessly. Here, a new generation of architects is working on a refined reinterpretation of building culture, with a particular focus on housing, education, and public space. Outside the city, in villages and the interior, these principles are continued in small-scale projects that focus on materiality, craftsmanship, and landscape integration. Climate and topography remain decisive factors and serve as guidelines for the built environment.
The use of wood and ceramics forms the core of architectural innovation. In social housing, private homes, and schools, wood is not only used structurally, but also as a facade and interior material, adding warmth and tactility to the stony landscape. Tiles, often sourced from traditional manufacturer Huguet, form a bridge between past and present: their artisanal quality is given a contemporary interpretation in collaboration with international firms such as Herzog & de Meuron, but also in local projects where subtle patterns and colors add a layer of identity.
At the same time, Mallorca remains an island of art and imagination. The Fundació Miró on the outskirts of Palma unites three buildings: Joan Miró’s original studio, the Son Boter residence with its wall sketches, and Rafael Moneo’s contemporary pavilion from 1992, which provides the collection with an architectural framework of concrete grids, ceramic tiles, and filtered daylight.
In this way, Mallorca manifests itself as a place where tradition and innovation, art and architecture, stone and light constantly mirror each other.