Mallorca Menorca

The Balearic Islands are more than a holiday destination. They have become a fertile ground for a new architectural sensibility: locally grounded, materially aware, and refreshingly experimental. During this art and architecture journey, we explore Mallorca and Menorca through the lens of those who design, build, live and create there.

We seek out contemporary architecture that honours its origins. Local stone such as marès and santanyí comes to life in both historic and new contexts – most strikingly at the monumental Lithica quarries. Timber construction is explored in the sensitive work of Atelier Amarar by Aulets, while handmade tiles by Huguet, including collaborations with Herzog & de Meuron, show how craft can be global and modern.

We also explore different models of tourism architecture, from iconic 1960s resorts to refined contemporary villas and reinterpretations of the traditional finca.

Social housing is another central theme. We visit remarkable projects by Ibavi, which combine local materials and bioclimatic design with a deep sense of dignity and sustainability – recently featured in a dedicated issue of El Croquis.

This journey connects past and present. We visit historic landmarks such as La Lonja and explore the enduring use of patios, which have inspired architects for generations. Alongside these, we study the work of international figures such as MVRDV, Ensamble Studio, John Pawson and of course Jørn Utzon, who found refuge and inspiration on the island.

We give special attention to the emerging generation of local practices – including TED’A, Munarq, Feina and Aulets – who blend regional identity with contemporary form and sustainability.

And, as always with Planopli, art is woven into the journey, not as an afterthought but as a full presence. We visit major institutions such as the Fundació Miró and Hauser & Wirth Menorca, but also seek out lesser-known foundations, private collections and artist studios where space and material become part of the artistic process.

Still longing for a touch of sun after summer — but paired with depth and exclusive visits you won’t find in any guidebook? Then this journey to Mallorca and Menorca might be just what you’re looking for.

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