09-SEPTEMBER-SPAIN-A personal project for 2026

5 days ago

3 min read

September was dedicated to Spain, a country very close to my heart. And what better way to begin than with an image of one of its most iconic literary characters, Don Quijote de la Mancha, with whom I identify because of his courage to pursue his ideals and his adventurous spirit. Like him, I too once decided to leave behind the familiar and embark on my own journey in pursuit of my dreams.

There are so many places I would have loved to include, but I decided to focus on Madrid, Segovia, La Mancha, Valencia, Cádiz, Bilbao, Córdoba, and Sevilla. Throughout the month, I explored military and religious architecture, magnificent palaces, and iconic contemporary buildings, discovering how each contributes to Spain's rich architectural identity.

One theme that particularly fascinated me was how a single building can help define the identity of an entire city, as demonstrated by the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Every photograph featured in this blog was taken during my travels and reflects the architectural inspiration I discovered along the way.

Military Architecture

Walking through the Castillo de San Sebastián in Cádiz felt like stepping back in time, reminding me of the historic fortresses of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

The imposing stone walls, bridges, and defensive lookout posts reflect a distinctive architectural language developed to protect cities and territories from attacks by sea. Military architecture is a subject I am less familiar with, but one of the purposes of this personal project is to remain curious and open open to discovering, studying, and appreciating different architectural styles, design approaches, and historical influences.

After all, architecture and design are not only about aesthetics, but also about understanding the historical, cultural, and functional needs that shaped it.

Religion and Architecture

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is a remarkable example of how religion has shaped Spain's architectural identity over the centuries. From its early origins to its transformation into the Great Mosque and, later, a Catholic cathedral, this building reflects layers of history and cultural influences.

Its monumental spaces, intricate details, and integration of different architectural styles demonstrate how cultures, beliefs, and traditions can coexist within a single structure.

For me, it is a powerful reminder that architecture is not static. It evolves, adapts, and tells the stories of the generations that have shaped it.

Palaces-Patios and Water

Spain is home to many magnificent palaces, but the beauty of La Alhambra in Granada deserves an entire blog of its own. From its intricate arches and decorated ceilings to its slender, ornate columns, every detail is worth exploring.

One element I particularly wanted to study was the relationship between water, architecture, and landscape. The courtyards (patios), reflecting pools, fountains, and gardens create a sense of harmony, connecting different spaces throughout the complex. What fascinates me is how water becomes an architectural element itself, reflecting the surrounding beauty while introducing light, movement, and tranquility.

La Alhambra reminds us that water and landscape are not simply decorative elements, but essential components of meaningful architectural design.

Buildings that give Identity to a City.

I traveled to Bilbao specifically to visit the Guggenheim Museum, although I discovered a remarkable city with many other architectural treasures worth exploring.

The idea that a single building can help define the identity of an entire city truly fascinates me. The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is a perfect example of how architecture can transform not only its immediate surroundings but also the image and international recognition of a city.

For me, the Guggenheim is a powerful reminder that architecture has the potential not only to create extraordinary buildings but also to redefine how we experience and identify with a city.

Final Thoughts

Spain is a country of extraordinary architectural and cultural richness. Each region has its own identity, traditions, and unique architectural character. The images shared throughout this blog are just an introduction to a country that deserves much more time to explore and appreciate.

I wanted to close this month's journey with the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its bold architecture, integration of water, and generous public spaces create a remarkable environment that has helped shape a new identity for the city. For me, this complex captures the spirit of Spain: a country that celebrates its rich architectural heritage while embracing creativity, innovation, and the future.

As with every destination in this year-long journey, my goal is not simply to document beautiful architecture, but to discover design lessons in materials, proportions, craftsmanship, and cultural identity that can inspire our own creative work.

To explore or comment on the daily images shared throughout September, visit our Instagram page:

@olivares_hoteldesign . For photography inquiries: jose@olivares.hk