photographer kyrre sundal captures toyo ito's 'la caracola' contemporary ruin in spain

kyrre sundal photographs an incomplete work by toyo ito

in his latest project, architectural photographer kyrre sundal captures the neglected ‘la caracola’ structure designed by acclaimed japanese architect toyo ito. the series showcases the project in its current state as well as its relationship with the natural surroundings and humans who use it as a hangout spot and a photoshoot location. 

all image courtesy of kyrre sundal

the story of the ‘la caracola’ 

in the early 2000s, the seaside city of torrevieja in spain wanted to make itself more appealing to tourists. therefore, japanese architect toyo ito (find more here) was commissioned to design a relaxation park to channel the demand for mud baths that are traditionally taken in the salt flats along the lagoon. it was an ambitious building design shaped like a conch (‘la caracola’ in spanish) with five spirals, clad in plywood, resting on a concrete structure.

the building was never completed due to various reasons, one being the financial crisis in 2008. in the years following the crisis the structure was taken over by homeless people, and in 2012 there was a fire that destroyed parts of it. today, the building has become a place for local youths to hang out or use as a photoshoot location. in this series, kyrre sundal (find more here) depicts the building’s current condition as well as the way that humans appropriate it in present time. 

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project info:

name: la caracola
architect: toyo ito

location: calle rafael gonzález machaquito, torrevieja, spain

photos: kyrre sundal

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom